The Fun Starts Now!

Rating: 8/10 (5 April 2004)

I really enjoyed both the look and feel of this movie which I believe is destined to become a favorite of not only Antonio Banderas fans but also of this great action director. From the start of the film to the last scene, this movie gives the action fan something to grab on to and keeps your interest throughout. The personalities in the film were well inserted into the plot and right away each main character is easily identifiable as some one that I have known in my life. The joyous and wise character that takes Ibn under his wing is funny and severe at the same time and much more complex than he appears at first introduction. The leader of this band of warriors is likeable, courageous, strong and the kind of leader that men willing follow into the lion's den because they know that he is a man of integrity and that he will lead the way. This movie meant much more to me than the video interpretation of the writer's thoughts, which by the way everyone knows that you won't find a better writer that Michael Cricthon. There were moments in this movie that gave me goose bumbs because of the brotherhood shared by the thirteen warriors and their unfortunate hosts of rag-tag villagers, who they are honor bound to aide in a very dark time. The last 15 minutes of the movie was awe inspiring. A moment that humbles men of valor and I believe always has throught the human struggle to survive against all opposition. Don't let the PG-13 rating fool you, there is gore that might be disturbing to the faint of heart and very small children, but the language is very clean for a movie with this type of rating and I felt that every scene was carefully placed in the movie for it's value to the overall story and nothing gratuitous was interjected to sell tickets or cheapen the original story. I would have loved to see out takes from this one. In the same vain of great movies like "The Vikings" with Tony Curtis & Kirk Douglas, and the all time classic "Spartacus" or the little known film "The 300 Spartans" starring I believe Richard Egan as the Warrior King, the 13th Warrior is an entertaining and enjoyable movie that can be watched over and over and enjoyed as much as the first viewing. Of course I won't go into the plot but suffice it to say that a few are sent to help many and that there is no lack of courage in the band of the 13 Warriors. A great story, a great movie, a graphic portrayal of "men of valor", let the fun begin. I watched this movie recently on DVD with DTS surround and Wow! What an experience. Action fans, you will love it!