Summary of the Story
"Your Highness" is a 2017 American comedy-fantasy film directed by David Gordon Green and written by Danny McBride and Ben Best. The movie follows Prince Thadeous (McBride), a lazy and selfish prince who is forced to accompany his heroic brother, Prince Fabious (James Franco), on a quest to rescue Fabious' bride-to-be, Belladonna (Zooey Deschanel), who has been kidnapped by an evil wizard named Leezar (Justin Theroux).
Along the way, the two princes encounter a variety of obstacles and enemies, including a group of deadly sirens and a tribe of vicious warriors led by the beautiful Isabel (Natalie Portman). Thadeous and Isabel initially clash due to their vastly different personalities and approaches to life, but they eventually form a bond and work together to defeat Leezar and save Belladonna.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the comedic performances of the cast and the creative visuals, while others criticized the uneven tone and lack of cohesive plot. Despite the mixed reception, "Your Highness" has developed a cult following over the years and is considered a guilty pleasure for some viewers.
One of the main strengths of the movie is the chemistry between the cast, particularly McBride and Franco, who play off each other's comedic sensibilities perfectly. The addition of Portman to the mix adds a new dynamic to the story, with her character's no-nonsense attitude and fierce fighting skills providing a nice contrast to Thadeous' bumbling nature.
Another standout aspect of the film is the visual effects and production design. The movie's fantastical setting allows for a wide range of imaginative creatures and environments, from the aforementioned sirens to a giant minotaur and a psychedelic forest filled with deadly mushrooms. The practical effects, such as the puppetry used for some of the creatures, add a charmingly low-budget feel to the proceedings.
However, the film's plot can be somewhat disjointed at times, with certain scenes feeling like they belong in a different movie altogether. The pacing also drags in certain places, with some jokes feeling forced or repetitive. Additionally, the movie's reliance on crude humor and profanity may turn off some viewers who prefer more sophisticated comedy.
Overall, "Your Highness" is a flawed but entertaining comedy-fantasy film that delivers on its promise of lowbrow humor and imaginative visuals. The performances of the cast, particularly McBride, Franco, and Portman, elevate the material and make for an enjoyable viewing experience for fans of the genre.
