Movie Review - King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

Movie Review - King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

I would venture a guess and say that most people are familiar with the story of King Arthur. However, this movie focuses on the backstory, and how Arthur eventually became king, and it was much different (and much more fun!) than I thought it would be.

At the beginning of the film, Uther Pendragon (Eric Bana) is the king, but his evil brother, Vortigern (Jude Law), wants to take his place (Lion King vibes, anyone?). To do this, Vortigern has to make a blood sacrifice to the octopus-esque monster that lives underground; once he does this, he is granted extraordinary powers, and is able to kill his brother. His nephew Arthur, then a toddler, is able to escape, though, and we later see a montage of him being raised in the streets, and living in a brothel (eventually becoming the Arthur of 'present-day,' aka Charlie Hunnam).

Inevitably, all of the men in England are asked to try and pull the sword from the stone, since the tide is very low and the sword has recently become visible. This is also a way for Vortigern, now king, to try and find Arthur, since there is a prophecy that says that Arthur will usurp him and become king. Once Arthur pulls the sword from the stone, things escalate from there.

Although Hunnam does a great job here, I have to say that Jude Law actually stole the show - his character is so evil that he doesn't even mind killing family members to get what he wants. Eric Bana was also good in his role, mostly shown in flashbacks, and Djimon Hounsou (Guardians of the Galaxy) also has a supporting role. Astrid Berges-Frisbey (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides), too, was great as the Mage here, a sorceress who wants to see Arthur and his band of men succeed against his uncle.

Yes, definitely see this movie. It was very, very stylized, and totally not what I was expecting, but it makes for a very fun movie-going experience. The director of the film is Guy Ritchie, who directed The Man from U.N.C.L.E., among other films, and "stylish" is his M.O., it seems - many of his other films take this same direction. The end of the movie definitely leaves the film open for a sequel, too, and I'm hoping that Ritchie uses that option; I'd be up for another Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table installment.

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is in theaters today, May 12th, and is rated PG-13 with a runtime of 126 minutes. 4.5 stars out of 5.

Popular Posts

Review: Polar Pizza at Baskin-Robbins

Image
*Disclosure: I received a gift card to try the new Polar Pizza at Baskin-Robbins. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own. Baskin-Robbins launched its Polar Pizza last month (July), as I talked about in my recent post about them, and because this past month was crazy busy for me, I didn't get to try the Polar Pizza until this past Sunday. My parents and I went to the combined Dunkin' Donuts / Baskin-Robbins near them, in Novi, MI, to split one of the ice cream pizzas.
Read more

GIVEAWAY: Duel in the D, February 10 at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit {ends 1/10}

Image
*Disclosure: I have an ongoing media relationship with 313 Presents. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own. I had a great time at Duel in the D last year—I'm a UM alum, but I had only ever seen ONE hockey game in my life at that point, and this was the second one.  I'm looking forward to it again this year, and one of my lucky readers will win a 4-pack of tickets to experience it as well! About the game: The return of college hockey is headed to Little Caesars Arena with the annual “Duel in the D,” presented by Meijer, set for Saturday, February 10 at 8:30 p.m.  The fans of Hockeytown will be treated to one of the most intense and exciting rivalries in college hockey, as the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans men’s ice hockey teams will add another chapter in their storied rivalry and clash for the “Iron D” Trophy.  The “Duel in the D” matchup features the most-played rivalry in college hockey. The game will mark the 346th all-time meeting between...
Keep reading

Upcoming and GIVEAWAY: MJ the Musical, Oct. 23–Nov. 3, Fisher Theatre, Detroit {ends 7/8}

Image
*Disclosure: I have an ongoing media relationship with Broadway in Detroit. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own. MJ the Musical ("MJ") is coming to the Fisher Theatre this fall, and as a fan of Michael Jackson's music, I'm looking forward to it. Tickets go on sale July 12th at 10am.  Read more about the musical below, and also see how you can win two tickets  to opening night! About the show: Producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, John McClain and Broadway in Detroit are thrilled to announce that MJ will make its Detroit premiere at the Fisher Theatre October 23 – November 3.  Tickets go on sale Friday, July 12 and can be purchased online at BroadwayInDetroit.com at 10:00 a.m. or in person at the Fisher Theatre box office at noon. He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Detroit in MJ, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tou...
Keep reading