Re:tro Re:view - First Knight!

First Knight is a modern romance between the dashing Lancelot, Queen Guinevere, and Arthur giving a fresh polish to the world of Camelot! It is directed by Jerry Zucker who directed the supernatural romance classic, Ghost (1990). The film’s story was by the writing team of Lorne Cameron, David Hoselton, they had both written a comedy sequel to It’s a Wonderful Life for the tv movie, Clarence (1990). Lastly, William Nicholson, who also wrote the screenplay, he had previously co-written the drama, Nell (1994). It is based on the 12th century romance poem by Chrétien de Troyes, The Knight of the Cart. The poem had Guinvere kidnapped by Melegant and rescued by Lancelot. We hear the tolling of church bells at the beginning, long lines of knights cross a grass field below hills. Text rolls up explaining that after fighting wars, Arthur of Camelot turned to building a land of “peace and justice.” 

He also thought it was time to get married. His former knight, Prince Malagant, jealous of Arthur, left Camelot. The land is divided between Malagant’s greedy allies and those loyal to the king. It goes on to tell of Lancelot who was a wanderer, not a knight, but he was an expert using the sword. This moves to crossed swords. The Challenger, Josh (Mark Ryan), presses Lancelot played by Richard Gere back. Gere has an incredible career and is known playing Edward Lewis in the romantic comedy, Pretty Woman (1990). Ryan was also the assistant sword master for this film. He was also sword master on King Arthur (2004). Ryan played Nasir in Robin of Sherwood (1984-1986), a character that strangely became Morgan Freeman’s character in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). 

Lancelot’s sword is locked in corps à corps with Josh’s blade and tells him how to win, “Be the only one with a sword.” They strike a few times, but Lancelot swings his opponent’s sword up to catch it! He turns to the audience of villagers to applaud the Challenger. Lancelot is skilled, kind, and a showman. He holds up a bag of his winnings. Mark (Paul Kynman) is told by his wife (Rose Keegan) to give it a try. He steps forward, much taller than the swordsman. Mark splits a wooden post in half with his sword. Lancelot introduces himself and walks a few steps between them. Mark swings and Lancelot is able to dodge the strikes! Lancelot holds his sword to Mark’s neck. A few swings and then Lancelot strikes Mark’s pommel sending the sword to his hand! Mark wonders how Lancelot did the feat and wants to learn. 

Lancelot sheathes his sword and then seriously says he has to study his opponent. Mark says he can do it and Lancelot continues that he has to wait for the moment of a fight to win or lose. Lastly, Lancelot says, “You have to not care if you live or die.” This is a great character moment very early in the movie, a sellsword who is not a mercenary, more of a performer. He is driven by his fatalistic drive, I imagine because he may have lost his family, maybe a father who taught him to be swordsman, he could have been a knight. I wonder if this would be in the novelization. Lancelot rides away alone. The village returns to normal life, Mark and two other farmers shovel hay in a barn. 

A grassy hill overlooking the village, sinister music by Jerry Goldsmith, as figures begin to appear along the hill! the maestro, also composed music for bio sports drama, Rudy (1993). They approach of the riders. They take all of the villagers into the barn, lead some of them into a hidden compartment, and block the doors. The raiders begin to attack the villagers, one uses a crossbow pistol!, Mark and the others watch as the horsemen begin to torch the straw roofs of houses! The lieutanant of this bandit group is seen through the barn slats, Ralf, played by Ralph Ineseon, he was in Game of Thrones playing Dagmer Cleftjaw, many recent movies including Professor Krempe in Frankenstein. Torches are thrown at the barn’s hay and cart. The fires are smothered and the sparks fall down to the women and children in the compartment. One of the farmers tries to get out of the barn, but he is hit by the crossbow bolt of the leader. 

Mark whispers his name, Malagant! He is played by Ben Cross who was Harold Abrahams in the Academy Award winning historical drama, Chariots of Fire (1981). He wears a studded leather armor of his soldiers. Malagant addresses the survivors in a circle. telling them that men had crossed his border so he has destroyed their village. He lifts his sword, with a jagged edge at the haft of the blade, and says, “Now then, I am the law!” The village destroyed at the beginning of a medieval-type movie is a trope, but here the leader tries to enforce his brutality through lies, even more chilling and threatening to the innocent people. Mark and the others pull everyone out of the smoke-filled barn.  Then, we get the white sails of a windmill gently turning, this is above a large city, Lyonesse, spread across a valley. On a field, medieval football, probably Royal Shrovetide Football is being played. They play with red or black sashes holding a stick behind their backs. A large leather ball wrapped in thread is kicked.

One of the players is Lady Guinevere played by Julia Ormond. She had previoulsy played Susannah in the Western romance, Legends of the Fall (1994). Guinevere’s introduction playing with the people is a joy. She wears an orange dress with gold embrodiery. The costumes were by Nanà Cecchi, she was also costume designer for Ladyhawke (1985).  The ball is kicked by Guinevere, smiling, into a small ditch. Two elders try to get her attention as Guinevere accidentally falls in the game. One (Jeffrey Dench) tells her about the attack. She walks with them and joined by Jacob (Paul Bentall) and her ladies-in-waiting. The elders confirm that it is Malagant and that a small group is there to see her. In a courtyard, Mark and his wife, start to bow. Mark explains that they were charged with crossing the border. Guinevere knows it is lies. Mark says that they will all fight.  

