Movies that take classic tales and put new spins on them can be great if handled correctly. If nothing else often times they serve as a catalyst to get younger people to learn about stories or history that they might not have bothered with otherwise. The latest, The Kid Who Would Be King puts a new twist on the King Arthur legend and stars Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Dean Chaumoo, Tom Taylor, Rhianna Dorris, Angus Imrie, Rebecca Ferguson and Patrick Stewart with Attack the Block director Joe Cornish at the helm. Could this be one of those surprising fun flicks that is worthy of a king or will it lose the throne?

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The Kid Who Would Be King follows Alex, who thinks he's just another nobody, until he stumbles upon the mythical Sword in the Stone, Excalibur. He must unite his friends and enemies and, together with the legendary wizard Merlin, take on the wicked enchantress Morgana to become the great leader he never dreamed he could be. The trailers for this film looked fun, but you just never know how it’s going to work. I was pleasantly surprised with this film that offers up a load of adventure and fun.

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They have crafted a film that offers up a good message using a classic tale that works great. The story is silly at times of course, but there is a dark tone to it all that makes it work. The young cast all do a great job and make for characters you actually enjoy seeing evolve in varying ways. There are a couple of aspects to the overall story with part of it being the struggles of school life and the other trying to come together to save the world. All of the elements are well balanced creating one of the better films like this in some time.

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I was surprised how dark and cool the creatures they used here were. The designs and effects offer up some cool characters that added a darkness to the otherwise light hearted adventure which makes it something special. I loved the take on Merlin that is duel played by Patrick Stewart and Angus Imrie. The way he does his magic is creative and great to watch. He offers up some laughs while never being silly and is the perfect bridge to both worlds. I really had a blast with this film and hope it is one that finds its legs sooner than later.  

 

In addition to the film this release includes bonus content including deleted scenes, music video and numerous featurettes that take you behind bringing this new take on the legend to life. Join the king for battle with The Kid Who Would Be King available now on 4K Ultra, Blu-ray and DVD from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.