tomgillespie2002 After the enormous success of Monty Python, the individual members of the innovative troupe started to branch out to work on their own passion projects, which often yielded fantastic results. Terry Gilliam's Time Bandits, for example, is now considered a family classic and remains a firm childhood favourite for many who grew up in the 1980s. A Fish Called Wanda, starring Python alumni John Cleese and Michael Palin was a hilariously farcical movie that went on to be Oscar nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay, and winning for Kevin Kline's unhinged supporting turn. Some ventures, however, were less successful, although some Python loyalists may insist otherwise. Terry Jones adapted his own children's book for Erik the Viking, a movie that shares much in common with the aforementioned Time Bandits, but shares little of its sense of wonder, imagination and wit.While on a routine raping-and-pillaging expedition, Viking Erik (Tim Robbins) realises he has grown tired of the never-ending circle of violence and misery celebrated by his people. He falls for a girl (Samantha Bond) after saving her from some of his bloodthirsty brothers, before accidentally killing her. The experience sends him seeking answers and wisdom from the wise woman Freya (Eartha Kitt), who explains to Erik that Fenrir the wolf has gobbled up the sun and plunged the world into the dark days of Ragnarok. Determined to see the sun again, Erik sets off on a quest to find the Horn Resounding which, when blown, will transport him to Asgard where he can confront the Gods. However, such a miracle will spell the end of war, thus putting blacksmiths Keitel (Gary Cady) and his underling Loki (Antony Sher) out of business, as well as threatening the reign of the brutal Halfdan the Black (John Cleese).Erik the Viking takes Norse mythology so seriously that there are long stretches of the film during which it is easy to forget that it's a comedy. 10 or 20 minutes can easily go by without so much of a giggle, as Jones struggles to keep the tone consistent and, with an obviously limited budget, the action exciting. Still, although Erik pales in comparison to some of the wonderful work Jones has been involved in over the years, it certainly isn't a bad movie, and in no way deserves the stigma still attached to it. There are some laugh-out-loud moments, including the bickering relationship between beserks Sven (Tim McInnerny) and his father (Charles McKeown), and a Japanese slave master who berates his subjects with racial slurs ("You incomprehensible. horizontal-eyed western trousers wearers/How I abominate your lack of ancestor worship!"). Ultimately, the film is too inconsistent and tonally uneven to work, but go in expecting a handful of laughs and a few famous cameos and you may not be too disappointed.

Tamara Page I learnt about the viking a long time ago, when i was much younger, with an incredible teacher i'll never forget. Now, she made this topic interesting, with movies and comic strips and silly songs (she was brilliant as a teacher, if a bit of a nutter) and so, one day, when i found an old viking film in the attic, i thought i'd give it a go. I wasn't expecting what i got. Vikings, setting out to find Valhalla, with some very funny moments and a longing for the sun. Of course, this film would be nothing with out the comedic factors and 5 star performances by some terrific actors and actresses, but the story line is one not easily forgotten and always loved. This is great for all genders and ages; a beautiful mix of humour, violence, history and love, with a touch of the paranormal just to mix it up a bit. What really sets this film apart is the hilarity of the mission the vikings go on and, of course, the sinking island affair. Never thought islands could sink away? Think again. This is a perfect film for everyone to enjoy.

Nick Drew American actor Tim Robbins plays young Erik, who comes about the shocking realisation of the few laudable aspects of the Viking lifestyle, and wants to change the image of the Vikings for the better, and sets off on a capricious journey conflated of erratically hit & miss satire, and overblown special effects.There are constant bursts of rapid fire dialogue to be found here, but honestly, lacks any real inspiration or inventiveness to be genuinely humorous, even if there may be the odd chuckle, you just sort of take it in the films loose strides. The production is admittedly quite smart, and the impressive set designs give you something interesting to absorb while one scene unravels itself after the other.Apart from this, only the cast inclusion of veteran Cleese manages to liven up the proceedings somewhat for his, albeit brief, appearance as an evil tyrant, but it's just not enough in order to give the buoyancy to float this leaky ship.

funkydvd Like others have said, many people compare this movie to Monty python- which it is not. Others are disappointed for other reasons. I guess this is the result of expectations. Myself, I really appreciate all the interesting visuals- the mood is very well established. The casting is excellent! (gotta love Imogen!) My question would be, what's not to like about this movie? I mean, if you 'get' python-like humor, enjoy a fantasy adventure and so forth, then you've already seen countless worse movies. This movie is better than almost all others of either genre. It's an all time favorite of MINE. But, if watching goofy guys battle staged sea monsters and hunt for Valhalla isn't your thing, don't watch this! It's like nothing you've ever seen. It's special, and funny, and endearing in it's own weird way.Jacob