This Bird Don’t Fly

Ladyhawke (1985) – A beautiful young woman and a valiant soldier fall in love against the wishes of a powerful bishop, who places a curse on them. One that will keep them from ever being with one another again. But a young pickpocket facing execution might be the factor that can lift the curse and reunite them.

Directed by Richard Donner

Starring – Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Leo McKern, John Wood

Why I Liked It – Hmmm…

This movie had everything going for it. Good director, fine cast, beautiful scenery, and a solid concept. Star-crossed lovers separated by an evil person in power. No problems there. It’s a fantasy, sword and sorcery kind of setting, which works fabulously well for this kind of story. With all that going for it, how did it turn out to be such a poor movie? I know the movie’s fans will take exception to this. It has a following, but it just doesn’t come together for me.

First off, the cast. I enjoy Matthew Broderick’s work. A lot. This movie came right as his career took off between “War Games” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”. Like those characters, “Mouse” is a smooth, slightly amoral charmer. The problem for me is that he never feels quite “right” in the movie. He’s too much a 1980s persona that doesn’t match the swords and beautiful ladies of the movie. Plus, he really doesn’t make the fight scene work early in the movie. He does well with the clever quips he’s given, but again the sound too “modern” to my ear. Rutger Hauer feels really stiff here. He never charms me into buying him as the tragic hero who gives all for his love. He’s just grumpy till the end when he decides that a virtual suicide mission is his only choice. Michelle Pfeiffer isn’t given much to do other than be beautiful. And that’s easy for her. It felt like there was some relationship energy between Isabeau and Mouse that doesn’t get developed. Her playing the “big sister” to Broderick’s “lost boy” seems like a lost opportunity to me. Leo McKern is fine as the derelict monk (who causes most of the trouble) who now seeks redemption.

Which brings us to the script. Overall, it creaks a bit for me. It never achieves the tempo of “The Princess Bride”, if being funny is the intent. At the same time, it never achieves the gravitas of a serious sword and sorcery fantasy movie. The movie never delivers that distinctive twist that would make it stand out from the rest of the genre.

What does that leave? Mostly unrealized ideas that could have taken this movie to the next level. All the assets needed were on hand, but it never melds. And that’s really too bad.

Rating – ** Not Impressed

This trailer is laughable. It bears no resemblance to what actually happens in the movie. It also shows the movie was seen as a star vehicle for Broderick.