Really bad

Rating: 4/10 (7 January 2008)

Essentially a B-movie with a A-list cast who vainly try to acquit themselves well with a mediocre script, Thomas Sangster shining in what is essentially a lead role. Sir Ben Kingsley hams it up effectively in his "Merlin" role and he and Colin Firth practically phone in their performances, the main detractor being the flawlessly beautiful Ashwairya Rai delivering her lines as if reading from Cue Cards. Miss Rai is a horrible actress, devoid of any emotion.
The plot is historically dubious but all these type of movies are, but unless you're a Pre-Medieval History buff, (like yours truly) you're unlikely to know that, and there' s the problem. Hollywood loves to bastardise these stories from other lands, but, heaven FORBID you try it with an American folkloric tale! Sheesh!