Cast
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Danny McBride
as Thadeous
James Franco
as Fabious
Natalie Portman
as Isabel
Zooey Deschanel
as Belladonna
Justin Theroux
as Leezar
Toby Jones
as Julie
Damian Lewis
as Boremont
Rasmus Hardiker
as Courtney
Simon Farnaby
as Manious the Bold
Deobia Oparei
as Thundarian
Charles Dance
as King Tallious
B.J. Hogg
as Royal Advisor
Matyelok Gibbs
as Mother
Angela Pleasence
as Mother
Anna Barry
as Mother
Crew
Director
- David Gordon Green
Writer
- Danny McBride
- Ben Best
Producer
- Scott Stuber
Reviews
Kamurai
Decent watch, might watch again, and can recommend for dirt humor fans looking for something different.
There isn't a lot of comedy in fantasy movies, and there isn't a lot of fantasy in comedies, typically, so I'm sure they thought they were corning a rather unique market. Honestly though, it's like they had someone write a really great Dungeons and Dragon movie, and then tried to ruin it with humor page by page. There is a 9/10 star movie hidden in this, if they would do a (slightly) more serious story.
Danny McBride and James Franco basically do what they normally do, but in jerkins: I'm pretty sure they don't even really have accents compared to everyone else. Franco has a fluttery tone that Zoey Deschanel mirrors, but she is just a living macguffin with two solid jokes. There is a parody of this where they just replace her with a sex doll and pause when she's supposed to have lines.
Natalie Portman is about 10 times the actor than everyone else in this movie, and I don't know what got her to slum it in this other than it was a unique opportunity to be a bad ass D&D style woman character. I honestly would have liked to see a movie franchise based on her character. She makes a great straight man to the band of idiots, given to much more subtle humor, but she plays off of the others' dirt humor really well. And don't get me wrong, she is a legitimately funny actor.
The overall story is a bit formulaic for an RPG adventure, but it is filled with great characters and villains, and I legitimately think I'll turn this movie into a campaign adventure somehow. Lazar is actually a really well crafted villain with a decent support structure of henchmen and resources, despite having a rather basic end goal.
Ma-Tee-Tee, as over dramatic as he is, may be one of my favorite villains. He's a leader, he apparently crafted an entire society to his choosing, and either gained or created his power, and what's more he actually created a system (though unfair) that allows a chance for actual warriors to fight their way to freedom.
There is a lot to love about this movie, and then there is all the stuff they added for attention seeking comedy.
Aug 7, 2020
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Comedy/Fantasy/Adventure/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Your Highness distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director David Gordon Green brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2011, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Your Highness took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $49.9 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 299 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1522 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2011, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Your Highness shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Bad Girls, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Your Highness subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Ferpect Crime and Analyze This explore similar territory, Your Highness stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 8, 2011
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Budget: $49,900,000
- Revenue: $28,013,733
Where to Watch
