I had the opportunity to see "Kingdom of Heaven" the weekend. This is not the sort of movie I normally would see, but it was interesting and someone else was paying. Who am I to turn down a free trip to the movies?

First, let me say that I really enjoyed the movie. It was very engaging and had beautiful visuals. I left the theatre with a smile on my face and felt entertained for the 2 hours I spent there. I was easily able to follow the story and was drawn in enough to use willing suspension of disbelief to gloss over the HUGE holes in the story.

After reflection and discussion, the main problem I had with the story was the same problem I had with "Gladiator". That being the main “hero” seemed to be able to do no wrong, every step he takes works out (at least for him) and people around him are rather stupid. At one point out hero tells the assembled war council that their plan will not work, and anyone with more the 2 brain cells to press together can see that he is right. Of course, the very thing he predicts comes to pass. This is only one example. Another thing that bothers me is that the Christian bad guys are not only stupid, but also clearly evil where the Christian heroes are mostly disillusioned from years of fighting and are more interested in power and money than what is right. The Saracens look like the only reasonable people in the film.

My review? If you like blood spattered fighting and want to be entertained without using your brain, go see it.