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Just as Netflix gave the series a great kick in Season 3, it has now cut it down with a vengeance. I would have liked a better fate for Uthred, but this battle seemed a bit of a lost cause from the start. Cramming the themes of 3 books into one less than two-hour film doesn't bode well and despite a few decent shortcuts, it shows at every turn. Like the first episode of the entire series (and one of the weakest), Uthred possesses a teleport that causes locations and emotions to change at the snap of a finger. So we say goodbye to some old heroes in a hurry, while others just manage to tell you: “I’m Anlaf, I will be bad“, which is not very dignified for the culmination of a multi-year saga. Uthred's "banishment" in particular is a complete mockery. As a fan, the only thing I appreciate is the Valhalla passage. For that alone, and for the passable final battle, I give this epilogue a final pardon. (16.04.2023)

Right from the start, the opening music felt like a blow to the head, setting the tone for what would become a series of disappointments. Once again, Netflix stuck to its formula, introducing a gay character that made my eyes roll harder than a medieval cartwheel. The plot stumbled through logical gaps, Albion felt strangely condensed (or maybe someone was using teleportation?), and key characters seemed to vanish into thin air. The fourth and fifth seasons pale in comparison to the series' former glory, and this one feels like the final nail in the coffin. / Lesson learned: Don't expect miracles, brace yourself for disappointment. (29.04.2024)

Netflix made fans happy. After the best Viking-themed series ended, they decided to make a farewell movie and I believe all Uthred fans enjoyed it. Last Kingdom is a heartwarming film, a very enjoyable reunion with old friends. I also liked the many interesting new faces that spiced up the film decently, to the point where I thought a 6th season could easily play out with these characters. It feels very rushed at times, things that would take five episodes in the series had to be crammed into two hours here, but at least the pace is insanely fast and things move forward very quickly. Plot-wise, it's rather repetitive, but I didn't mind it. The depiction of the period is believable, the visuals are great, the characters are fun to root for, and the final battle is very good. There's also no shortage of tension and emotion, so thankfully the film has similar qualities to the series; it certainly doesn't put it to shame, on the contrary it complements it perfectly. It's hard to say whether it will appeal to people not familiar with the series, but it's made in such a way that the normal viewer won't be lost. (15.04.2023)

As a TV show with five seasons, The Last Kingdom is AMAZING!... but as a movie, unfortunately, it's pretty bad. They failed to stuff everything they needed into a 1.5hrs long movie, and it feels very rushed. Additionally, it keeps repeating the same moments we've seen already a hundred times before (oaths to the king, lies, ambushes, the death of a parent, one battle, two battles), and of course, the obligatory LGBTQ+ representation that Netflix never seems to miss. It's just not good, and I only give it one star because of the somewhat decent ending and because of Finan. And please, let Uhtred rest, he has served his purpose! (19.04.2023)