The magnificent Danny McBride (HBO's Eastbound and Down) co-wrote and stars in this clever spoof that reveals the human frailties beneath all those sword 'n' sorcery clichés. It takes the point of view of the other brother — the disgruntled one with sinister facial hair who's not going to accede to the throne. Prince Thadeous (McBride), who'd rather carouse and smoke his hookah while his dashing brother Fabious (James Franco) leads a band of knights on glorious quests, is compelled to help rescue Fabious's bride from an evil wizard. Director David Gordon Green — one-time maker of sensitive indie films who, with Pineapple Express, proved an ace at R-rated comedy — conjures a brew of cheesy special effects and spotlights McBride's profane verbal smackdowns. And the performances are top notch, from Franco's big-hearted hero to Natalie Portman's grrrl warrior to Justin Theroux's monumentally foul, hilariously vain wizard.