She has Jacob make certain that the survivors get food and drink. Once the villagers leave to recover, Guinevere discusses Malagant. The elder says Malagant wants his treaty to be signed after the death of her father. Guinevere turns to her advisor, Oswald played by the great John Gielgud, she tells him that she wants to marry. Also, to live in Lyonesse. He brings up the marriage proposal of Arthur of Camelot. Guinevere says she accepts the propsal. She says she wants to marry for love and tells Oswald, “How could I love anyone more?” This resolves to a pool that reflect’s Lancelot’s face. He is in a forest and hears the approach of horses. The knights of Camelot ride up, steel breastplates and others with a thick, blue cloth and studded chest strip. Great armor designs made by the film's armorer, Charles Bodycomb. Guinevere is in one of the carriages with her hand maidens; Else (Jane Robbins) and Petronella (Jean Marie Coffey). 

Lancelot on the side of the road, sees Guinevere pass by, and then whistles for his black horse.  Then, Lancelot hears a bird call, and moves his horse to the escorts. They are blocked by a tree and Sir Patrise (Valentine Pelke) senses an ambush and shouts, “Look to the trees!” The knights begin to form a protective line around the carriages. A thin mist tangles the trees at the top of the hills. Another call and then Prince Malagant’s men charge with swords. Sir Kay (Christopher Villiers) tells his fellow knights to wait as the warriors are almost upon them. Then, orders the attack, mistake, he should have given room for the horses to charge and just trample over them. Guinevere’s handmaidens are repulsed by the bloodshed. Malagant’s forces retreat and a few of the knights purse them. Jacob reassures Oswald in another carriage. Sir Kay with Sir Patrise has the knights wait by the carriages. Ralf gives another whistle. Malagant’s second line attacks on horses! 

One looses a crossbow bolt next to Guinevere! Others take out the knights on the carriage while one of Malagant’s bandits jumps on a carriage horse. He rides off with the knights unaware that their most important dignitary is kidnapped! The carriage races through the forest, Guinever has Elise jump from the carriage. Guinevere has Petronella try to jump, she is too scared, but then another bandit leaps onto the carriage. He begins to cut into the carriage roof with his sword. The bandit sees the carriage is empty and then Guinevere outside pulls him out slamming into a tree! I like that Guinevere saves her ladies-in-waiting and then takes out a Malagant marauder! Still, she falls, rolls and heads into the forest while Malagant riders try to follow. Guinevere runs and then falls to hide under ferns. The riders pass and then dismount to search the area. One brutish man (Angus Wright) hacks the ferns until Guinevere runs!

 She is pulled aside as a crossbow bolt hits the tree behind her! Lancelot covers her mouth, then stands up, and knocks away one crossbow pistol with his sword. It lands next to Guinevere. He kills three of the swordsmen and Guinevere watches him. Lancelot searches around knowing there is another marauder. The brutish one grabs Guinevere and points his crossbow pistol at Lancelot! He tosses away his sword and says he wants teh woman. Guinevere is holding the crossbow pistol. Lancelot tells the marauder to turn her around to look into her eyes, he does, and Guinevere kills him. Lancelot whistles for his horse and then takes Guinevere through the forest. He does not recognize the Lady of Lyonesse. He turns to her and says she is all the reward that he could need, she slaps him for the insult, and then he reaches in for a kiss which he calls an insult. 

Guinevere drops off the horse and starts walking toward the road. Lancelot follows her carrying the reins. She tells him that she gave her word to be married. He says he can tell when a woman wants him since he can see the desire in her eyes! Chemistry. I really like this interpretation since the legend just has uncontrolled passion between them. Here, Guinevere tries to resist him and wants to hold to her upcoming marriage. She asks him to never kiss her again. Lancelot promises only to kiss Guinevere if she asks him. She tells him that she will be married on Midsummer’s Day and he says she will ask for him to kiss her before that day. He rides off as her escort comes from the road. She runs up to hug Oswald. Sir Agravaine sees that Lady Guinevere is unhurt, his character is played by Liam Cunningham, he played Captain Crewe in A Little Princess (1995) adapting the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Cunninham might be known for playing Davos Seaworth in Game of Thrones.  

Night, the escort rides over a bridge, in a carriage, Oswald points out Camelot, just lights in the distance. Guinevere tells Oswald to send a message of any problems back in Lyonesse. Guinevere leaves the carriage now in a blue dress, rows of fire bowls amongst hedge stones line the way. Further on are lines of knights holding torches. They move in formation to reveal the figure of Arthur of Camelot. Sean Connery plays the king, there are many iconic roles for Connery, one of them is the Green Knight in the Arthurian adaptation, Sword of the Valiant (1984). He had a cameo as King Richard in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). The surging Jerry Goldsmith and the scene is probably my favorite of the movie, it is epic. 

