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Heath Ledger comes into his own as a leading man, however he faces stiff onscreen competition from Paul Bettany, as Geoffrey Chaucer, who practically steals the movie. Splendid in his nakedness and totally enthralling while delivering Sir Ulrich's introductory speeches, Bettany is amazing to watch and left me hoping we get to see much more of him (the clothed version of him, that is) in the future. Alan Tudyk (Wat) and Mark Addy (Roland) come across as the perfect all-around buddies for Ledger. Tudyk is hilarious as the fiery-tempered Wat, and Addy is entertaining as the more reserved sidekick, Roland. Rufus Sewall (Adhemar) scowls, glares and speaks with a sardonic edge. The audience practically hisses when Sewall, as the evil menace Count Adhemar, appears onscreen. Shannyn Sossamon gets to wear gorgeous costumes and look distant yet beautiful - a demeanor she carries off quite successfully. Laura Fraser's part as Kate is decidedly smaller than the others, yet she does a wonderful job as the strong-willed, yet feminine, farrier.

"A Knight's Tale" has been appropriately described as "part road trip, part romance, part exuberant action-adventure." Purists take heed - go into this one with an open mind and keep repeating the mantra, "It's only a movie, it's only a movie..."

Be sure and stick around after the credits for a small scene featuring Wat, Roland, Geoff, and Kate. It involves pure high school humor but I found it worth the wait. The film is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for action violence, some nudity and brief sexually-related dialogue. "A Knight's Tale" was released on May 11, 2001 and brought in $17 million during its opening weekend.

Overall Grade: A-

Directed by: Brian Helgeland
Produced by: Brian Helgeland
Screenplay by: Brian Helgeland
Costume Designer: Caroline Harris
Cinematographer: Richard Greatrex
Original Music by: Carter Burwell

William/Sir Ulrich - Heath Ledger
Geoffrey Chaucer - Paul Bettany
Roland - Mark Addy
Wat - Alan Tudyk
Jocelyn - Shannyn Sossamon
Count Adhemar - Rufus Sewall
Kate - Laura Fraser
Edward, Prince of Wales - James Purefoy
John Thatcher - Christopher Cazenove