Review of Kingdom of Heaven (2005) by Adrian Z — 17 Dec 2011

3 - At 3 hours and 10 minutes, the extended cut is overlong and at times so overwrought, it is hard to follow the machinations of the Christians, Templars, and Muslims who seek control of Jerusalem circa 1100, or at least to truly understand why they fight and mame one moment, then shakes hands in admiration the next.

Orlando Bloom as a French blacksmith drawn into the Crusade is somewhat boring. Director Scott, who previously dazzled and entertained with Gladiator (which just happened to be less contingent on historical accuracy) comes up with a duller experience, but it does have it's moments of greatness, such as the climactic battle, where Jerusalem is besieged by Saladin's army, and it defends itself so impressively.

I haven't seen the theatrical cut, but kind of hoping I had.