Film Review: Justin And The Knights Of Valour

Justin And The Knights Of Valour is a stirring tale of derring-do set in an olde worlde kingdom steeped in myth and magic that was once ravaged by dragons.

A predominantly British voice cast adds lustre to the simplistic screenplay, co-written by Matthew Jacobs and Sicilia, including over-the-top comic turns from David Walliams as a demented wizard and Rupert Everett as a painfully vain evil henchman, who is a slave to sartorial daring.

The setting is reminiscent of the splendid 2010 animation How To Train Your Dragon but Sicilia’s picture lacks that film’s heart and soul.

A flame-throwing toothless crocodile is hurled merrily into the sweet and inoffensive mix as the narrative ambles at a gentle pace, building to the inevitable moment when fears are cast aside and gallantry struts forward to win the

day.

The eponymous hero is Justin (voiced by Freddie Highmore), a sweet-natured boy who dreams of becoming a valiant knight like his grandfather, Sir Roland.

However, the Queen (Olivia Williams) has banished knights from her kingdom, and has placed her trust instead in lawyers including Justin’s father Reginald (Alfred Molina), who wants him to abandon his dreams and pursue justice instead.