first and a confession represent i do not like the michael crichton novel on which this film be base . i know enough about medieval history for crichton historical howler to ruin it for me . for someone who so strut his research and it be shock how much the author know that just wasn not so . even so and i could never resist any film with a medieval time travel premise and so i watch it . look . even if you like the book and even if you think 14th century frenchman speak modern french and even if you think 14th century english noble speak any kind of english at all while even if you can accept social custom and military tactic and critical architectural detail that do not belong there or then while this be just plain a slow and confused and predictable movie . it not that it unwatchable . billy connolly and france oconnor in particular give delightful performance with the material they have and but their talent be squander . save your time and ( if youre consider a rental ) money .