Plot: What’s it about?
Raiden (Clive Owen) becomes an heir to Bartok (Morgan Freeman), and is surprised when he is handed a sword. Raiden has primarily been a sort of middle man, the man that others must go through before vital information is addressed. This film is based on the legend of the 47 ronin, which was already made in a movie of that very name, staring none other than Keanu Reeves. That film was one of the recent big disasters, and did very little financially. While this film didn’t generate quite the rotten buzz that Ronindid, it’s equally as bad. It could work, at least in theory, but there’s such a slow, sluggish feeling to the whole thing that one might be reaching for the remote long before the final credits begin to roll.
Freeman opens the film with a narration (Surprise, Surprise) about knights. Giving us a brief backstory about them and their duties, among other things. Bartok is clearly an honorable man who can’t be pursued to do the wrong thing, but it’s clear that many people want him out of the picture. It doesn’t take long for the focus to be shifted to Raiden. Both Freeman and Owen are fine actors, but what drew them to this project is beyond me. Visually, it’s quite striking, but the story is a drag. Those who are expecting the action scenes to help get them through this picture will be disappointed. There’s very little of it on display here. The evil overlord Gezza Mott (Aksel Hennie) is also a weak villain. Nothing here adds up to an enjoyable experience, not even in a guilty pleasure type of way. Owen seems mostly bored here as he moves from one scene to the next. There are interesting topics here including corruption, but it’s so dull that it’s hard to get much enjoyment from anything on screen here. Skip it.
Video: How’s it look?
One thing (really, the only thing) the film has going for it is the visuals. Thankfully, this transfer is first rate. Details are constantly strong and there are no print flaws evident. Owen sports his usual scruffy face and facial details are clearly evident on all the actors. The film sucks, but the transfer satisfies. The image is AVC encoded with a 2.40:1 ratio.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The DTS HD track is fine, but I was expecting more action that what we’re given. Still, the vocals are fine and clear throughout the film. Rear channels get minimal usage, but the track serves the film as it should.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Behind the scenes of Last Knights – The usual EPK style look at the film.
- A look at the special effects of Last Knights – Pretty self-explanatory, though none of the effects are worth mentioning.
- Interviews with Cast and Crew – Several smaller sections of interviews we can toggle through.
- Previews
- Digital Copy
The Bottom Line
Admittedly, I am not the audience for this type of film, but it’s hard to think who would be interested in this particular one. Even the forgettable 47 Ronin at least had moments of interest. This is a dull, sluggish affair that offers not the slightest bit of enjoyment. Skip it.
