Braveheart It Ain't

Rating: 5/10 (29 May 2003)

If the viewer expects "Braveheart" relocated to Colonial America, think again. This is not directed by Mel Gibson, but is brought to you by the duo of Emmerich and Devlin whose earlier work includes "Godzilla" and "Independence Day". And in "The Patriot" they show a similar disregard for American history as they did for logic and the laws of physics in their science fiction films. Surprisingly it was written by the screenwriter who wrote "Saving Private Ryan". But now he slathers mounds of Political Correctness on already inane dialogue. And the rest of the story is pure clichÃ©, from the utterly contemptible British villains to the perfection of the (slave owning) Americans. They should have let Gibson write and direct it. As it is, it's pretty mediocre stuff. Unfortunately, historical dramas set during the Revolutionary Period are few and far between. If you're looking for a good one, this does not increase that number.