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Backed by the throbbing sound of Queen's "We Will Rock You," "A Knight's Tale" opens by immediately letting you know, in no uncertain terms, that this is no ordinary tale of jousting and medieval times. Mixing classic rock with medieval stylings, "A Knight's Tale" is a wild ride that never takes itself seriously. From the booming beat of "The Boys are Back in Town" to the mixture of modern-day and medieval dialogue, "A Knight's Tale" is pure entertainment.

Heath Ledger is at his hunkiest as William, son of a thatcher, and apprentice to a knight. He dreams of "changing his stars" (a favorite saying of his father's) and shedding his lowly status for a life of jousting. Problem is - only knights or people of royal heritage are allowed to joust, and William doesn't have the lineage to qualify. After the knight he works for dies, William dons his armor and takes his place in a jousting tournament to win money and keep his cohorts from starving. Lacking style, but possessing a huge heart and an empty stomach, William wins the tournament and the money. In love with the thrill of the joust, and after much convincing and a physical tussle over the prize money, he and his traveling buddies, Roland (Mark Addy) and Wat (Alan Tudyk), agree to pass William off as a knight and continue on the jousting circuit. The group meets up with a very nude and extremely witty Geoffrey Chaucer (Paul Bettany), who offers to create a knightly background for William, in exchange for clothing, shoes and a ride.

William, now going by the name of ungainly name of Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein of Gelderland, enters and wins tournaments, meets and falls in love with the beautiful maiden, Jocelyn (newcomer Shannyn Sossamon), and takes on the villainous Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewall) - a rival for the hand of the sultry Jocelyn. His trusty mates Roland, Wat, and Geoff are joined by Kate (Laura Fraser), a female farrier who creates a lightweight armor adorned with her mark (great logo placement for Nike). Each member of Ulrich/William's inner circle has his or her own style and place within the group's dynamics. Geoff creates and delivers oratory masterpieces extolling the virtue and prowess of Sir Ulrich. His speeches stir and inspire the crowd - nobles and common folk alike - to cheer for Ulrich. Wat spends his time threatening physical violence against anyone who dares sully the name or reputation of Sir Ulrich. Roland is more the quiet, loyal friend who speaks calmly while enforcing the peace. Kate's entry into William/Ulrich's trusty circle completes the group. She's tough, talented, independent, and able to hold her own with the gang of men. And, thankfully, she's not made into a love interest for one of the guys.