The 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD

The 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: 

on KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD (2017, 126 minutes, PG-13)

The Quick of It -

Sitting down to watch this film was not a struggle.  I had high hopes but knew going in that there was a potential letdown coming…  Director Guy Ritchie’s style can be a hit-or-miss… and what was pointed out to me, this is a large-scale film, not his normal comfort zone.  And, we are retelling a ‘legend’ that has seen its fair share on the large and small screen.

And, it proved quickly that there may be some issues.  The lights go down and in the darkness, a stone tower fades into vision.  The scene is dark… ‘bleak’ a better descriptor.  At its top, an explosion… and we return to darkness.  And, there we sat… for… too… long.  I looked around, seeing if anyone was getting up to let the theatre peeps know something went wrong.

Then, finally… a faint, gray cloud of smoke starts to fill the center of the screen.  Wait…?  What…?  That was intended?  Then, a sprint of early storytelling was in full stride.  In full Guy Ritchie fashion, I think he outdid himself.  Just like Mr. Michael Bay has lately ‘out-Bayed’ himself.  The whole first 20 minutes or so would not let up.  It was like the film editor, who shall remain nameless, put the project in a wood chipper. 

That was my major hang-up with the film.  I love Guy Ritchie and respect his style.  Though, this one went a bit too far.  Outside that, the story was unique, which was needed in these days of remakes.  The dialogue was respectable, with the cast pulling their weight in a heavy-fantasy setting.  The costume design may have been a little too stylish for the lead characters but I still give it a pass.  What I did appreciate was the attention to druidic lore.  The critters were a great addition to the story. Another misstep was the use of CGI as the driving force for most of the action.  Again, too much Ritchie. 

One last gripe that has to be addressed, *** spoiler-ish below ***

Jude Law played Vortigern, Arthur’s uncle and powerful mage.  The core conflict was to stop Vortigern from building his tower, making him as strong as the previous powerhouse that threatened the land, Mordred.  But, every time Vortigern needed help, instead of using any great powers that was claimed, he would ‘enlist’ the help of three syrens. 

Despite this harsh article, I still believe this was still worth the watch.  It’s always good to see Ritchie at the helm, and Charlie Hunnam get work.  And Tom Wu… Hundred Eyes!!!

Grade: C