Film - Horrible Histories

Horrible Histories takes a look back at history when the Romans ruled Britain and the Celts rebelled. There are many references to straight roads, buildings made out of stone and functioning plumbing as well as poisoning rulers and gladiators.

Much is made of the tiny rainy island that the young Emperor Nero hasn’t heard of. Then it was Britain without the ‘Great’ so very much in keeping with modern times. It’s where a soldier, Atti, is sent as punishment and where Generals do well enough to earn their right to be back home in Rome.

It is a history lesson of sorts although mostly events get distorted over time. The rebellion is led by Boudicca who in turn inspires another young woman, Orla, to join the fight at the Battle of Watling St. She has taken Atti prisoner to prove herself as a great warrior although they find they have much in common. He’s a bit of a geek with a thirst for knowledge and doesn’t want to fight anyone anyway.

I liked this girl power aspect of the film and it is fun and pacy however, I found the musical part unnecessary. Fine, have the sing-off style rap numbers, however, there’s no need to lip-sync. They don’t distract too much though and there are plenty of cameos popping up to keep this pacy.

I’d stay to end when the credits start rolling.

7/10