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  Directed by
  Starring
  Specs
  • Widescreen 2.35:1
  • 16:9 Enhanced
  Languages
  • English: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  Subtitles
    English - Hearing Impaired
  Extras
  • Deleted scenes
  • 4 Teaser trailer
  • Outtakes
Black Knight (Rental)
20th Century Fox/20th Century Fox Home Entertainment . R4 . COLOR . 92 mins . M15+ . PAL

  Feature
Contract

Jamal “Sky” Walker (Martin Lawrence) lives in the ghetto and works in a dead end job at Medieval World, a run-down theme park. When the employees learn that a new theme park is to open nearby called Castle World, they fear they will lose their jobs. Jamal is the exception though, he cares not what happens to his current employer and is more than prepared to switch allegiances. After upsetting his boss (yet again) he is ordered to clean the moat. While doing this he notices something shiny in the water and reaches in to claim the prized treasure.

Without realising it, he is transported to medieval England in the year 1328, and is mistaken for the Duke of Normandy’s messenger. Once he realises what is going on (although this realisation slips by without notice in the film) he also discovers that there is a rebellion that's intent on killing the king and returning the ousted queen to her rightful throne. The rebellion wish to enlist him to help in their endeavours as he has easy access to the king and a major interest in one of the king's maidens.

Well, this film is truly awful! The actual storyline and whole idea of the film could have worked, but Lawrence is terrible. Perhaps the script is to blame, but viewers will struggle to find laughs with this one. The most annoying aspect is the constant "jive talk" from the lead character. Yes, we realise the lead character is from the ghetto and yes, we know that jive talking is a language all on its own, but this is supposed to be a mainstream movie and I really pity those that saw this at the cinema without the aid of subtitles. Granted Martin Lawrence is not my favourite actor, but with previous films such as Bad Boys and Blue Streak to his credit, there was a slight expectation of reasonable entertainment. These two other films were by no means great comedy flicks, but they were watchable, while this just isn't. Maybe this could have worked with another actor, perhaps Eddie Murphy or even Chris Rock, but Lawrence just doesn’t cut it.

The supporting cast do well in their respective roles, even though everything is geared toward the main character, but this script is sadly not up to standard. The jokes are repetitive, which is sad because the joke failed the first time so why repeat it? For a film classed as a comedy, I only found two scenes even slightly amusing, so viewer be warned.

  Video
  Audio
  Extras
Contract

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and 16x9 enhanced, this looks great, which begs the question, why do poor films like this get such terrific treatment when good films get a mediocre transfer? There is little to find fault with on this one, picture is sharp at all times with some wonderful detail. The colour palette used suits the film perfectly and colours are natural with great depth of blacks. There is little in the way of film artefacts, aliasing or grain and the subtitles supplied are thankfully true to what is occurring on screen. I say "thankfully" because I had to keep using them to understand what he was saying in "jive talk".

Audio supplied is the default English Dolby Digital 5.1 and is also of great quality. Dialogue is clear at all times (just hard to understand) and the accompanying musical soundtrack is well suited. Surround use is extensive for directional effects and to emphasise the music and the subwoofer gets a reasonable workout.

Being a rental release there isn’t much in the way of extras, but I am sure a few will be added for the retail release. Firstly there is a montage of Outtakes and Deleted Scenes, which run for 3:04 in total and quite frankly contain more laughs than the whole film. Secondly, not really an extra, but there are some teaser trailers for Bandits, Joe Somebody, Ice Age and Super Troopers which run when the disc is loaded, much in the same way as VHS rentals do.

Overall, this film has terrific video and audio quality, but sadly most viewers won’t get to enjoy that as they won’t sit all the way through this one. There is nothing wrong with the overall idea of this film and the supporting cast do a reasonable job, but the script and lead actor are atrocious. So if you are going to rent this film, might I suggest you also pick up a bottle of tequila and some pancake mix to go with this lemon?!


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  •   And I quote...
    "Great video and audio but the film itself? Utter garbage!"
    - Adrian Turvey
      Review Equipment
    • DVD Player:
          Sony DVP-NS305
    • TV:
          AKAI CT-29S55AT 68cm
    • Receiver:
          Sony STR-DE685
    • Speakers:
          Sony SAVE815ED
    • Centre Speaker:
          Sony SAVE815ED
    • Surrounds:
          Sony SAVE815ED
    • Subwoofer:
          Sony SAVE815ED
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