There’s no Camelot, no Excalibur. There is a table, and it’s round, but nobody really sits at it for too long. And nobody ever, ever bursts into song – though it might be sort of fun if they did, if only to break up the intensity of the battle scenes, and to brighten the literal and thematic sludge through which the film’s warriors valiantly slog. Supposedly, this is the story behind the legend – set in the Dark Ages, not the Middle Ages – with the half-Roman, half-British Arthur (Clive Owen) leading a seemingly outmatched band of Sarmatian knights, including his best friend, Lancelot (Ioan Gruffudd), against the invading Saxons. Although he’s torn ethnically and struggles to maintain his religious faith in the face of cynicism and hypocrisy, Arthur somehow finds time to get it on with Guinevere (Keira Knightley). Despite its pretenses otherwise, this is still a Jerry Bruckheimer movie: a summer blockbuster, full of cliches and sexed-up details. Rated: PG-13 for intense battle sequences, a scene of sensuality and some language. Rating: 2 1/2 out of 4 stars.

– Christy Lemire, AP Entertainment Writer
‘Sleepover’

A movie made by adults about 14-year-old girls and seemingly aimed at 8-year-olds. Alexa Vega and Mika Boorem star as members of the uncool set, competing in an all-night scavenger hunt against popular rivals, with the winners claiming the prize lunch spot when they start high school in fall. For a family-rated movie, “Sleepover” incorporates sexually charged hijinks that will give pause to some parents. A 14-year-old getting hit on in a bar by one of her teachers? Rated: PG for thematic elements involving teen dating, some sensuality and language. Rating: 1 1/2 out of 4 stars. – David Germain, AP Movie Writer



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