Kingdom of Heaven

Ridley Scott's Kingdom of Heaven, the director's cut anyways, is the director's return once again to attempting to re-create the epics of old, something he did not achieve in his Christopher Columbus biopic, but did so with Gladiator. In many ways Kingdom of Heaven is more ambitious than that film though they are certainly both technical marvels. Kingdom perhaps is even more so in that department even. The story though is where the real ambition is in attempting to create a real complexity within the world of crusades. Although there are battles to be sure, the film pays careful mind to create a sense of the various political figures within the realm, and grants perspectives in to not only both sides of the conflict but also the various figures therein. The supporting character and rich, and make up the world well, creating this fuller tapestry, which is also aided by the strong performances behind the characters...for the most part. Now one element though that cannot be salvaged within any cut of the film is in the central figure Balian who is there to give us insight into the journey of a crusader. This is sadly lost through Orlando Bloom's lead performance. Bloom honestly is better here than many of his performances, however the role requires more than just a serviceable leading turn. Balian should drive the film far more than he does because he is made so emotionally flat by Bloom. The idea of the original fuel for the man, his wife's suicide, the murder of his half-brother, the attempt to find his estranged father, the chance for redemption all seem somewhat indifferent elements within Bloom's work, yet could have been captivating in a more capable actor's hand. There is not emotional thrust within his performance, despite Balian having that potential as written, leaving a key factor missing from the film through our hero's journey. The film's other elements though are thankfully strong enough to make up for that lacking element. It does prevent the film from becoming a masterpiece though it remains a considerable achievement.
4.5/5

Rocky Balboa

Rocky Balboa was apparently made by Stallone to essentially fix the mistake that was Rocky V, which did not leave the series on a high note. That is a most understandable endeavor and continues the Stallone/Rocky narrative as both Rocky and Stallone attempt to make a later in life comeback through this film. Now this film is the far more successful return to the style of the original Rocky than was Rocky V. It has a lot more honesty, a lot more heart, and a lot more proper affection for the original than was found in that film. This film though on the whole very much feels like just a tender epilogue to the other films. Everything about it is very quiet, subdued and to the point. Fitting to age I suppose as even the traditional montage and training sequence is pretty low key. It is all more than effective though in this rather calm approach right down to the emotional beats, which again are pretty subdued yet entirely work for an aged man who has come to terms with his life. This approach I will say limits the film from ever becoming anything too notable, but it also keeps it on solid ground throughout. This to the point that even the pro boxer who plays the opponent is just fine, since Stallone purposefully doesn't stress his acting abilities much. Nothing about the film is up to the best of Rocky, but it works as just a fond trip down memory lane.
3.5/5