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In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (PG-13, 2008)

common sense media says

LOTR copycat is so bad it's good -- for laughs.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is an epic fantasy adventure in the style of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Despite the overwhelming number of negative reviews, tweens -- especially boys -- may want to see it, partly thanks to English action star Jason Statham (The Transporter). There are several intense, violent battles between orc-like creatures and the kingdom's army and civilians, but very few bloody deaths (it's obvious that many, many people die, but it's not graphic). The sexual content is limited to three or four kissing scenes between two couples -- two of which occur in a bed. The language is remarkably tame, and, this being a fantasy flick, there are no product tie-ins.

Positive messages: Gallian and the Duke are obsessed with power, even if it means destroying an entire kingdom. The rest of the main characters are all courageous and selfless, willing to die for their cause.
Violence: Several violent battles between the kingdom's townsfolk and soldiers against Gallian's troops of "gurks." Many deaths, but they're not graphic/bloody. A child is killed, but it happens off camera.
Sex: Gallian and Muriella kiss and fool around (clothed) in bed; he makes reference to "taking" her virtue. Farmer and his wife also kiss a few times, including once in bed. Duke Fallow has a young woman sit on his lap while he gropes her chest and arms.
Language: Minor -- one or two uses of "damn" and "hell."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Duke Fallow drinks wine and asks for it before a duel.
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More on In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how this film was influenced by The Lord of the Rings movies. In addition to the presence of John Rhys-Davies (who played Gimli in Rings and is Magus Merick here), what scenes, characters, or themes reminded you of LOTR? Do you think the similarities were intentional? Why? Also, is the violence in this movie realistic or not? Why does that matter? Does the lack of strong language and graphic violence mean this film is targeted at younger audiences?

What's the story?

What's the story?
English action star Jason Statham (The Transporter) stars in this low-rent Lord of the Rings-style epic that somehow lured Gimli himself (John Rhys-Davies) to sign on as Merlin-esque king's wizard Merick. Statham plays a farmer named Farmer (he believes you are what you do) who's living a pretty idyllic country life. But when the rogue wizard Gallian (Ray Liotta, cranking up the crazy) unleashes an army of orc-like creatures to destroy the kingdom, Farmer's wife is kidnapped and his son is killed. Bent on revenge, Farmer joins the king's (Burt Reynolds) troops and proceeds to single-handedly defeat Gallian's gruesome fighters.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
It's not just that the movie's production values are low -- which is surprising, since German filmmaker Uwe Boll reportedly had a $60 million budget -- it's that nothing works, least of all Statham, who's as charismatic here as a block of cheddar. At least the supporting players -- like Rhys-Davies, Ron Perlman as Farmer's mentor, and Brian White as the king's general -- make the most of their laughable lines. And Liotta is surprisingly funny in lunatic mode. But Leelee Sobieski, who once seemed poised for a leading-lady career, is dull as Gallian's ex-girlfriend -- who happens to be Merick's daughter and fellow sorceress.

In the Name of the King's similarities to the Rings films are so obvious (almost frame-for-frame in certain shots) that you have to wonder whether Peter Jackson will get royalties for Boll's mess. But as the second hour closes in (it's a nearly unbearable 124 minutes long), some moviegoers may find themselves laughing -- unintentionally, of course. If you don't mind movies that are so bad they're entertaining in their awfulness, this is a fine pick. Just don't say you weren't warned.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Freestyle Releasing
Director: Uwe Boll
Cast: Jason Statham, John Rhys-Davies, Leelee Sobieski
Genre: Fantasy
Run time: 124 minutes
Theatrical release: January 11, 2008
DVD release: April 14, 2008
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: intense battle sequences.
This review was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

sdkc70
adult
 
I couldn't lose brain cells, because my brain shut down! HORRIBLE!
the casting and script were horrible. i was looking forward to seeing decent epic and when burt reynolds pops up immediately and matthew lillard tries to play this part, i knew it was doomed from the first minute. i don't care how smart this director thinks he is, but i know he stinks!
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Voiceofthekids
adult
 
It was great
I think this movie was a fantastic epic adventure! loads of violance but, for kids 13+, i think they can handle it. but for sure, not a movie for 10 or under. I think the actor was GREAT (hi review above me) and he did a good job, exept in a few parts...where he sucked. I think the message that the good guys always win is a nice reminder, in the world today.
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9001
teen, 15 years old
12
 
I loved this movie! However, it's violent, so I rate it iffy for ages 12-13.
Pretty violent movie that I enjoyed tremendously. I don't get how you guys can think it's so bad.
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patthetrick
adult
 
this movie sucked
do not watch this movie.it was the worst movie i have ever seen,
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