6/10
Were the producers too embarrassed for a theatrical release? (possible spoilers)
23 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
"Virgin Territory" stars Hayden Christensen and Mischa Barton (don't laugh), in a rowdy medieval tale in the vein of Monty Python (though not as witty), Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and the Princess Bride. Of course, it begins with Christensen speaking with a believable British accent, which I personally feel he should adopt for all of his movie roles. He sounds more comfortable and realistic than he does using Northern American English. His accent has bothered me for years but strangely he didn't mangle the British one.

Well, Virgin Territory surprised me. And I mean I am pleasantly surprised. The movie was filmed two or three years ago and was finally, very quietly released in March 2008 straight to DVD. Were the producers too embarrassed for a theatrical release? They needn't be. I've seen much much worse and for the record, Virgin Territory isn't horrible-bad, but intentionally bad since it's a parody and a sex comedy, its demographics clearly with teenage boys in mind. If any of these actors are Catholic they might be ex-communicated now, with all the sex with nuns, in twosomes and threesomes-- naked peeing cherubs and all.

Aside from the questionable Mischa Barton, Virgin Territory manages a reputable cast in Tim Roth, Matthew Rhys and a handful of other actors some of you may recognize.

I didn't think it was great, but think it deserved a little more than a straight to DVD release. Some obvious flaws? Mischa Barton's acting was absolutely abysmal. She had no chemistry with Hayden Christensen. The plot was aimless and probably should have been grosser. If you're going to do a dirty sex comedy, you need to bring it or the jokes fall flat.

Anyway, it wasn't an entire waste of time. I really wanted to know what was going to happen next. I would recommend it. Just for the giggles. It wasn't great. It wasn't completely horrible. You've seen worse, I'm sure of it. The costumes were nice, the director managed to make the period look real, despite an able Rupert Friend in cornrolls and bad guys in leather jackets designed by Roberto Cavalli.
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