Joe Cornish has made a name for himself fairly recently working on movies just as bizarre as “The Kid Who Would Be King.” From writing “Ant-Man” and the 2011 “Tintin” film, to directing the sci-fi action comedy “Attack the Block,” each of his previous works have at least a little bit of charm and whimsy. Thankfully, that charm, whimsy, and a bit of action are on full display in “The Kid Who Would Be King.”
An update of the classic King Arthur story, “King” focuses on bringing the myth’s traits into the 21st century in some really clever ways. Cornish doesn’t sacrifice the magic inherent in the tale, in particular with the reinvention of Merlin the Wizard to the Knights of the Round Table.
It also helps that his cast are just as invested in the tale that they’re telling. Patrick Stewart (“X-Men,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation”) and Rebecca Ferguson (“The Greatest Showman,” “Mission Impossible: Fallout”) make up the major adult roles, but other than that, the film focuses on a pretty talented cast of child actors.
Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Tom Taylor, Angus Imrie, Dean Chaumoo and Rhianna Doris manage to impressively hold their own against the other more seasoned actors and the various CGI creatures. Imrie, in particular, plays the teen version of the wizard Merlin, and ends up as the film’s unquestionable standout.
It’s obvious the film can’t match the budget of Marvel and other Hollywood films in regard to its action-heavy sequences, but Cornish makes great choices with his crew manage to accomplish on their smaller scale. While most of the sequences go for CGI, there is still an impressive number of physical sets and practical effects, leading to a sense of realism that helps to engross audiences even further, in addition to the film’s ample energy.
“King” clearly isn’t a film trying to win an Oscar but it’s not an issue here. Rather, there’s a sense of warmth and energy present in every frame that can only be compared to the adventure films of the 80s such as “E.T.” and “The Goonies.”
It’s a movie that knows what it is and isn’t afraid to embrace its somewhat cheesy tone, its adventure story roots or its clichés. But it also knows just how to deliver the right gag to get a well-deserved laugh or the right line to earn a heartstring tug.
This, coupled with the themes of identity and finding a place in the world, further build upon the film’s strengths. It doesn’t shy away from how gloomy the world can sometimes feel as a kid, and how in today’s society, it can feel even worse. When Merlin makes the four heroes recite an oath of chivalry, it doesn’t feel forced; it feels pure and sincere.
“The Kid Who Would Be King” is a pleasant January surprise. Not a jaw-dropping must-see experience, but instead it ends up providing more than enough energy, charm and well-acted action to overcome its cliched nature. It’s not perfect, but it has wit and whimsy as sharp as Excalibur and just as polished. 4/5