Arthur welcomes Guinevere to Camelot. He says will send a message to Lyonesse and Guinevere says that she arrived in her new country. Also, “her eyes were filled with tears of joy.” He calls up the knights, they begin walking, and Arthur asks Sir Agravaine what happened. Agravaine says it was Malagant and admits that Guinevere was in danger. He says he didn’t realize that Malagant would have a second force watch their fellow soldiers die. Arthur says Malagant doesn’t care about the lives of his men, he just thinks about the win. He tells Agravaine that they fought together in so many battles, in the legend, Arthur fought in twelve battles. He takes Guinevere up a hill that he says he climbed as a boy and saw what was his city. It is breathtaking to see Camelot at night. It is glorious by day and the best Camelot on film. 

The “Camelot” theme returns as a march as Arthur, Guinevere, and the knights ride up to the castle. The stream of knights with torches against the gate and walls of Camelot is stunning, moreso as buckets of roses are dropped on them with the crowds cheering their new queen. A white horse rides wild and Lancelot races his mount to catch his reigns. Riding up is the King’s stableman, Peter (Stuart Bunce) who introduces himself. Lancelot is confused about who is king and Peter tells him he is Arthur of Camelot. The horse was meant as a gift for his bride. They ride back past a large, Celtic cross in stone, Camelot is in the middle of a river in the valley. Beautiful visuals and costumes. The actors are the finest, Connery and Gere. I don't think of the dialogue as flowery, but captures the dream of romance and a world of equality and justice. First Knight ranks at the top of my Arthurian and romance films!  

Five Excaliburs+ out of Five! 

#FirstKnight, #JerryZucker, #WilliamNicholson, #LorneCameron, #DavidHoselton, #JerryGoldsmith, #NinaCheechi, #CharlesBodycomb, #RichardGere, #JuliaOrmond, #SeanConnery, #BenCross, 

#StuartBunce, #CrjistoperhVilliers, #ValentinePelke, #JaneRobbins, #JeanMarieCoffey,#JohnGielgud, #PaulBentall, #JeffreyDench, #JontyMiller, #RalphInseon, #JonyMiller, #PaulKynman, #AngusWright, #MarkRyan, #RoseKeegan,   

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, “Hard Salt Beef”, Review!

The second episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms gets Dunk closer to becoming a knight! “Hard Salt Beef” is directed by Owen Harris. He directed episodes of Troy: Fall of a City (2018). The episode was written by Aziza Barnes, this is her last work and dedicated to her, and Ira Parker. It begins with Dunk speaking about Ser Alan to someone whom he says is a “true knight.” In flashback, Ser Arlan tells someone to wait inside a stone house, then walks out naked, to begin peeing. He takes one of his many threads off his right arm, there is also a bloody gash behind the threads. Dunk says that when he was dying, “he just got on with it.” In the morning, now fully dressed and on Sweetfoot, Ser Arlan gives a coin to a man with the older Dunk rides Chestnut while bringing along Thunder. 

The knight starts singing about a maid in Ashford. The next morning, Dunk practices with Ser Arlan, then while riding Dunk is concerned that Ser Arlan is panting, weak. In the present, Dunk addresses House Florent about Ser Arlan’s service to them. The knight continues on singing the song as Dunk waits behind, stunned. Then, House Hayford, Ser Arlan fought with his brothers. We see Dunk talking to House Tyrell about the honor Ser Arlan had in service to the house of Ser Leo Tyrell (Steve Wall). Ser Tyrell sharpens his sword, unconcerned, but he didn’t know the hedge knight. Dunk walks disappointed with Egg. His squire says that Ser Arlan couldn’t be a good knight if no one remembers him. Egg is the voice of reason for Dunk. Then, they hear trumpets at the gate for an arrival, at the bridge he sees the black banner and three-headed dragon of House Targaryen! 

Egg looks worried and says he should return to the camp to protect it from robbers. Dunk watches the knights pass and a herald announces the arrival of Baelor Taryaren, first son of King Daeron, and Hand of the King. Dunk walks behind columns to see the riders. Baelor (Bertie Carvel) with short, grey hair and beard dismounts and the herald notes Beaelor’s brother, Maekar (Sam Spruell). Baelor walks up to greet Lord Ashford (Paul Hunter) who also introduces his young daughter, Gwin (Cara Harris). Prince Aerion (Finn Bennett), obviously Targaryen with his short, white hair, dismounts and tells Dunk to stable his horse. Dunk says he is not a stableboy, “Not clever enough?”, then asks for wine, Dunk says he is not a serving boy, but a knight. A horse rears and strikes the rider in the face. Dunk calms the horse and leads him to the stales. He introduces himself to two Kingsguard knights in their white armor!

A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS -- “Hard Salt Beef -- PETER CLAFFEY, DEXTER SOL ANSELL -- Photo credit: Steffan Hill/HBO. 

