Sorry for the delay on this review as I've been busy with schoolwork and rebranding the site. In fact, I've just recently finished updating the blog for the time being if you'd like to scroll and click around. If you now go to the "Movie Reviews" tab on the right side, you'll see newly designed banners with the brand new Film Assessment logo and the corresponding grade for ALL the films I've reviewed (my earliest reviews don't have grades though). Click on any of those banner images or the blue text above them, and you'll be whisked away to that review.
In other news, this will be the first review in which I incorporate something new that I'll be including from now one. It's been recommended to me by some parents that I should mention somewhere how appropriate the respective film is for children, etc. The way I've chosen to address that is by adding supplemental information at the beginning of my reviews. I'll include a synopsis, the runtime, the MPAA rating (and why it's rated as such), and a sentence or two about who I feel should/could watch the film. I hope everyone appreciates these changes, but if you don't, you can always skip over that information and dive straight into the review! Also, let me know if you have any recommendations for other things you'd like me to incorporate into my reviews. I'll happily take your idea into consideration.
'The Kid Who Would Be King' Review
Synopsis: Old school magic meets the modern world when young Alex stumbles upon the mythical sword Excalibur. He soon unites his friend and enemies, and they become knights who join forces with the legendary wizard Merlin. Together, they must save mankind from the wicked enchantress Morgana and her army of supernatural warriors.
Runtime: 120 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG (for fantasy action violence, scary images, thematic elements including bullying, and language)
Who should see it? Appropriate for all ages, but young children may be scared by the undead army and Morgana.
Written and directed by Joe Cornish, The Kid Who Would Be King serves as the follow-up to Cornish's feature debut and cult classic Attack the Block. In his second feature, Cornish seeks to put his own spin on a familiar fantasy epic and modernize Arthurian legend for the Brexit generation. While audiences may have seen other modern interpretations of medieval mythology, The Kid Who Would Be King sets itself apart with a wholesome, imaginative approach. All the crucial components of the King Arthur story are present while Cornish also seizes his chance to playfully blend the contemporary setting with magic, medieval weaponry, and so much more! Much of the film's charm stems from Cornish's eccentric approach to visualizing magic. For example, in order for Merlin to conjure a spell, he must perform a series of elaborate hand gestures, claps, and snaps. It's quite silly but utterly hysterical to watch.
Underneath the wacky shenanigans, Cornish's script incorporates plenty of heart and worthwhile lessons for younger audience members though. At its core, The Kid Who Would Be King offers a mature message about facing the harsh truths of reality. The story's admittedly simplistic and often abides by the beat-for-beat hero's journey, but the dialogue demonstrates a self-awareness by referring to Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Star Wars as prime examples and inspirations. Fortunately, none of the by-the-books storytelling detracts from the film's spirited sense of adventure.
The visual effects can be a bit rough at times, but considering the feature's modest-budgeting, there's at least a consistency to the CGI which compensates for any short-comings. On the bright side, the action scenes are exciting and well-executed. Before I continue, other acknowledgments I'd like to make include praising Bill Pope's polished cinematography, the quaint costuming, personable production design, and a heroic score by Electric Wave Bureau.
Front and center, the young ensemble amassed by Cornish and his casting department quickly demonstrate their potential as promising up-and-comers. Louis Ashbourne Serkis, son of the motion-capture king Andy Serkis, depicts Alex as equally brave and insecure. Serkis walks the fine line of being a confident hero and an unsure leader when he rallies his knights, exhibiting impressive emotional vulnerability for his age. As Alex's mother, Denise Gough also does a fine job of lending him wisdom and emotional support. Meanwhile, the role of Merlin is shared between the relatively unknown Angus Imrie and veteran actor Patrick Stewart. Stewart only shows up for a few scenes, so Imrie takes ownership of the character's quirky sensibilities which helps sell the inherent silliness of everything. Rounding out the cast as Alex's charming compatriots are Dean Chaumoo, Rhianna Dorris, and Tom Taylor.
Lastly, Rebecca Ferguson is stuck in the one-dimensional role of the villainess Morgana. Due to minimal screen time and the enchantress' superficial motivations of world domination, Ferguson's Morgana isn't all that impressionable. She's creepy looking on account of the makeup and flurry of dead tree limbs surrounding her, but in actuality, Morgana's not all that menacing since she merely sends minions to do her bidding for the first two-thirds. Fleshing her role out with more compelling motivations and a personality would have greatly enhanced the overall narrative.
All in all, The Kid Who Would Be King reigns as a fitting family-friendly option which ought to be ruling the box office right now. Unfortunately, the film's fallen on its sword with a rough journey at the multiplex thus far. I'd advise giving the young ruler a hand by pledging fealty with a trip to the theater when you next get the chance.
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