13th Warrior

Synopsis: An exiled ambassador far from his homeland, Ahmed comes across a fierce band of warriors who are being attacked by ferocious creatures legendary for devouring all living things in their path!  And when an old fortune-teller warns the combatants that they are doomed to failure without a 13th warrior, Ahmed is given no choice but to join their battle and help conquer the mysterious enemy.

Rating: R for Bloody Battle and Carnage.

Run Time: 1 Hour 42 Minutes

Director: John McTiernan & Michael Cricton

Dvd Extra’s: Theatrical Trailers.

Nudity Factor: None

Of Note: The historic Ahmed Ibn Fadlan traveled as an emissary to the land of the Volga Bulgars to convert them to Islam. On his way he encountered Turks in Central Asia and Russian and Varangians (Volga Vikings). He returned in 923, and no record after this date refers to him.

Recommendations: A Knight’s Tale

Review by: Jason Schulte

Rating:3 half star

Step back in time to the era of the Vikings with this action-packed movie. When a tribe is threatened by a powerful enemy, a daring group of 13 Warriors is called upon to save the day. Among them is an outsider, banished to the Viking kingdom, adding an intriguing twist to the tale. Will they be able to fend off the supernatural tribe hell-bent on destruction?

I must say, there are some aspects of this film that really stand out – the authentic set design, the epic battle scenes, and the witty banter between the characters. However, there were moments where the storytelling felt a bit sloppy, and let’s not forget about the never-ending gloomavision. While gloomavision can add a cool vibe to a film, it should be used sparingly, not as the main course.

Despite its flaws, I found myself enjoying the film overall. It’s the kind of movie that’s perfect for a lazy night in, but not something I’d rush to watch again and again. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be transported back to the time of the Vikings with this entertaining flick.