They say they are Ser Roland Crakehall (Wade Briggs) and Ser Donnel of Duskendale (Bill Ward). Ser Roland leaves and Dunk is told that Ser Donnel’s family was crab fishers. He is called away and Dunk sees a woman go to wash the hands of the knights. Dunk follows her up dark steps, but loses her. He hears Lord Ashford says the young princes were delayed by the rains. Baelor swears at the situation, Plummer also walks in, he hates that their father sent them to the “miserable circus” as he calls the joust. Gwin whispers to Dunk listening in that the sons are missing. She runs off and then Ser Maekar notices Dunk listening to them. Dunk steps into the room and tries to apologize. He says he wanted to enter the lists, but the knights don’t remember Ser Arlan of Pennytree. 

Ser Baelor says Ser Arlan never won a joust, but “never shamed himself.” He says that Ser Arlan unhorsed the Grey Lion and asks Dunk for his real name. Dunk thinks a bit and then says, “Ser Damon Lannister.” Ser Baelor takes a seat and says that Ser Arlan was his opponent in a joust. He adds that they broke four lances. Dunk corrects him that it was seven. Ser Baelor says it was four and Dunk kneels asking for forgiveness. Interesting to see the light from the seven pointed star-shaped window fall on Dunk. He says that Ser Arlan kept his horse and armor calling Ser Baelor, “the soul of chivalry.” Ser Baelor says Dunk wants to enter the lists and tells the Master of the Games that he wouldn’t deny him. Before he leaves, Ser Baelor asks him if he is Ser Arlan’s family, Dunk says no. Ser Baelor tells him that he has to have his own sigil. This is straight out of the novella with the addition of the puppet girl. 

At the puppet show, the puppet girl now dressed as the maiden Jonquil, says, “You are no knight.”A battle begins with Florian the Fool. Egg is stunned in the audience. The actor playing Florian says, “All men are fools, all men are knights.” The puppet girl sees Dunk smiling and smiles back. Dunk goes backstage and throws coins to the puppet girl. Egg says it was great and asks about the puppets. She says that her uncle makes them, but she paints the puppets. Dunk wants to her to paint over his shield. She repeats the Florian puppet’s words. Dunk nervously says that the field should be colored like sunset. Egg suggests an elm tree. Dunk adds a shooting star. He introduces himself and the puppet girl says her name is Tanselle, nicknamed Tanselle Too-Tall. The late introduction of her character's name is a mystery kept by the show. 

Later, Dunk asks if he was too awakward to Egg sitting on a table. They are watching a tug-of-war. Egg asks if he will be a knight. Dunk says he will though Egg thinks he is puny. Ser Lyonel from their drunken night points out Dunk as a hedge knight. This is the best, an addition to Martin’s story, with Egg in front of their side, proving he is not puny. Ser Lyonel walks away and his side starts to slide forward! Egg locks his legs on the rope using his whole body. Dunk roars and the rope starts to pull on their side! Ser Lyonel joins Egg and their pull throws the House Tyrell into the mud! Night, Dunk goes to an armorer, Steely Pate (Youssef Kerkour), who agrees to make steel armor. He asks for eight hundred stag, which is an unbelievable sum for Dunk, and he offers to trade his armor. 

Steely Pate refuses saying he only works on his own armor. Dunk turns to walk away, the armorer agrees to use the metal, and charges only 600. Overlooking the campfires, Dunk tells Sweetfoot he will buy him back, at a stable he is paid for his horse. He gives coins back to make certain Sweetfoot has oats and an apple. The armorer and selling of Sweetfoot scenes are identical to the novella, but happens very early in the story.Dunk brings a cup of ale to Egg and hopes that he can be a champion for a day. He wants to be taken into a Great House like Targaryen. Egg counters that the Targaryens don’t take hedge knights. Dunk brings up Ser Donnell and Egg says his father has a fleet of crab ships!  It is funny to have Dunk falling for whatever anyone says and Egg breaking his illusions. 

A horn blares! A joust at night? The only late jousts I’ve seen were at Medieval Times which had stage lighting. He puts Egg on his shoulders. They are amongst the commoners and see across from them, Ser Baelor and the other nobles. Dunk wonders about a knight and Egg tells him it is Prince Valarr (Oscar Morgan), the son of Baelor. The knight puts on a helmet with grooves in the front and a slit for his eyes. It is quiet. The horn sounds the charge, five knights race against fiver other knights. The crowd cheers at the clash! Squires scrabble to bring lances to the knights. Egg sees Ser Valarr and wants to be set down. Ser Valarr takes down knights sending their horses smashing into the tilts, wooden barriers. Dunk starts to blink seeing Ser Arlan’s body in the grave. This episodes puts the show on course with the partnership of Dunk and Egg. 

Five Shields out of Five! 

#AKnightOfTheSevenKingdoms, #HardSaltBeef, #AzizaBarnes, #IraParker, #Owen #PeterClaffey, #DexterSolAnsell, #TanzynCrawford, #DanielIngs, #HenryAshton,  #BertieCarvel, #FinnBennett, #OscarMorgan, #BillWard, #WadeBriggs, #PaulHunter, #CaraHarris, #TomVaughanLawlord, #DannyWebb 

Thundercats Live Action Movie Proposal!

