Film Review - The True Don Quixote (2019)

An acquired taste in classic literature reimagined and patients beyond belief is best required to endure this contemporary Louisiana set Don Quixote story with versatile Tim Blake Nelson, in the title role obviously giving it all he’s got.

A work of popular fiction since 1605, once voted the best book of all time in a survey of one-hundred of the world authors, the number of adaptations on film, television, radio plays and theatre are unmeasurable, however it remains challenging consumption no matter what era, or form of production.

Surprisingly faithful to the ancient prose, this modern retelling has reclusive, mild mannered bookworm Danny Kehoe (Tim Blake Nelson) losing his librarian job resulting in a freefall into a fantasy world revolving around his passion for history, is a showcase to the committed lead.

A massive devotion to books now taken away, descending into immediate madness, his lease of life in medieval fantasy goes full swing including homemade armour and weapons.

No denying an energetic blast of slapstick from Blake Nelson and companion Sansho Panza (Jacob Batalon), but this adventure is full of unbearable antics, remarkably unfunny confrontations, purely annoying verbal exchanges all alluding to an almost unwatchable noble quest grating on the brain.

Refreshing Ann Mahoney, as cousin Janelle, has noteworthy sweet moments of concern for her unstable Uncle of the verge of insanity but not enough to save this endurance test. Mulled wine in a goblet might assist. Unless you’re a Don Quixote extremist or learning obscure monologues for an audition, give this knight’s tale a miss.