Netflix produced films have been a mixed bag. Notably, most of their content seems to be either exceptionally great or outright trash. This particular picture, Outlaw King, lies between the two extremes. Outlaw tells the story of King Robert the Bruce and the later stages of the medieval Scottish War of Independence. The inevitable comparison to Braveheart is something I will address right away. Braveheart is the more entertaining movie, and probably better if you are looking for a classic Hollywood summer blockbuster of yesteryear. Outlaw King doesn't have the same pulse but is more authentic and grittier. It certainly is a post-Game of Thrones medieval epic, in both its tone and production. King is not without flaws. The second act is fairly weak and plodding and I could see people dropping out before the film's completion. Chris Pine is a fine actor and does the best he can in this situation, but he is absolutely out of place. (My Scottish friend was quite vexed with his casting and reminded me SEVERAL times how terrible a decision this was.) Meanwhile, I was surprised how good Aaron Taylor-Johnson was as "The Black Douglas," utterly vengeful menace that he was. Johnson has often been miscast as a leading action man, and he is starting to find his niche as a character actor. Florence Pugh had great chemistry with Pine, while Billy Howle's Edward II proved an able villain. With a big budget and plenty of action, Outlaw King manages to succeed despite its weak middle section. The violence is visceral, but most of the battles prove forgettable with one exception. That exception being the climatic Battle of Loudoun Hill, a muddy and gory affair in a manner similar to The Battle of the Bastards from...well you know the rest. It also has a hell of an opening with plenty of energy, which I wished was maintained throughout the whole affair. Outlaw King is certainly worth a look if you are into this kind of material, but not essential viewing for the uninitiated.

The (amazing) almost theater-like 10-minute shot in the beginning teases an entirely different, more intimate film but once it opens up, this actually turns into the best knights movie in years. Basically telling the story of Robert the Bruce from where Braveheart ended, the film's biggest asset is the setting. Real castle walls, the highlands, everything looks authentic and is beautifully shot. The Cast consisting of many familiar faces is great too. I can't speak for the historical accuracy, but it feels like they tried at least, even contradicting Braveheart from time to time. The final battle even gives its big predecessor a run for its money. A gorgeous, bloody, dirty medieval battaglia.