A Thundercats live action movie? I think this has always been the Holy Grail to adapt a fan favorite cartoon to the big screen. Adam Wingard is currently developing a Thundercats film. The animated show was created by Tobin Wolf and ran from 1985 to 1989. There was a later series reboot by Ethan Spaulding and Michael Jelenic. The Cartoon Network series ran from 2011 to 2012. Cartoon Network had another series with Victor Courtright and Marly Halpern-Graser. ThunderCats Roar (2020) lasted only one season. The two shows are currently streaming on Disney+. The franchise is still popular, continuing today with Super 7 action figures and comic books from Dynamite Entertainment. If the Thundercats are realized through computer graphics you get the movie, Cats (2019). 

The movie had a budget of $95M and a live action Thundercats would need a cost effective budget to bring the story to the screen. The answer actually was the musical Cats. It debuted in 1981 with the animated series on television four years later. The musical used make-up, hair, and costume to create the characters. Tygra looks almost exactly like Rum Tum Tugger. Cheetarah has patches on her face like Cats makeup with Demeter and wears workout tights like Victoria. The same with Lion-O. So it looks like the animation was highly influenced by the musical. So this could easier for the actors, practical and cheaper, not the ridiculous Cgi look from the Cats movie. The next challenge would be the Thundercats’ enemies, the Mutants, they would have to be able to fight and have the look of the characters. I thought of the Jim Henson Creature Shop’s work on the live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) film. They realized the Turtles and their master, the rat-like Splinter. 

The budget was $13.5 million. The costumes and animatronics could bring the Mutants to the screen. Lastly, is the comic relief of the Thundercats, Snarf. Again, the animatronic suit would be fine, but I’m thinking more in line with a large puppet. This would be like Rygel in the sci fi series, Farscape. Snarf would be similar to Grogu in The Mandalorian. There could be use of miniatures and the computer generated effects could be used to enhance characters, sets, and scenes, but not the majority of effects. The film could have a retro vibe, perfect for the material, as long as it saves on costs. This proposal keeps the Thundercats escape from Thundera simliar to baby Kal-El from Krypton’s destruction. The difference besides a group escaping the doomed planet is that there were survivors. Also, a hint of Mumm-ra’s appearance while he is still on Third Earth. We see the planet Thundera (seen in text) in its last death throes; brownish, but mostly dark with bright red cracks across its surface. 

Closer to its atmosphere as we hear rumbles and cracking noise. Several ships escape the planet flashing past camera. Cut to: planet’s surface, at the starship docks, the Thunderian citizens rush to board ships, they are cat-like people that is realized through make-up and costume. They wear hooded cloaks and breath masks. Behind them, geyers of lava burst upwards, ash falls. A building block is about to fall on some citizens, but it is bashed aside by a muscular Panthro, grey skin, large, pointed ears, with spiked suspenders and blue shorts like a wrestler. Panthro, “Cheetara!, move the citizens to Platform B!” Cheetara is a female with pale skin, spotted, blond hair, curved patches around her eyes like a disco singer, orange leotard like a ballet dancer. She is busy moving the crowd along. Cheetara, “I’ve just evacuated Wily Kit and Wily Kat from the capital!” She is a blur as she runs to the platform. 

A citizen stops to question Panthro. Citizen, “What happened to the Council of Nine?” Panthro, “They were lost in the first eruption. Head to the ships now.”A boom as a docked ship explodes hit by several lava bombs. Tygra rushes up, he has striped hair that is orange like his skin, patches around white like the ends of his hair, and blue and grey armor. Tygra, “Panthro, this is the last of the citizens, we need to get to the reserve ships.” Panthro, “Where is the heir of Thundera?” Cut to: an underground tunnel. There are three shadowy figures, the Mutants, who are in animatronic suits. There is the bulky, reptillian Slithe, toad-like with fan-like ears, the furry Jackalman with jackal head, fanged teeth, he wears a bandolier and lioncloth, and Monkian, bulky, white beard and fur on his shoulders, helmet with an orange tunic. Close-up of Slithe. Slithe, “We are here as you have commanded. The planet is destroyed.” 

A reddish glow shows the closeup of reddish eyes and grey face beneath red robes of Mumm-ra. Mumm-ra, “Did you find the Eye of Thundera? It is the only thing that will save your planet.” Slithe, “It was lost when Ratilla went with the Sword of Plun-Darr. The sword was lost when Thundera’s eruptions started.” Monkian, “After our bombs struck the planet! (laughs). The evacuation of the planet is almost finished.”Mumm-ra, “Never mind the others. Find the heir, Lion-O!”  The outskirts of the Thundera capital. Young Lion-o, about 12 years old, tan skin, flowing, red hair and eyes, he wears a purple suit, leads the way through the ruins. Jaga (off-screen), “Lion-O! Keep close!” Jaga catches up to Lion-O, he is an elderly Thunderian with white beard, flowing hair, pointed ears with purple cloak attached to a red Thundercat insignia, armor and helmet. He carries a staff to help move through the rubble. Lion-O turns. Scrambling up to them is Snarf, Lion-O’s nursemaid and protector. 

