'Kingdom' can't stop box office slide. "Industry hopes that "Kingdom" would pull the business out of a lengthy slump were dashed: the box office has now endured 11 "down" weekends when compared with the year-ago periods. According to tracking firm Exhibitor Relations, this ties the longest losing streak, which ran from July to October in 2000." The Fox president is lying that he's delighted with meager 20 millions for this 'epic' film.

When I watched the film last night, I think Mr. Scott wanted to express something personal on a big screen that will cost, reported, 150 millions of dollars. So he had to compromise on his theme of reglious tolerance when America is moving toward theocracy by President Bush (Jr.) and provide epic battles that sadly mimicks another LOTR battle. Yeah, the CG got better, but what's else is new? There's no one to care for, and pretty boy Orlando Bloom only suffers minor scratch to his face in the heat of the battles. He tries to elevate himself to be a hero as the script dictates, but he just doesn't have the presence, like Russel Crowe in Gladiator. Masked leper king, uncredited Edward Nolton, got more character and presence than Orlando. He is supported by veteran actors, but they vanish when he needs them the most. I'm sadden that Eva Green didn't reveal any flesh to charm me, except to bat her eye lashes. No wonder Orlando turned her down. :-)

The marketing should've concentrated more of essemble of actors in the pictures instead of shouldering all on Orlando Bloom alone. But in the end, the film was murky as the theme got lost in the big stages battles, without making clear statement, and the characters didn't come across personally to affect us. Orlando Bloom's personal redemption got swept away like a sand castle as the picture screamed for more action and blood. Pity.

Maybe people thought they would be watching another LOTR set in a desert with Orlando Bloom and skipped for the DVDs. I believe they are wise to do so. At this rate, even Episode III will likely to disappoint as NO ONE I know is excited about the movie like the first two.

It was a clear example of how to juggle personal themes in the epic background in a film. As evident by this picture, even veteran director like Ridly Scott can have a trouble of balancing those two.