The Crusades

I watched this for Rudy Pankow but eventually was robbed of 90 minutes of my life. This movie is so badly written, the story line was an awful mess and the acting was unexpectedly poor if you compare it to Pankow's performance in Outer Banks!!! I cannot even look at him anymore without being reminded of his poor performance in this horrible movie. I wouldn't be surprise if this pick is going to kill his career. He should consider changing his management. When we were laughing, while watching it, we did it for all the wrong reasons. I am sorry, but the actors embarrassed themselves starring in this, so did screenwriters and the director (who supposedly graduated from Notre Dame?!). I cannot believe this was fit enough for release. More like a really bad Highschool production made by amateurs. I feel a bit sorry writing this because I recognize that there is always a lot of work involved, but the poor quality of the film genuinely upset me. Do yourselves a favor and give it a miss.

This is just a PSA not to waste your money on this. I was fooled into it by this supposed 8.8 rating which was more obviously stacked by people involved in the movie. The acting is so so bad, there is zero storyline, and it's a giant waste of an hour and forty minutes.

There's zero laughs and there's not a single character in the movie that is likable. They all come off as completely whiny and entitled. You're supposed to root for them but at the end you actually hope they all get their asses kicked. It's the worst high school hi jinx movie I've ever seen.

If I come across a movie with any of the main guys acting in it, I'll know to immediately pass on it. They were really that bad. And if the writer is involved in another movie, I'll know there's really no storyline.

I did not know what to expect of this film since I haven't seen any marketing. Stumbled across it and decided to give a watch and honestly was shocked ive never heard of it. Some really funny moments with a really solid young up and coming cast not to mention a couple veterans. This feels like a completely fresh take on the high school genre. Was not excepting the amount of violence in the film but really made it feel realistic. By the end of the movie there is a perfect balance of heart that makes you feel for these characters while still being ridiculous in the best way. Rarely have I been pleasantly surprised when clicking on a random film but The Crusades is definitely worth the watch!

The Crusades feels like a perfect adaptation of the quintessential 2000s teen comedy, updated for the 2020s. It is expertly acted with a break-out cast, and debut director and writer Leo Milano hit an absolute home run. Producer Brent Madison pulled together a terrific team and the film is beautifully shot by Dillon Schneider.

Nicholas Turturro stands out as the hilarious Coach Krieger, guiding Leo, Sean, and Nozak (Pankow, Everage, and Ashton) every step along the way. Leo Grecco is caught between a childhood crush on his teacher, Ms. Kerpial (Anna Maiche) and a girl from their fellow school, Ryan (Ashley Nicole Williams). Sean must decide between his friends and his girlfriend Jess (Indiana Massara). Jack Nozak is constantly trying to stay out of trouble with Dean Whitman (Greg Davis Jr.). What happens to the crew will keep everyone on the edge of their seat all throughout the film.

As I am on a mission to watch every movie from every main Outer Banks actor, here's one of the only films Rudy Pankow is in. The Crusades is something I was really surprised by! It's a fresh take on high school comedy with some decent acting from side characters and great acting from Rudy himself. The movies funny, enjoyable, and a good time. I understand the hate that this gets, but it doesn't mind me. I liked it and I would be happy if a sequel released that was a follow up after the school merger. Either way, The Crusades is worth a watch. Maybe you like it, and maybe you won't but it's streaming on Paramount+ and Showtime! Overall a 4/5 for me!