He has a tiny cat body, blond hair that goes into a red furred body with plates down his chest and tail, white beard and pointed ears. Snarf says, “Lion-O, be careful!, Snarf Snarf.” Lion-O, “We must get to the Royal Flagship.” Jaga, “Yes, but let’s not be hasty, there are Mutants here.” Slithe appears with the other Mutants. Slithe, “You are right old one.” Jaga holds his staff defensively. Jaga, “Get behind me, Lion-O.” Monkian leaps towards Jaga with his chained mace, it is blocked by the Thunderian, Jaga swings his staff knocking the Mutant back. Jackalman corners Lion-O. Jackalman, “Are you the heir of Thundera, little cub?” Snarf leaps at Jackalman, but is struck away. The Mutants close in on Jaga and Lion-O.  Slithe turns. He is struck by another staff. It is wielded by Cheetara who moves in a blur! Jackalman starts to withdraw, he is swatted by the nunchuks of Panthro!, Jackalman gives out a startled yip and runs. Tygra appears and snaps his bolo whip at Slithe before he sounds the retreat. The Thundercats also head to the Royal Flagship. 

They hurry into the ship as dock starts to be broken with cracks and the land around it is a sea of lava. Three dark figures of other Thunderans run up to the ship as the landing beams send it upwards! (We later find that they are Pumyra, Lynx-o, and Bengali who also survived the destruction). Jaga searches for a planet to find their new home. The ship escapes Thundera. On board the ship, we see the twins, Willy Kit and Willy Kat, she has flowing hair with a single black stripe, he has short hair that is white and orange like his sister, Wily Kit has a blue and pink tunic, he has a brown and orange tunic, both have belts with their weapons. This is the events of the first episode, “Exodus” written by Leonard Star. Jaga has Lion-O witness the destruction of Thundera with the other Thundercats. He takes Lion-O to a chamber and has him repeat the Code of Thundera also joined by all of the Thundercats; “Justice, Truth, Honor, Loyalty.” The Royal Flagship is struck by several ships flown by the Mutants. 

The Mutants use grappling rays, crackling rays, and a boarding tube to enter the Thundercat ship through tears on its hull. The Thundercats fight off groups of Mutants. Slithe tells Jackalman he has seen the Eye of Thundera. They enter a chamber with Lion-O struggling to life the Sword of Omens. Snarf The Eye of Thundera glows as does Lion-O’s eyes. The Thundercats signal fills the room and Slithe and Jackalman retreat. The Mutant ship blasts away. Panthro finds out that the ship is damaged and they can’t reach their destination, another galaxy. Jaga finds a habitable that is light years away so they will need to get into suspension capsules. Jaga says he will stay behind to help guide the ship. 

They say farewell to Jaga. He is weakened by the long journey. Lion-O’s capsule starts to crack and he emerges as an adult. Lion-O goes to see Jaga who is slumped at the controls. They speak about Lion-O taking leadership of the Thundercats. He tells Lion-O to take the controls. Jaga starts to walk away and says that he will always be with him. The red symbol on his gauntlet flashes and Jaga fades away. Lion-O turns to tell Jaga that they are on course. He sees Jaga’s cape and gauntlets and continues to pilot the ship. He starts to sleep as they reach the edge of the solar system. The ship crashes on Third Earth. Lion-O had woken up in the capsules on Third Earth, but how has he aged and not the Wily Twins? Also, there is a chance for Lion-O take up leadership from Jaga and lead the Thundercats to Third Earth. 

This all leads to Mumm-ra whom we first see as a gaunt creature wrapped up in strips of linen with a red cloak. He has reddish eyes and a grey-green face. Mumm-ra can call on ancient spirits to transform, Hulk-like, to a younger, muscular form. He wears a dark crown of two serpents like Thulsa Doom in Conan the Barbarian. It has red and black tassles. The symbol of the crown is on a red circlet on his chest. Mumm-ra wears a skirt-like shendyt. If Mumm-ra is rendered in CGi, it will be the Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns (2001) again. Make-up effects will work. He was trapped in the Black Pyramid while Third Earth was abandoned. The Mutants in the Mutant Mothership were guided to the planet by Mumm-ra, but he caused them to crash in the desert near the pyramid. He wants the Mutants as minions and to set them against the Thundercats. A Thundercats movie is possible just using computer enhancements to characters, but make-up effects and costumes will give the movie a good budget and retro vibes!     

#Thundercats, #AdamWingard, #TobinWolf, #Exodus, #LeonardStarr, #EthanSpaulding, #MichaelJelenic, #ThunderCatsRoar, #VictorCourtright, #MarlyHalpernGraser, #Cats, #CatsMusical, #JimHensonCompany, #LionO, #Panthro, #Cheetarah, #Tygra, #WilyKit, #WilyKat, #Jaga, #Slithe, #Jackalman, #Monkian, #Mummra

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, “The Hedge Knight”, Review!

