There's no rule against rock anthems from the 1970s in the soundtrack for a movie about a medieval jousting champion; but if you're going to attempt such jarring anachronisms; you'd better establish acceptable ground rules. Writer-director Brian Helgeland does precisely that in A Knight's Tale and pulls off this trick with such giddy aplomb that you can't help but play along. (Upon witnessing a crowd of peasants at a jousting match; singing and clapping to the beat of Queen's "We Will Rock You;" you're either going to love this movie or dismiss it altogether.) Other vintage rock hits will follow; but Helgeland--the Oscar?-winning cowriter of L.A. Confidential--handles this ploy with judicious goodwill; in what is an otherwise honest period piece about a peasant named William (Heath Ledger) who rises by grit and determination to the hallowed status of knighthood.

As if the soundtrack weren't audacious enough; Helgeland (recovering from the sour experience of his directorial debut; Payback) casts none other than Geoffrey Chaucer (wonderfully played by Paul Bettany) as William's cohort and match announcer; along with William's pals Roland (Mark Addy) and Wat (Alan Tudyk); and feisty blacksmith Kate (Laura Fraser). Of course there must be a fair maiden; and she is Jocelyn (newcomer Shannyn Sossamon); with whom William falls in love while battling the nefarious Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell) on the European jousting circuit. Add to this an inspiring father-son reunion; Ledger's undeniable charisma; a perfect supporting cast; and enough joyful energy to rejuvenate the film's formulaic plot; and A Knight's Tale becomes that most pleasant of movie surprises--an unlikely winner that rises up; like its hero; to exceed all expectations. --Jeff Shannon