THE ACTING
“Kingdom of Heaven” is an action flick masquerading as a character-driven drama. Scott hired a talented group of supporting players but he could have hired no-name actors and it would have had the same effect. The problem is we’re never allowed to get to know anyone other than Balian, so we don’t care whether they live or die or just simply fade away. Jeremy Irons and Liam Neeson are both wasted, as is Brendan Gleeson. The best acting job in the movie is done by Edward Norton and you don’t even get to see his face.
Bloom’s onscreen love interest, Eva Green (who was terrific in "The Dreamers"), is pretty and I’m guessing that had there been another 30 minutes of so included in the film, we would have actually come to understand what drove her to Balian’s bed so quickly. As for our leading man, the “Lord of the Rings” cutie isn’t given many lines and has to use only two different facial expressions over the course of the film. Because this is a Ridley Scott epic, comparisons to “Gladiator” are inevitable. Ultimately what it boils down to is the fact Bloom is no Russell Crowe and that’s a shame. Crowe could carry a film like this. Bloom just seems lost at sea without a lifejacket.
TO SUM IT UP
While the battle lines have been drawn outside the theater over Ridley Scott and “Kingdom of Heaven” screenwriter William Monahan’s interpretation of Muslim leader Saladin’s behavior and the filmmakers' portrayal of the Crusaders, I’m judging this film solely on its artistic merit – not its historical accuracy. As a movie, “Kingdom of Heaven” is a mishmash of interchangeable heroes and villains and is loaded with confusing characters. The set design is spectacular and the battle scenes are gory and fierce, but overall “Kingdom of Heaven” is a big letdown.
GRADE: C-
"Kingdom of Heaven" was directed by Ridley Scott and is rated R for strong violence and epic warfare.