The first episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, has all of the style of George RR Martin, with a fresh tone and scenes! The first episode, “The Hedge Knight” named after the first novella is directed by Owen Harris and written by co-creator, Ira Parker. Harris directed episodes of the sci fi limited series, Mrs. Davis. Parker was co-executive producer of House of the Dragon. The novella began in an anthology, Legends (1998), set in George RR Martin’s world of Westros. Rain falls down on three horses making them look mournful with the grey sky behind them; Thunder, Chestnut, and Sweetfoot. To the side is gnarled tree and before them on a hillside, a man is digging a grave. Finished, he walks back to the horses to pick up the body of an elderly man, Ser Alan of Pennytree (Danny Webb). 

We see the man, tall with blue shirt, brown hair matted by the rain, set the body down. This is Duncan, called Dunk (Peter Claffey), he says a remembrance, saying that the knight never hit him unless he deserved it. Claffey was Joe Walsh in the comedy drama, Bad Sisters (2022-2024). Cut scenes of repeated hits! This feels almost word for word, a close adaptation to the novella, but there is more richness, emotion and some humor, to seeing the story on film. Dunk says it was the inn boy who ate the widow’s pie, we see the end scene with Ser Alan hitting Dunk. Ser Alan is in the grave almost as if in sleep. Dunk weeps and says he wishes the knight didn’t die. Daylight at the hill, Dunk wakens, he lies on the grass thinking about what to do. 

He says to the horses, he would be an outlaw or a beggar, and then looks to the shovel. Dunk looks towards the longsword resting against the tree. He says he could be a city guard, flipping the blade, then brings up the tourney at Ashford Meadow. A closeup of Dunk’s dirt smeared face and then the theme music comes in before we see Dunk relieve himself behind the tree, kinda graphic and a twist from Game of Thrones heroism to just using the tree as a toilet! Dunk looks at the grave before leaving on the white horse, Sweetfoot. At dusk turning into night, Dunk rides up to an inn, a few lanterns and lit windows. The back of the head of a young boy is seen watching the approach of Dunk. He is dressed in a long, brown robe and bald (Dexter Sol Ansell). The boy is played by Anesell who played Little Dan in the fantasy show, Robin and the Hoods (2024). Dunk asks if he is the stable boy.  

He tells the boy to give oats to the horses, the boy says quietly that he would do so if he wanted, Dunk tells him he will give a copper or a smack in the ear. Perfect attitude for the kid from the book. His name isn't introduced yet. Dunk enters the inn, sees that it looks empty, and is about to leave when he sees the innkeeper, a stout woman (Jenna Boyd). He sees a drunk man (Henry Ashton) collapsed on his table. The innkeeper asks if he wants lamb or duck and Dunk says he will eat both meals. The drunk man lifts himself up with a dagger and says he dreamed of Dunk. A lord in red robe and black cloak, he places on the table a coin with the three-headed dragon, symbol of the Targaryens. Dunk is just stunned. The lord stumbles up the steps. 

Later, Dunk walks to the stable with his shield (a silver cup with wings) at his back, and he hears the boy playing. Dunk finds the boy is on his horse, Thunder, with helmet and chainmail coif over his robe. He pulls the boy off of Thunder and says he was on a war horse. The boy says he doesn’t look like a knight, Dunk has a belt made of rope!, and wants to go to the tourney. He tells Dunk that his mother is dead. Dunk says he was an orphan until a knight took him and trained Dunk. The boy wants to be his squire, but Dunk just tosses him a sack to fill with oats. Dunk throws a coin that falls in the hay and then rides away. It is day again as Dunk rides alone across the countryside. He reaches the tourney, a several tents, and horses, makes me think of a Rennissance Faire! It is filled with crowds, a few men point out Dunk like a joke, the hedge knight pauses to see the joustings lists. A castle is in the distance.  

At the gates, Dunk asks three guards in red cloaks to see the Master of the Games, he is led by one guard up steps. A few kids are at swordplay while the Master of the Games, Plummer (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor), is at a table with a quill and some bread. Dunk bumps his head on the doorway! He explains that his name is Dunk and that he was knighted by Ser Arlan. Dunk draws the longsword with Ser Arlan’s crest on the hilt. We see a brief glimpse of the young Dunk riding next to Ser Arlan asking if he will be a knight. Ser Arlan just spits out a piece of food! The truth of the past is a funny addition that was not in the book. Plummer asks if there were any witnesses to his knighting. He becomes serious telling Dunk about what happens to false knights, hanged by their arms and legs, called the Ashford Chair. The Master of the Games asks again if there were witnesses and then laughs at Dunk’s nervousness. 

He says Dunk is dressed like a farmer. Plummer says there are princes so the tourney needs to be legitimate. Dunk is about to walk away and tells the Master of the Games he saw the pavilion of Ser Manfried Dondarrion who knew Ser Arlan. He is reminded that defeated knights give up their arms, armor, and ransom. Dunk says he will not need a ransom and bumps his head again! Dunk ties his horses to a post and tries to find the tent of Ser Manfried. Two women, Daisy (Abigail O’Regan) and Beony (Carla Harrison-Hodge) lovers of Ser Manfried, says he is asleep. Daisy calls him a hedge knight who has to sleep in the outdoors. Dunk talks it over to Sweetfoot and says that Ser Arlan says a hedge knight was the “truest knight.” He says that he will win the first tilt, in the field, a knight in red spins to strike at his opponent. The sword blades are covered with cloth, but even blunted, the edges will dull, wooden swords would be used (like in the book) unless the swordsman can afford to use another sword!   

