Rob Roy (1995)

The first sword 'n' skirts saga of the season doesn't do much to make
Liam Neeson into an action hero.  He sure looks good in a kilt, but he's
a man, not a cartoon.  There's little that's larger-than-life about him,
and that's one of the reasons why ROB ROY THE ACTION MOVIE fails.  The
actor's stately, reserved strength can't possibly compete against the
droll buffoonery of Tim Roth, Brian Cox, and John Hurt.  They play the
film's triumvirate of villains, and they get all the best lines.

ROB ROY THE ROMANCE is different story.  Neeson and costar Jessica Lange
have a great chemistry together.  They are the real magic behind this
story of the legendary Scot who would go to *any* length to protect his
honor.

The contemporary casting suggests another PRINCE OF THIEVES debacle, but
rest assured that the accents are almost as firm as the Highlands
themselves.  Beware the pace, though.  This is not a snappy film by any
means.  Instead, it's a long, protracted period piece with a gritty
authenticity that should be savored, not stirred.

Next up:  BRAVEHEART, directed by and starring Mel Gibson.

Grade: B

Copyright 1995 by Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies