Stone of Destiny (2008)

53% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
62% of users liked it
(1,588 ratings)

Prolific actor/director Charles Martin Smith takes the helm for this lighthearted adventure comedy recounting the theft of the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey. Based on the memoirs of Ian Hamilton, Stone of Destiny follows the determined student's reckless quest to make the ultimate symbolic… More Prolific actor/director Charles Martin Smith takes the helm for this lighthearted adventure comedy recounting the theft of the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey. Based on the memoirs of Ian Hamilton, Stone of Destiny follows the determined student's reckless quest to make the ultimate symbolic gesture for Scottish independence. Charlie Cox stars in a film featuring Robert Carlyle, Billy Boyd, Stephen McCole, and Kate Mara. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By: Charles Martin Smith
Written By: Charles Martin Smith
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 21, 2008 Wide
On DVD: Jun 30, 2009
Studio: Alliance Atlantis Motion Picture Distrib

Critic Reviews

Peter Howell, Toronto Star
Writer/director Charles Martin Smith brings energy and wit to this British-Canadian co-production.
Leslie Felperin, Variety
This unabashedly sentimental and outright anti-English pic is stodgy as a cheap haggis with nationalistic sentimentality.
James Adams, Globe and Mail
Smith, who also wrote the screenplay, is all brisk efficiency over the course of the movie's fat-free 96 minutes.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...unapologetically old-fashioned...
Jim Slotek, Jam! Movies
Braveheart it isn't, but it is fun.
Derek Adams, Time Out
Written and directed by an American, the film nevertheless feels closer to the 'British' spirit of the old Ealing comedies, something emphasised by its old-fashioned ambience and its charming evocation of the period.
Neil Smith, Film4
A woeful slice of sentimental whimsy that makes Braveheart look like a documentary.
Cosmo Landesman, Sunday Times (UK)
As a film, it's a touch too Hollywood, and full of too much patriotic Braveheart guff, but, on the whole, the American director and writer, Charles Martin Smith, has created an amiable and watchable heist movie.
Cath Clarke, Guardian [UK]
Writer/director Charles Martin Smith is American, which wouldn't matter if this didn't feel so much like a wee-dram-and-bagpipes invitation to a mythical Scotland of yesteryear.
Elliott Noble, Sky Movies
Those whose national football and cricket teams are led by an Italian and a South African respectively have little room to talk, but surely Scotland has enough homegrown filmmaking talent to stick it to we sassenachs without relying on the Yanks?
, Total Film
It's hard to conceive a more clichéd depiction of Scotland than the one Charles Martin Smith fashions in this corny Celtic caper.
Mark Adams, Daily Mirror [UK]
This modest Scottish caper film is based on real events but it is all a bit too limp to really engage, despite impressive performances from Cox and Mara.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
Based on a true story, this rousing caper adventure can't help but keep audiences engaged. It's an efficiently made, if not particularly inventive, old-style romp that works away at your cynicism until you find a lump in your throat.
Victor Olliver, Teletext
Scottish nationalists are not likely to be wowed by this tiresome retelling of the "theft" of the Stone of Destiny (or Scone) from Westminster Abbey in 1950.
Allan Hunter, Screen International
An old-fashioned, unashamed heartwarmer more likely to prove a crowd- pleaser than a critical favourite.

Read all 15 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

A fun, inspiring, and deeeelightful Scottish tale based on true events. The cast and characters are strong, scenery beautiful, and the score a perfect match. Just a fun, witty little film.
♥˩ƳИИ &

Cast: Charlie Cox, Kate Mara, Stephen McCole, Ciaran Kelly, Billy Boyd, Robert Carlyle, Peter Mullan, Brenda Fricker, Rab Affleck, Gillian Aitken, Janine Ballantyne, Ross Bennie Director: Charles Martin Smith Summary: Based on true events of 1950, this comic adventure follows… More
Cast: Charlie Cox, Kate Mara, Stephen McCole, Ciaran Kelly, Billy Boyd, Robert Carlyle, Peter Mullan, Brenda Fricker, Rab Affleck, Gillian Aitken, Janine Ballantyne, Ross Bennie Director: Charles Martin Smith Summary: Based on true events of 1950, this comic adventure follows Scottish nationalist Ian Hamilton (Charlie Cox) and three other young men as they make a daring raid on Westminster Abbey in an attempt to return the historic Stone of Scone to Scotland. Hamilton and his cohorts must outwit British authorities in their mission to right a centuries-old wrong and revive Scottish national pride. My Thoughts: "I really enjoyed this Scottish tale. I rooted for the character's and wanted them to succeed. It's so great what these students did for their people and their country. Inspiring. Great acting by all. The character's were believable which is important when playing an actual person. Just an all around good movie."
Ross C

Some lovely shots of my neighbourhood in Glasgow at the start of the movie, which were then confusingly reused as London scenes later on. Otherwise a very average movie.
Mark A

This film started slowly for me, but soon pulled me in with its sly wit and compelling feel-good story of a small group of Scottish college students who decided to attempt to bring a Scottish symbol of independence back home. Credit the performance of Kate Mara to turn this highly… More
This film started slowly for me, but soon pulled me in with its sly wit and compelling feel-good story of a small group of Scottish college students who decided to attempt to bring a Scottish symbol of independence back home. Credit the performance of Kate Mara to turn this highly predictable tale into something quite entertaining. This viewer was captivated by her wit and her knockout good looks. The scenery at times was breathtaking. One always wonders in a tale "based on actual events" how much is added for dramatic effect. In this case, whatever they added did not detract in any way from the message that sometimes a simple, bold plan can accomplish great things, whether or not it actually succeeds. Kate Mara definitely bears watching.
Dannielle A

A very funny and uplifting movie about five young people who plot to recapture the Stone of Destiny from the abbey in London in an attempt to ignite patriotism for Scotland. Some real sweet scenes and some that are laugh out loud.
Jason R

Based on the incredible true story of four Scottish youths who break-in to Westminster Abbey and reclaim an ancient relic for their country. The cast in great and the mixture of comedy and heist movies is very well balanced and makes for a unique film that is both heartwarming and… More
Based on the incredible true story of four Scottish youths who break-in to Westminster Abbey and reclaim an ancient relic for their country. The cast in great and the mixture of comedy and heist movies is very well balanced and makes for a unique film that is both heartwarming and very enjoyable.
Andrew P

Go into this movie not knowing what it is about. Thats what I did and I came out quite supprised. The story is such a fun caper style true story that I hadnt heard of until this movie. Besides all the in your face patriotism it is an enjoyable movie which keeps you watching.