The timeless tale of King Arthur and the legend of Camelot are retold in this passionate period drama. Arthur is reluctant to hand the crown to Lancelot, and Guinevere is torn between her loyalty to her husband and her growing love for his rival. But Lancelot must balance his loyalty to the throne with the rewards of true love.
Bad acting, dumb dialogue, and confusing cinematography abound, creating one of the most shoddy Camelot stories to date.
– James Berardinelli,
ReelViews,
1 Jan 2000
rotten:
Pillaged of such mainstays as Merlin and Morgan le Fay-as well as magic, majesty and depth-'Camelot' has become 'Camelite.'
– Rita Kempley,
Washington Post,
1 Jan 2000
rotten:
The problem for him[Gere], and the film, comes when the non-physical acting begins.
– Kenneth Turan,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Feb 2001
fresh:
Aside from casting Richard Gere as Lancelot, First Knight marches out as an agreeably intelligent, mature and well-mounted telling of the legendary King Arthur story.
– Todd McCarthy,
Variety,
13 Feb 2001
fresh:
Whenever Zucker stops piling on battle scenes as if he were directing Braveheart, his film casts a romantic spell.