Review of Ironclad (2011) by Darrell L — 20 Jun 2011

A mildly diverting medieval actioner, Ironclad features the usually excellent but here rather miscast Paul Giamatti bellowing for all he's worth as the villaious King John, besieging Rochester Castle to root out a rebellious baron and his man-at-arms, the brooding Knight Templar, James Purefoy.

Giamatti is too likeable to be believable as the wicked king, and Purefoy is clearly Harbouring A Personal Demon that requires him to speak only in monosyllabic grunts and to half-heartedly resist the elfin charms of the lady of the manor, the young Kate Mara.

Much as in Ridley Scott's Robin Hood, there is an associated merry band of bantering warriors along for the ride, and to give the film credit the siege itself is depicted impressively despite a low budget.

Particular attention should be paid to the one big effect, when a sapping expedition undermines a square keep and it collapses in a tumbling heap of stone and masonry that is exciting and realistic. However, while Ironclad has some good points, it is likely to be forgotten in short order due to its lack of star performances and originality.