The bearded knight, Ser Steffon Fossoway (Edward Ashley), overpowers his rival, Raymun (Shaun Thomas) who uses a mace, then walks up to Dunk asking about his longsword. Ashley played the noble, Cambridge in the historical epic, The King (2019). Thomas was in the fantasy adaptation, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016), playing Dylan. He challenges Dunk to fight since his cousin is not ready. Dunk refuses and Ser Steffon says he should go back to the hedge. It is interesting that some of the scenes are shuffled around, but nothing seems to be missing in terms of story and dialogue. He leads his horses in a field outside Ashford and finds a lone tree. Dunk goes out to take a bath in a stream and then swats his clothes dry. He returns to Ashford on Sweetfoot, but is told that Ser Manfried is still asleep from a “gouty toe.” Dunk enters the pavilion, a red haired woman is naked, but with coins on her eyes. She sits up and the other tells her that she is supposed to be dead. 

Dunk is annoyed at their joking and says he only asks for help. A story is being told by a woman (Tanzyn Crawford), she has dark hair, a simple blue dress with some stage jewelry. Crawford was in the comedy drama mini-series, Tiny Beautiful Things (2023). Dunk enters a tent with a dragon puppet, a knight in armor stabs the dragon with his sword. The dragon breathes fire that impresses the audience. She says that the dragon could discover “a man in great disguise.” This is similar to Dunk. He is entranced, Dunk is stunned by her beauty, and she looks up to see him. Then, he shyly walks away. Raymun walks up to him. He says that he was right not to fight with his cousin. Raymun says he is Ser Steffon’s squire. He invites Dunk to eat and leads him to a pavilion covered with deer antlers. There is drink, music, two knights clash swords. Dunk looks at a knight with dark hair, beard, and wearing a golden band with large antlers! 

Raymun says he is Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings). Freddie Horniman was played by Ings in the action comedy program, The Gentlemen (2024). A wild, funny part seeing a high born knight be the life of the party. Ser Lyonel stops everything to point out that 4,000 years ago in the field outside was the first joust. He tosses a bag of 100 gold for the knight who can strike him down! Dunk eyes the pouch will everyone begins eating. He eats a giant turkey leg, Ren Faire again!, and then a pastry. One of Ser Lyonel’s men calls him over. Lyonel asks him if he has been punched in the face. He asks why Dunk is slouching. Ser Lyonel tells, “Be tall.” He wants to know what Dunk brought him. There is only two reasons to be in the tent, to bring a favor or kill him. Dunk is nervous replaying, but can only say he is there for supper! Dunk goes onto the dance floor, just pushing his elbows, and women take his arm to dance. 

Ser Lyonel walks up to him and then stamps his foot. He tries again and again, but Dunk quickly pulls away his foot as the dance continues. Finally, Dunk slams Ser Lyonel’s foot causing him to scream and the others to cheer! The action we see here is that Dunk is not just all, possibly strong, but fast which might be a hint later. Dunk looks stunned until Ser Lyonel smiles. He pushes the knight again and they join the dance. Later it is quiet, Ser Lyonel sits back telling about a sea voyage while Dunk where’s the stag crown. He says he agonizes too much and asks what he can do without an inheritance. Ser Lyonel takes back the crown and walks away. Dunk sees the two women take away a man, Ser Manfried (Daniel Monks). The action comedy show, Kaos (2024), starred Monks as Nax. Outside, he tells Ser Manfried that Ser Arlan served his father, but Ser Manfried doesn’t care and drunkenly walks off with his women. At Dunk’s clearing, a fire is going with fish on sticks, and the boy from the inn there. 

Dunk can’t believe he is at Ashford at his camp. The boy says he traveled there in a lamb cart. Dunk threatens to take him back. The boy says he would have to go to King’s Landing. He asks the hedge knight his name and told he is Duncan. Then, adds he is Ser Duncan the Tall. The boy says his name is Egg. Dunk tells Egg he can act as his squire for the tourney. This is the beginning of a great partnership! The story of a commoner who wants to compete with royal knights might seem like something out of A Knight's Tale (2001) where the commoner wants to change his stars. This series takes everything from A Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon and shifts away from royalty to the working class people. It is so close to George RR Martin's novella, the series could be an audiobook, more like an audio and visual book. No bits and pieces of the original dialogue and scenes, but almost 1 for 1 with some added parts. All of the casting seems right of the Seven Kingdoms. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is spot on George RR Martin, brilliant casting, with potential for violent jousts!   

Five+ Shields out of Five! 

#AKnightOfTheSevenKingdoms, #TheHedgeKnight, #OwenHarris, #IraParker, #GeorgeRRMartin, #PeterClaffey, #DexterSolAnsell, #TanzynCrawford, #ShaunThomas, #DanielIngs, #PeterClaffey, #EdwardAshley, #TomVaughanLawlor, #AbigailORegan, #CarlaHarrisonHodge, #HenryAshton, #JennaBoyd