From Monty Python team member Terry Jones comes this mildly amusing spoof of Norse mythology, which he wrote and directed. Tim Robbins plays the title character, a young man who's brave enough to want to embark on an epic journey. He actually has the nerve to want to ask the gods to end the days of "Ragnarok" - basically, the end of the world. Several of his peers accompany him, and they have a variety of off the wall encounters as well as dangers to overcome.
It's true that if you only look at this as a comedy, you might have a fairly entertaining time. But there's more going on here than silliness, as Jones explores ideas of belief and denial, and how power can come to those who believe. His serious themes are unexpected, but welcome. In truth, this viewer never found the comedy that funny. He even thought it just felt off at times. The fact that it works to any degree at all is due largely to an eclectic cast, who play their material for everything that it's worth. You've got a remarkably sincere Robbins, Mickey Rooney (as his grandfather) and Eartha Kitt in cameos, and such distinguished British thespians as Jones himself (who plays King Arnulf), John Cleese (who's great as always, playing nasty bad guy Halfdan the Black), Antony Sher, Charles McKeown, Tim McInnerny, Freddie Jones, and Jim Broadbent. You also get the very lovely Imogen Stubbs (as Jones' princess daughter) and Samantha Bond.
Certainly a quality look is created for the movie, with lots of fine location work, atmosphere, and visuals. There's a rousing score by composer Neil Innes, and even an entertainingly shoddy looking "dragon".
The ending is rather abrupt, but up until then Jones does deliver some chuckles and food for thought.
Six out of 10.
