KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD | Review

By Jose Jara

KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD
DESERVES TO REIGN IN BOX OFFICE, BUT WONT.”
BY: DANIEL GUZMAN

Guy Ritchie’s version of the mythical story of King Arthur is by far the best version ever made. This film had me enjoying every moment from start to finish. Everyone in the crowd was cheering, laughing, and even applauding by the end of the film. My friend who tagged along with me to see this movie said and I quote “I could sit through this movie all over right now if you let me.” The surprising thing is he hadn’t even seen a trailer to this film.

King Arthur has been plagued with the wrong release date and not enough promoting. The movie is expected to do poorly, thanks to its lack of exposure of its release and because of its galactic box office reigning competitor, Guardians of the Galaxy V.2, which has enough fan base to carry it on top for its second week out. I weighed in on King Arthur vs. Guardians 2 and I tell you now, King Arthur would topple Guardians 2 from its throne if it came down to the overall quality of the film. Guardian lacks quality and has been found wanting. No matter what, the scale this weekend will be tipped unjustly to Guardians 2.

Even though that might be the case this weekend, I thought to give credit where credit was well earned. Let me begin with Guy Ritchie. I have always enjoyed Ritchie’s film directing, yet in this film he pulls no punches and does what he does best. His fast moving story telling gives King Arthur a fun pace that works when time is of the essence, yet doesn’t take away from telling as much of the story as possible. The casting of Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy/Pacific Rim) as King Arthur couldn’t have been better. Charlie’s wit and physical size make him perfect as heir to this role. His action sequences are well carried out and leave you waiting for the next one. Jude Law as the villain of the story made this a match worth watching. Jude develops a character that you love to hate as a jealous king who would stop at nothing to protect his throne. All the other supporting characters are well utilized in their roles. Eric Bana, who plays King Arthur’s father, has a cameo that just reminded me how much of an impact a good actor can make even in a small role. Also, the musical score in this film was spot on in every scene in which it was utilized.

So, I urge you, go and enjoy an outing filled with magic, action, drama, knights and kings. For 126 minutes I was engulfed in a movie that took me to a world that I would be quick to go back to if Guy Ritchie recreates it as superbly as he did this time around. Now, that is a sequel worth your money. All hail King Arthur!