Rob Roy (1995, dir. Michael Canton-Jones)

Rob Roy (1995, dir. Michael Canton-Jones)

What Is It?: A fine actioner about a Scottish clan leader trying to do his people right and the evil fops that try to do him in.

What About It?: Rob Roy had the misfortune to follow Braveheart in 1995's Scottish-freedom-fighter twin bill, and with Mel's opus taking the gold, Roy flopped and was sadly ignored. It was a shame, too, because of the two, Rob Roy was more narratively satisfying and far less pompous. Liam Neeson has yet another viral, likable turn as the titular hero, wronged by the landed elites from the dreaded England. Jessica Lange plays his headstrong wife and the two of them have real chemistry. Which makes sense, as they are, each of them, easily among the most sensual actors of their generation.

Why Should I See It?: That aside, the trio of baddies are the real reason to see this flick and are played with verve by John Hurt, Brian Cox and, in an Oscar-nominated role, Tim Roth. The roles are all written exceedingly well by TV veteran Alan Sharp, and the three chew up each role for all that they're worth. That the rest of the story is a treat of a throwback to adventure pics of yore is gravy. Big fun, this one is.

What Else Is It Like?: Ivanhoe, Gladiator, El Cid.

When Is It Playing Until ON DEMAND?: 2/28/07

Watch It ON DEMAND On Comcast Cable.

-- ddt/pdx

What's New This Week (That's Worth Watching to One Degree or Another)?: Breaking Dawn, Guns of Navarone, Heaven's Gate, Raging Bull, Tommy, 20 Million Miles to Earth.