Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the fantasy-comedy Your Highness feels appropriately timed, as that may well be the prime age for viewers to truly appreciate a film that was largely dismissed by critics and struggled at the box office. Director David Gordon Green’s filmography in the 2000s—defined by indie staples like All the Real Girls and Undertow—bore the distinct stylistic fingerprints of Terrence Malick. However, his 2008 pivot to action-comedy with Pineapple Express changed the trajectory of his career, yielding his most successful commercial venture yet. It seemed logical, then, for Green to reunite with stars James Franco and Danny McBride for a nostalgic, cannabis-infused homage to 1980s fantasy tropes.
Despite its title, Your Highness is rarely concerned with its titular substance. This initial misdirection is a hallmark of the film, often leaving audiences perplexed—much like the critics who were vocal in their disdain for Green’s sophomore attempt at a major studio comedy. The film resists the urge to be a straightforward parody; instead of leaning into slapstick, it presents a functional fantasy world that just happens to be populated by characters filtered through the eccentric, irreverent sensibility of Danny McBride.
McBride stars as Thadeous, a shiftless, unremarkable prince living in the shadow of his brother, the valiant Fabious (Franco). When the wicked sorcerer Leezar (Justin Theroux) abducts Fabious’ bride-to-be, Princess Belladonna (Zooey Deschanel), the siblings embark on a perilous quest, eventually crossing paths with the formidable warrior Isabel (Natalie Portman). The narrative follows the classic hero’s journey, yet it is consistently undercut by McBride’s performance. Donning a shaky British accent, he constantly clashes the elevated, archaic vernacular of high fantasy with modern, profanity-laced musings that sound less like a king and more like a petulant middle-schooler.
Image: Universal PicturesWhile the film’s fantasy elements occasionally indulge in adolescent humor—such as a puppet wizard who barters magical secrets for illicit favors—the world-building is surprisingly inventive. A highlight includes an encounter where a villain manifests a multi-headed dragon using a bizarre alchemical substance; when a head is severed, a human performer suffers the consequences, a visceral touch that feels like a long-held passion project idea. Even the mechanical bird companion, a clear nod to Bubo the Owl from Clash of the Titans, is treated with a begrudging fondness that arguably surpasses its cinematic ancestor.
Rather than mocking 1980s classics like Krull or The Dark Crystal, Your Highness taps into the earnest teenage enthusiasm that made those films memorable. Thadeous acts as a surrogate for the disengaged viewer: he recognizes the “cool” factor of swords and heroics but lacks the discipline or character depth to participate. Green flips the script by forcing an immature protagonist to inhabit this mythic world, rather than simply spectating from the periphery.
This infectious, if uneven, energy bridges the gap to modern successes like Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Both films share a foundational respect for their source material, prioritizing a sense of adventure over pure mockery. While some gags fall flat, the sheer conviction of the filmmakers keeps the tone buoyant.
Image: Universal PicturesCritically, the film is not without its flaws. Franco’s portrayal of a heroic archetype is undermined by a lack of comedic chemistry with McBride, and Zooey Deschanel’s deadpan talents remain largely underutilized. Yet, the film thrives when Natalie Portman is on screen, clearly relishing her role as the sharp-tongued Isabel. Cinematographer Tim Orr deserves credit for elevating the visual palette, bringing the same lush, verdant textures found in Green’s more grounded indies. Ultimately, Your Highness remains a testament to David Gordon Green’s remarkably eclectic career—a filmmaker driven by a genuine joy for creation, regardless of whether the final product hits or misses.
Your Highness is currently available on Starz and can be rented via Amazon and Google Play.
Source: Polygon
