An ex-Special Forces soldier gets thrown back to medieval times to fulfill an ancient prophecy and ends up finding redemption for his own battlefield experiences.
An ex-Special Forces soldier gets thrown back to medieval times to fulfill an ancient prophecy and ends up finding redemption for his own battlefield experiences.
“In the Name of the King: Two Worlds” throws a modern-day soldier, played by Dolph Lundgren, into a medieval realm to battle evil and find redemption. While the premise holds potential, the execution fumbles, leaving viewers with a confused and underwhelming experience.
**Where Time Travel Goes Wrong:**
The film’s central weakness lies in its narrative. The plot feels rushed and underdeveloped, with convenient plot devices shoehorned in to move the story forward. The time travel aspect, instead of adding intrigue, creates inconsistencies and raises unanswered questions. The medieval world itself feels generic and lacks the depth or detail to be truly immersive.
**Lundgren’s Stoic Presence:**
Dolph Lundgren delivers a stoic performance, fitting his military background. However, the character lacks depth and development, making it hard to connect or root for him. The supporting cast fares no better, with generic archetypes replacing well-rounded characters.
**Action that Falls Flat:**
The action sequences, which should be a highlight in a film like this, fall flat. The choreography feels clunky and uninspired, while the CGI, particularly for fantastical creatures, is dated and distracting.
**Redemption Lost in Translation:**
The film attempts to explore themes of redemption and the psychological impact of war, but these elements are underdeveloped and overshadowed by the muddled plot and lackluster execution.
**A Score of Missed Opportunity:**
With a more focused story, fleshed-out characters, and better production value, “In the Name of the King: Two Worlds” could have been a fun, escapist adventure. Unfortunately, the film stumbles on its own ambition, leaving viewers with a disjointed and forgettable experience.
**Score: 2 out of 5**
This is not a terrible movie, but it’s certainly not a good one either. If you’re looking for a mindless action flick with Dolph Lundgren, you might find some enjoyment here. However, if you’re expecting a well-crafted fantasy adventure, you’re better off looking elsewhere.