Historical epics are a dime a dozen. Even on an independent budget, they litter the cinematic landscape. So, there needs to be something for one of these efforts to distinguish themselves with. In the case of Robert the Bruce, it’s an attempt to pick up where Braveheart left off. Other films like Outlaw King have tried a similar approach with the character, to varying degrees of success. Here, the result is a bit of a letdown, as the singular focus doesn’t serve the title character well. Now on Digital, it’s an option for those of you who dig these sorts of period pieces, but it’s unlikely to satisfy your craving. The results just aren’t really there for this project. The movie is a period piece/historical epic, centered on the title character, Robert the Bruce (Angus Macfadyen). Specifically, it covers the time after William Wallace’s victories depicted in Braveheart, making this a sequel of sorts. The year is 1306, where Robert the Bruce has crowned himself King of Scotland. However, England’s powerful armies defeat him again and again, leaving his own military in tatters. Sensing an utter humiliation, Scotland’s noble class abandons him their leader. After one such instance, Robert finds himself alone, wounded, and hunted. The end could well be near for him, as well as the cause of Scottish freedom. Then, hope emerges. While being hidden away in a small village, he’s nursed back to health by a young widow and her orphaned children. The family’s values lights his fire once again, leading to a showdown with his enemies. Richard Gray directs a screenplay Eric Belgau co-wrote with Macfadyen himself. Supporting players here include Patrick Fugit, Jared Harris, Anna Hutchinson, Emma Kenney, Zach McGowan, Kevin McNally, Daniel Portman, Melora Walters and more. John Garrett handles the cinematography, while the music is by Mel Elias. Angus Macfadyen clearly felt like this was a passion project. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really reflect in the overall execution. His performance is solid, but in no way exceptional. The script he co-wrote with Eric Belgau, which is by the numbers, doesn’t find a particularly interesting entry point into the nobleman-turned-outlaw’s life. It’s hard not to wonder exactly what Macfadyen saw in him. Richard Gray’s direction shields some of the budgetary limitations, though this is still clearly an indie. It really would need an awards worthy performance to overcome its mediocrity, and while dedicated, Macfadyen is […]