The Kid Who Would Be King

We've all seen films about medieval castles, knights with dragons and swords back in the middle ages, but it's not common to see these elements brought into modern times, unless it may be a comedy. However, "The Kid Who Would Be King" being a drama, albeit light, but a drama, both areas of time are presented in a somewhat original way.

 

Old school magic meets the modern world in this epic adventure. Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) thinks he's just another nobody, until he stumbles upon the legendary, mythical sword in the stone, Excalibur. Now he must unite his friends, namely Bedders (Dean Chaumoo) and enemies, Lance (Tom Taylor) and Kaye (Rhianna Dorris) into a band of knights and, together with the legendary wizard Merlin (Patrick Stewart), take on the wicked enchantress Morgana (Rebecca Ferguson) and her hoards of supernatural warriors. With the future at stake, Alex must become the great leader he never dreamed he could be.

 

Others to round out the cast are Angus Imrie as Young Merlin, Denise Gough as Mary, Alex's mother, Noma Dumezweni as Mrs. Lee, Mark Bonnar as Mr. Jeffreys and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Mr. Kepler.

 

This was cleverly directed by a virtual newcomer to the director's chair, Joe Cornish ("Attack the Block" '11) plus TV. Being a writer and coming off of a ton of TV certainly has helped this filmmaker to be able to pace, stage and convey his need to his actors to enable them to emit the correct emotions that fit certain scenes. Assuming he will get more work helming films, he will only become more effective as time goes by. It was also written well by Cornish ("Attack the Block" '11, "The Adventures of Tintin" '11, "Ant-Man" '15) plus TV. Obviously he has more writing experience than directing, but I believe this filmmaker is as talented as he is because of the amount of TV experience he has. With the exception of a couple of small places of slowness which added to the fact that this could've been cut about 5 minutes shorter, this storyline was concise, tight and flowed well. The fact that he was able to combine medieval and modern times was the most fresh and original aspect about this script. If you like this filmmaker's brand of filmmaking, His "Snow Crash" TV movie, which he has written and directed has been announced. The visual effects predominantly created by Double Negative and Rodeo FX were seamless and definitely enhanced the plot.

 

If films about fighting villains is something that entertains you, this should fit the bill, especially since the villains are being fought in two entirely different eras. It's the quintessential popcorn flick, and in this day and age, this is why movies are made--to allow oneself to escape and go to a place and time with odd characters and enjoy a ride even if it is for only a two-hour running time.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                     Rated: PG                                   120mins.