King Arthur is the second teaming of super producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Antoine Fuqua (the twosome last collaborated on Training Day), and probably the best compliment I can pay the film is that it isn't the fluffy, disposable actioneer the trailer suggests. On the other hand, it isn't exactly a classic piece of art either.

King Arthur traces the origins of the title character and his men, the famed Knights of the Round Table. The story involves one final quest that the Knights must set out upon in order that they might obtain the freedom they desperately crave - after having already performed their duty for fifteen years. Of course this particular quest is no easy task, as it will involve much bloodshed upon the hands of the ruthless Saxon empire.

This King Arthur tale took me a little off guard as it trades in the magic and rather dark fantasy elements of John Boorman's outstanding Excalibur, for a more gritty and humanized take on the famed story, bringing to mind films like Braveheart and Gladiator. It also deals with timeless themes of religion and politics. The end result is a mixed bag at best.

There are elements of this unique take on King Arthur to be admired. I liked that these men are portrayed as brave honorable soldiers, but they are also vulnerable human beings forced to make tough choices, and at times during the film, I was quite surprised by the initial directions some of them take. Fuqua doesn't merely present the Knights as fearless warriors who rush into any situation they're ordered to rush into, and this aspect of the picture was rather refreshing.

There's also some exciting action to be found in King Arthur including an intense battle in which our heroes face the enemy atop a frozen lake. As the battle builds, the ice slowly becomes less and less stable creating undeniable suspense.

Sadly, most of the combat sequences in King Arthur don't provide much of a kick. They're routine at best, but perhaps that's because battle sequences in pictures like Braveheart and The Lord of the Rings trilogy have raised the bar.

King Arthur doesn't always succeed at it's attempt at drama either. Arthur is a torn, tortured soul who is constantly conflicted between duty and conscience. Shall he fight for what he is told to fight for, or to fight for what he truly believes in? This scenario has been presented far more effectively in better movies.

The love story is also quite unsatisfactory. The bond that develops between Guinevere and Arthur is quite rushed, and the lack of development between them is also frustrating. (much like the relationship between Paris and Helen in the recent Troy).

The cast is adequate with a few standouts. Ray Winstone is absolutely terrific as the intense Knight "Bors." He lends energy to the picture and he also offers up welcome comic relief. Stellan Skarsgard is quietly menacing as Cedric, leader of the Saxon army. I've always been a fan of this terrific actor, it was fun watching him play the heavy.

Clive Owen is turns in a reasonably strong performance as Arthur, but he's not quite the charismatic force the film needed. Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Carribean) is a tough, independent Guinevere, but sadly, this legendary femme fatale isn't given much depth in this adaptation.

Many will, no doubt, notice similarities between this King Arthur and events taking place around the world today. I certainly sensed it. And that's part of the problem. The film is a little self conscious. Still, I wouldn't call this a bad movie. It's beautifully shot and makes the most of it's breathtaking locations, and surely it's themes of honor will move some audiences, particularly with all that's going on in the world right now.

I suppose, King Arthur has much in common with the recent Troy. Personally, I found the dialogue in this picture much stronger, but ultimately, the Wolfgang Petersen epic was more entertaining, even though I was a little annoyed by the absence of the Gods. I suppose I would have liked this King Arthur a little more if the film makers didn't completely ditch the magical element.

Special note of interest. This is one of those movies that barely dodges the R rating. It is violent and there is much death and combat violence, but Fuqua shows very little blood, save for the occasional red sword. Leave the little kids at home.