King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

(2017)

Writer-director Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes) casts Charlie Hunnam (Pacific Rim) as King Arthur in this retelling of the classic medieval tale, tracing the prince's journey from the streets to the throne.... More

When his father is murdered, Vortigern (Jude Law), Arthur's uncle, seizes the crown. Robbed of his birthright and with no idea who he truly is, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the Excalibur from the stone, his life is turned upside down and he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy.Hide

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Flicks Review

There hasn’t been a decent King Arthur movie since John Boorman’s pretty but portentous Excalibur (1981). But now that swords, sorcery and SFX are bigger business than ever, thanks to GoT and LOTR, it was only a matter of time before someone tried to kickstart a new franchise with a visionary director. Step forward Warner Bros and Guy Ritchie with the first in what was at one point apparently conceived as, whisper it, a six-part series.... More

Legend of the Sword opens in epic battle mode, with 300ft attack elephants storming the castle of Arthur’s father Uther Pendragon (Eric Bana), and the villainous Vortigen (Jude Law) seizing power. Then, boom, we’re in a medieval Londinium-set caper movie which recasts Arthur (Charlie Hunnam) as another of Ritchie’s street-smart geezers on the make. With sped-up storytelling, multiple narrators and jokey nicknames all round, it’s familiar territory for the writer/director, even if purists will blanch at a super-buff King Arthur sassing his foes with sexist putdowns. There’s even a footballer cameo – although it’s David Beckham rather than Vinnie Jones this time.

The film’s final act is more traditional, and forgettable, with Arthur and his ragtag gang, including the always-reliable Dijmon Hounsou and Neil Maskell, the charismatic if underused Craig McGinlay, and the strikingly wooden Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, plotting to regain his rightful kingdom with the help of a certain sword.

With plenty of character, but no consistency, the film is so scattershot in its world-building that none of it convinces. Are we watching a fantastical epic? A jokey post-modern takedown? Ritchie can’t seem to decide and, in the constant rush to keep us watching, throws everything at the screen instead. The result is an unholy, if entertaining, mess.Hide
  • Geronimo This movie is a lot of fun. Guy Richie knows how to entertain.
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  • The Movie Goer Really enjoyed. Some fun conversation lines, good action
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The Peoples' Reviews

Average ratings from 8 ratings, 2 reviews
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King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

King Arthur with no Merlin in sight...

BY Alissa-Warren superstar

This was fun , it's not perfect but it has that style of shooting, dialogue,pace, action that Guy Ritchie is known for all wrapped up with King Arthur (before he was so) and those merry knights. Charlie Hunnam is de-lish, with that roguish charm that makes him a very welcome Arthur. A hefty dose of Action mixed with witty fast paced dialogue (that at least we can understand (yep i'm looking at you Pitt) Jude Law as resident evil dude who really is uncannily good at being rather bad, he should... More definitely play those roles more often. It does feel rushed and like they are missing some of the great parts of the legend but I was still very entertained for my money.Hide

  • Geronimo Right on
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A Trendy King Arthur

BY Daphne-Carvalho superstar

I'm not too familiar with the King Arthur storylines and no doubt many novels. I went into this without any expectations. It was a bit trendy hipster in the dialogue dept. The movie is a little disjointed and patchy from scene to scene or where the characters are concerned. There's a sort of odd lack of flow in many places. I wonder if Guy Ritchie set out to make a mega epic movie and ended up having to cut it down from 6 hours to something shorter. Perhaps Guy should have done a Peter... More Jackson and split it up into multiple movies. Outside of that, the scenery is beautiful, the sets magnificent, the special effects are plenty, especially in the fight scenes. If you go into it without expectations, and aren't some history or literary fanatic, it's reasonable entertainment.Hide

  • jenay kindov awsome and raw and more earthy than earlier versions and yet think needed a bit more female presence... Ritchie not big on romance?
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The Press Reviews

  • Time Out New York

    Put your fingers in your ears when the talking starts, and you might enjoy the view. Full Review

  • Guardians (UK)

    Ritchie’s film is at all times over the top, crashing around its digital landscapes in all manner of beserkness... Full Review

  • Empire (UK)

    Devolves into a jumbled affair, weighed down by confusing supernatural elements and a lazy reliance on visual effects. Full Review

  • Total Film (UK)

    This is a tonal misfire, its characters cut down by a blitzkrieg of whip pans, CGI and thunderous percussion. Full Review

  • Variety (USA)

    Just a loud, obnoxious parade of flashy set pieces, as one visually busy, belligerent action scene after another marches by, each making less sense than the last... Full Review

  • FilmInk (Australia)

    If you’re easily pleased by a bit of well-rendered CGI spectacle and cod-fantasy set dressing, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword will scratch that itch. Full Review

The Talk
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  • DAVID Just hope it's not like the earlier King Arthur movie
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  • jewelzz I cant wait to see Charlie Hunnam play this one out! Favourite actor of all time!
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  • Raul I love Guy Ritchie films. I expect this will be no different
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  • forestn'jenny Ditto :) Allie 1
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  • Allie 1 Oh yes Charlie Hunnam any day even covered in mud
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  • forestn'jenny I got Goosebumps !!
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