James Franco and Danny McBride star in this medieval stoner comedy; similar to·Pineapple Express. The comedy follows a typical medieval quest theme; Franco plays Prince Fabious (the standard good looking, warrior brother) and McBride, Prince Thadeous (the opposite – lazy, bad tempered and a disappointment). Fabious’s bride (Belladonna – played by indie queen Zooey Deschanel) is kidnapped by the evil villain Leezar (Justin Theroux) who plans to take her virginity and spawn a hugely powerful dragon child. The two brothers set off to rescue her, flanked by Thadeous’s servant Courtney, and Fabious’s odd and mutinous comrades. On the way they encounter a tribe of naked women, a Minotaur in heat and a feisty female warrior (Natalie Portman).

The film has its funny moments – such as a perverted, yoda-style Wizard and a mechanical side-kick. Overall however, the film generally feels like you’re watching a group of funny people that you don’t really know joke around. You may try to join in but it feels like you’re slightly missing the point. Moreover, to every laugh-out-loud joke there are three more that leave the audience (bar a couple of young boys in the back of the cinema) in silence. It just doesn’t quite hit the spot the way the trailer anticipates. The medieval style mix of language spoken in faux English accents is similar to McBride’s character; quite funny but slightly verging on tiresome. Franco’s camp Prince Fabious is reminiscent of a sweet, but dim, puppy. However, some of the characters do draw laughs almost every time and standout performances include Justin Theroux’s virginal villain and Thadeous’ subservient accomplice Courtney (Rasmus Hardiker). The faux medieval towns set against the backdrop of the epic Irish scenery is effortlessly entertaining, and reinforces the main quality of this film: easy entertainment. It is not deep, or cry-with-laughter funny, but it does not have to be. All it aims for is to be an entertaining watch, which it undoubtedly is.

3/5