'The Kid Who Would Be King' is a fantasy adventure film that reimagines the legend of King Arthur in modern times, telling the story of an ordinary boy who unexpectedly becomes a hero. The film blends fun, action, and meaningful lessons seamlessly, making it one of the most memorable family films of 2019.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkis), a 12-year-old boy often bullied and feeling unremarkable, one day stumbles upon the sword Excalibur stuck in a stone at a construction site. When he pulls it out, the sword awakens magic, resurrecting the demon knights of Morgana (Rebecca Ferguson), an evil sorceress. Alex must team up with his best friend Bedders (Dean Chaumoo) and his rivals Lance (Tom Taylor) and Kay (Rhianna Dorris) to fight the dark army, guided by the wizard Merlin (Angus Imrie). Their mission is to stop Morgana from destroying the world. The film unfolds with fun and thrilling adventures, weaving in lessons about courage, friendship, and leadership.
Acting and Characters
The four young lead actors deliver outstanding performances. Louis Ashbourne Serkis as Alex portrays his fear and determination naturally, making the audience root for him despite a simple role. Dean Chaumoo as Bedders, the loyal friend, adds humor with his comedic lines. Tom Taylor and Rhianna Dorris as Lance and Kay convincingly evolve from antagonists to teammates. The standout is Angus Imrie, who plays Merlin in both his youthful, sharp-tongued form and his older version, portrayed by Sir Patrick Stewart, adding both humor and warmth to the story.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Director Joe Cornish, known for 'Attack the Block' and 'Ant-Man', presents a stylish family fantasy film. The storytelling is concise and not drawn out. Action scenes are fun and exciting but not overly violent. The visual effects, given the limited budget, are impressive, especially the battles with demon knights, which are cool and inventive. The cinematography captures the beauty of both urban and rural England. The score by Electric Wave Bureau enhances the emotions, from thrilling to heartwarming. Overall, the film is well-directed and enjoyable.
Editorial Analysis
The editorial team views 'The Kid Who Would Be King' as a great 'inspiration' for children. The film doesn't just tell an adventure story but also instills the value of true leadership: not just strength, but sacrifice and consideration for others. The protagonist, a bullied child, becomes a hero by choosing to do what is right—a powerful message. However, the plot is somewhat predictable, and the villain Morgana is underused, lacking menace. Overall, it's a warm, fun film suitable for family viewing, especially when kids need a relatable hero.
Verdict
In conclusion, 'The Kid Who Would Be King' is a fantasy adventure film that is both fun and heartwarming. It's perfect for children looking for a hero and families wanting to watch a movie together. Although the story is not complex, strong performances and embedded messages make it memorable.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Young lead actors perform well, especially Angus Imrie as Merlin
- +Content has good messages about friendship and courage, suitable for children
- +Action is fun and exciting, visuals are beautiful, not too violent
👎 Cons
- −Plot is quite straightforward and predictable
- −Villain Morgana has limited screen time, lacking menace
Top Cast
FAQ
The film adapts the legend of King Arthur, particularly the pulling of Excalibur from the stone and the gathering of the Knights of the Round Table.
The film is rated PG (parental guidance) due to fantasy battle scenes, but it's not violent. Suitable for children aged 8 and up, and the whole family.
Currently, no sequel has been announced. Although the film ends with a hint, it concludes satisfactorily on its own.
