The Kid Who Would be King

This is a sleeper hit. I think it was poorly advertised in the USA, but it was a major success worldwide (being a British film, I'm not surprised that it did well abroad in its home country).

I talked to so many people after seeing this film and recommending it who said they had no interest. They said it looked "silly" or "dumb" to them.

Well let me tell you.
This one's a hit.

When young Alex discovers Excalibur, his life is forever changed. Morgana is awakened, ready to take over the world, and it's up to Alex and his friends to stop her. Merlin comes to Alex's aid...though sometimes his help is questionable at best.

How did this movie make me feel?
I felt all the good things you're supposed to feel in a movie like this. It's an action movie, a movie for kids, and an incredible story. I loved every minute of it.

The Positives:
​The acting - Each of the child actors were spot on, especially Alex (Louis Serkis - yes, as in Andy Serkis) and Merlin (Angus Imrie). I shouldn't be surprised by Alex, since his father is a legend in his own right, but dang does this kid have skill.

The whole point of acting is to make your audience believe you - your words, your emotions, your plight.  I believed everything that came out of Alex's mouth as he accepted the mantle he'd been given. Just as compelling was Merlin - a teenager on the outside with an old man on the inside. Imrie played Merlin to a T, convincing as both old man and boy, and quirky as all get out.

Though these two shone brightest, their accompanying troupe of young actors left nothing wanting (if Lancelot and Kay were a bit on the wooden side once or twice, it was forgiven).

The directing - I loved the scenery, the cinematography, and the CGI. Nothing felt fake, and the stakes remained high throughout the film.  Joe Cornish presented a world I wanted to be part of.

The story - King Arthur isn't just any old legend you can toss up on the screen. It's a British child's rite of passage. Everyone knows the story of King Arthurt - even in the States.  Taking on a new and fresh telling had to be compelling, intriguing, action-filled, fast-paced, exciting, and daring.

The Kid Who Would Be King hit all the marks. 

I loved being taken for a ride as Alex takes his noble character and broadens it, emboldening himself and his friends while making his enemies join his cause. I loved Alex. I rooted for him Bedivere as they strove to accomplish their task. It's a movie I will repeat watch with not a hint of guilt.

The Negatives:
It was over too quickly. There were some scenes that were surprisingly violent. In the UK I'm sure no one bats an eye, but in the USA, everyone spends so much time shielding their children from EVERYTHING that I think it might go too far for some parents.

The Rating:
4 solid feathers. Maybe even 4.5

Final Verdict:
Why are you still reading this? Go get your King on!