Revisiting a Cinematic ‘Masterpiece’: ‘In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale’ Marks 18 Years Since Theatrical Release
It was on January 11, 2008, that theaters welcomed what some boldly call a cinematic masterpiece: In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale. Directed by the infamous Uwe Boll, this $60 million fantasy epic—loosely inspired by the video game Dungeon Siege—boasted a star-studded (if eclectic) cast led by action icon Jason Statham. Nearly two decades later, the film remains a polarizing artifact of Hollywood excess, video game adaptations gone awry, and unintentional comedy gold.
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The plot unfolds in the medieval kingdom of Ehb, where a simple farmer (Statham) lives a peaceful life until tragedy strikes. An army of brutish, animal-like warriors known as Krugs raids his village, killing his young son and kidnapping his wife, Solana (Claire Forlani). Driven by grief and vengeance, the Farmer sets out on a quest that leads him through epic battles, mystical encounters, and shocking revelations: he is the long-lost son and rightful heir to King Konreid (Burt Reynolds). Opposing him is the scheming wizard Gallian (Ray Liotta), who controls the Krugs and plots with the treacherous Duke Fallow (Matthew Lillard) to usurp the throne.
Supporting roles round out an unlikely ensemble, including John Rhys-Davies as the mage Merick, Ron Perlman as the loyal Norick, Leelee Sobieski as the apprentice Muriella, and even Kristanna Loken in a smaller part. Shot primarily in scenic British Columbia, the film aimed for grand-scale fantasy akin to The Lord of the Rings, complete with elaborate sword fights, magical spells, and large-scale warfare.
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Yet, for all its ambition, In the Name of the King became synonymous with failure. Critics savaged it upon release. The New York Times described the cast as looking “dazedly” like they were in an “amateur stage play,” while noting its awkward mix of bombastic action and unintended humor. With a Metacritic score of 15 (indicating “overwhelming dislike”) and a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer hovering at a dismal 4%, it earned widespread derision for wooden performances, laughable dialogue, shoddy production values, and clumsy pacing. Many labeled it one of the worst video game adaptations ever made—a crown Uwe Boll has worn proudly across his career with titles like House of the Dead and BloodRayne.
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Financially, the results were catastrophic. Despite its hefty $60 million budget—the largest of Boll’s career—the film grossed just $4.8 million domestically and around $13.1 million worldwide, making it a resounding box-office bomb. It failed to crack the top ten in its opening weekend, earning under $3 million.
Still, a cult following has emerged over the years. Defenders argue it’s “so bad it’s good”—a chaotic, liquor-fueled watch party essential. Jason Statham delivers his signature gruff heroism, Ray Liotta chews scenery as a Matrix-esque evil wizard, and Burt Reynolds’ regal presence adds surreal charm. The film’s earnest attempts at epic storytelling, combined with its myriad flaws, create a bizarre charm. As one fan put it: “If you have friends, spare time, and copious amounts of liquor, this movie is an absolute blast.”
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In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale Trailer
Uwe Boll, ever dedicated (and controversial), forged ahead with video game adaptations despite backlash. In the Name of the King stands as a testament to his unyielding style: ambitious, unapologetic, and often hilariously misguided.
Rated PG-13 for violent (yet mostly bloodless) battle scenes involving swords, arrows, fire, and even boomerangs, the 127-minute film remains available for streaming or rediscovery. Love it or loathe it, In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale endures—not as high art, but as a gloriously flawed relic of mid-2000s fantasy cinema.
