Going Medieval on Everyone's Respective Asses

For whatever reason, TV and Theaters are absolutely FLOODED with medieval-based series and films. Here's a handy list of the ones to keep on your radar, especially if you--like me--are a fan of knights, castles, and the like. Check it out:

Pillars of the Earth

• What you need to know: Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Kevin Follett, "Pillars" takes place in 12th-century England during a period known as The Anarchy. The story follows Tom Builder (Rufus Sewell), his adopted son Jack Jackson (Eddie Redmayne), and their ambitious plans to build a cathedral in the small town of Kingsbridge, overseen by the pious and determined Prior Philip (Matthew Macfadyen). However, a civil war challenges this project, as do the plans of the villainous Hamleigh family--thirsty to win power for their son William (David Oakes)--who team up with Waleran Bigod (Ian McShane), a morally bankrupt cleric, to stall the prosperity of Kingsbridge. 
• Why you should watch: This brief summary does not even begin to do justice to the intricate narrative woven by the original novel and this TV adaptation. It is truly amazing how much plot and character development gets crammed into this eight-episode miniseries. It tends to be a bit cerebral, but is a harrowing tale of determination nonetheless.
• Where to find it: The miniseries originally aired on Starz last summer. However, it is currently available in DVD and Blu-ray formats, as well as via digital rental or purchase through Amazon.

Camelot

• What you need to know: "Camelot" is an original take on the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The series follows a young Arthur (Jamie Cambell Bower) as he first learns that he is the rightful heir to the recently deceased King Uther. With the aid of Merlin (Joseph Fiennes) and his adoptive-brother Kay (Peter Mooney), Arthur seeks to reunite The Realm and avoid the grim visions of death and destruction that Merlin has foreseen. However, Arthur's cold half-sister Morgan (Eva Green) seeks the crown as well, and summons dark powers to aid in her quest to thwart Arthur's righteous plans.
• Why you should watch: This take on the classic legend seeks to unite the classic themes and characters with a more realistic take on it all, and for the most part it works. Sure, we still have familiar set-pieces like the sword in the stone and some forms of magic and sorcery, but everything has been refocused to satisfy both fans of fantasy and historical fiction. Check EW's article on the topic for some nice comparisons, as well as the image above of this show's bad-ass version of Merlin.
• Where to find it: "Camelot" airs of Starz on Friday nights at 10pm. The first two episodes aired this past Friday, and can be seen via Starz On Demand.

Game of Thrones

• What you need to know: Much like "Pillars," "Game of Thrones" is based on a popular novel of the same name; the first book in George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series. Unlike "Pillars," however, "Thrones" is complete fantasy fiction. "Thrones" follows the Stark, Lannister, and Baratheon families as they battle for control of the mythical land of Westeros. Plots and schemes turn to all-out-war, and amidst all of this turmoil, The Night's Watch fights to protect Wetseros and mankind from an ancient evil that suddenly awakens.
• Why you should watch: Well, really, it's hard to say right now, as this show has yet to air. But if the glowing early reviews are to be trusted, "Thrones" is set to please fans and newcomers alike. The Hollywood Reporter compares the show to "The Sopranos," while Wired calls it "the show of 2011." High praise for what aims to be an adult, gory medieval fantasy epic. I am not familiar with the source material, but am extremely excited.
• Where to find it: "Thrones" premieres April 17th on HBO, however a fifteen-minute preview of the show can be found via HBO On Demand.

Your Highness

• What you need to know: In a stoner-comedy take on some common medieval/fantasy tropes, "Your Highness" follows the valiant and perfect Fabious (James Franco) and his daft, slacker younger brother Thadeous (Danny McBride) as they embark on an epic journey to rescue Fabious' bride-to-be (Zooey Deschanel) from an evil sorcerer. With the help of a mysterious and dangerous female warrior (Natalie Portman), they fend off dragons, knights, and other medieval threats, and Thadeous is faced with an important decision: become a hero and save the day, or remain a slacker.
  
• Why you should watch: Well, not too many reviews for this film are out there yet, so it's hard to speak to its actual quality, and some of the promos make it look like it may pull some punches. But, in essence, it's "Pineapple Express" meets "The Princess Bride," with an ass-kicking, bikini-clad Natalie Portman to boot. How bad could that be, really?
• Where to find it: "Your Highness" hits theaters this Friday.

The Borgias (Honorable Mention): Because of it's Renaissance Italy setting, Showtime's new historical drama "The Borgias" doesn't quite qualify for this "medieval" list. But it is worth considering nonetheless. The show follows the story of Rodrigo Borgia (Jeremy Irons), aka Pope Alexander VI, one of the most controversial popes in history, considered by many to be the earliest example of a mafia family, and the original inspiration for the Corleone family from "The Godfather." The show should be of particular interest to anyone who's played the video game Assassin's Creed 2 or Brotherhood, as the setting and characters are largely the same. Two episodes have aired already and, to be honest, I found them to be a bit of a snooze-fest, though I am not ready to enter my final judgment on the matter just yet. Judge for yourselves on Sunday nights on Showtime.