Movie Breakdown: The Kid Who Would Be King

Pre-Screening Stance:

It’s hard to believe that Attack The Block was put out way back in 2011.  Where’d all the time go?  More importantly, why hasn’t Joe Cornish directed anything since then?  Did it take all these years to get The Kid Who Would Be King made?  If yes, here’s hoping it’s worth the effort.

Post-Screening Ramble:

The Kid Who Would Be King is not Attack The Block, but I don’t mean that in a negative way.  Where Joe Cornish’s previous effort is more of a sci-fi/horror film that isn’t kid-friendly, his latest is a wholesome adventure that’s 100% meant for kids.  Nothing wrong with that.  Although, unless you’re under the age of 13 or you have kids of your own, then this is a movie I’d designate as a “your mileage may vary” kind of thing.  The dialogue and humor are not at all geared towards adults, the visuals aren’t exactly blockbuster quality and its two hour and twelve minute run time never really feels necessary.  Again though, the movie is for kids, and they’re just not going to care about these little hiccups.  Instead they’ll be completely caught up in what is a rather charming, very British tale that’s meant to make them believe that they can make the world a better place.

If you’ve got kids, then you should definitely take them to see The Kid Who Would Be King.  If you don’t, I actually still think it could be worth your time.  Yeah, you may not fully connect with the film, but its overwhelmingly positive message is easy to appreciate.  I also think you may dig the way it manages to breathe a little life into some tired lore.

One Last Thought:

I went into this film well aware that it featured Patrick Stewart as Merlin, but he’s got such a bizarro-Gandolf thing going on that I kept thinking it was actually Ian McKellen.  I choose to believe that Stewart did this on purpose since he and McKellen are such good buds in real life.

One Final Last Thought:

This movie features the cheapest-looking Excalibur of all-time.