Arthur the King

Films based on true stories are typically fraught with incredible drama, insight on some interesting characters and all the while learning something by film's end. But with films that are based on an animal like "Arthur the King", it brings the interest quotient to a much higher level since no one can resist a movie about the integrity and loyalty of a dog.

Based on the incredible true story Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg), this film takes us on a thrilling ride as Michael and his team including Leo (Simu Liu), Olivia (Nathalie Emmanuel), and Chik (Ali Suliman), set out to win a 2018 triathlon that will go down in history. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Arthur, a lovable dog who becomes an integral part of their team. The tenaciousness of this dog more than outweighs the odds of what a dog would do to save these people and just to be there with and for them no matter how far they've gone or how treacherous this race becomes. 

Others to round out the cast are Paul Guilfoyle as Charlie Light, Juliet Rylance as Helen, Michael's wife, Rob Collins as Decker Swanson, Bear Grylls as himself, Elizabeth Chahin as Susan, Cece Valentina as Ruby the Light's daughter, Luis del Valle Dominican Republic veterinarian, and Michael Landes as Broadrail executive. 

This was directed with heart and soul by Simon Cellan Jones ("The Big One" (TV movie) '95, "In Your Dreams" (TV movie) '96, "Storm Damage" (TV movie) 2000, "Some Voices" 2000, "The One and Only" '02, "Eroica" (TV movie) '03, "Coup!" (TV movie) '06, "On Expenses" (TV movie) '10, "The Family Plan" '23) plus TV and other TV movies. This filmmaker has the innate ability to place his actors in situations that, do not allow the emotions used as sentimental, but also as maudlin as well. These characters come across as real and in situations that show their hurt and desperation in attempting to correct different situations. It was also written with guts and grit by Michael Brandt ("Invincible" (TV movie) '01, "2 Fast 2 Furious" '03, "Catch That Kid" '04, "3:10 to Yuma"'07, "Wanted" '08, "The Double" '11, "Overdrive" '17) plus TV and a video, based on the book by Mikael Lindnord. While this story was well thought out, concise, cohesive and its story was amazingly fluid, the premise is what made me marvel.This team and the dog went through hell and back on this trek, and this dog being incredibly loyal, simply staggered the brain. This was the quintessential 'stand up and cheer' film.

If you venture out to the multiplex to see this, bring a half box of tissue with you. This definitely tugs at the heartstrings but in a way that is realistic and heartwarming. Michael even mentions that he isn't a dog person and has never had pets in his life, but Arthur knows how to get on anyone's best side. This is a film for the whole family. There were people in the audience that actually cheered at film's end, and that speaks volumes for any movie.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                     Rated: PG-13                                      107mins.