RATING:
PG-13 for intense battle sequences, a scene
of sensuality and some language (see note at bottom of the
review)
RELEASE:
July 7, 2004
TIME:
2 hrs., 10 min.
GENRE:
Action/Adventure and Drama
STARRING:
Clive Owen, Keira Knightley, Stephen Dillane,
Hugh Dancy, Ioan Gruffudd
DIRECTOR:
Antoine Fuqua
PRODUCERS:
Jerry Bruckheimer
DISTRIBUTOR:
Touchstone
Please Note
In providing movie reviews on our site, CBN.com is not endorsing or recommending films we review. Our goal is to provide Christians with information about the latest movies, both the good and the bad, so that our readers may make an informed decision as to whether or not films are appropriate for them and their families.
MOVIE
REVIEW
King Arthur
By Phil Boatwright
The Movie Reporter
CBN.com
- In 1967, Jack Warner brought "Camelot" to the screen,
refusing to pay those who created the roles on Broadway (Richard Burton,
Julie Andrews and Robert Goulet) their asking price. The film was
considered by many as botched with unconvincing performances by the
lead replacements (Richard Harris, Vanessa Redgrave and Franco Nero).
In 1995, Sean Connery, Julia Ormond and Richard Gere, each decked
out in matching shades of blue, brought the legend of King Arthur
and the Round Table back to the screen with far more success in "First
Knight." This majestic adventure was equal amounts epic action
and romantic love story. But the insight, romance and tragedy found
in the classic novel "The Once and Future King" has never
been fully realized on the motion picture screen.
The newest incarnation of Arthur and his men of the Round Table doesn't
even try. Set in a new time zone (the story is now set a century or
two before the traditional versions), it's less Camelot than Conan
the Barbarian. But if one can put aside the missing love triangle
that tragically led to the destruction of a dream of equality and
might for right, then this film can be enjoyed for what it is - a
superb actioneer.
Ironically, Clive Owen, who plays Arthur, is reminiscent of a passionate
Richard Burton in his prime. Good looking, with a broodish stare from
piercing eyes, Mr. Owen gives a commanding performance, masterfully
handling dialogue that ranges from silly to substantial.
Each actor gives a solid performance, the script is peppered with
speeches about freedom and nobility, and there is a definite dynamic
between Owen's Arthur and Keira Knightley's Guinevere (an engaging
and beautiful actress). What's more, the story includes an intelligent
debate concerning faith and belief in God. Arthur, a man of prayer,
petitions the Almighty for the safety of his men, while the unbelieving
Lancelot, takes a more humanistic view of life. But "King Arthur"
is really a summer action fest, falling in line with other action/adventures
already in theaters.
Set in a more brutal time, the film focuses on grungy soldiers (there's
a lot of dirty fingernails in this one), battling it out with those
defending a corrupted church in Rome (I feel sorry for members of
Catholic clergy. Do these poor souls ever get a complimentary treatment
from Tinseltown?).
There is one element I found down right ridiculous. In the climatic
combat, the ladies join in. Guinevere dons revealing animal skins,
paints her face like an Indian chief and wields a heavy sword, chopping
the foe to bits with the same zeal as her male counterparts. Now,
besides the less than realistic view of a woman her size lifting a
sword that would have weighed nearly as much as she, and being able
to do battle against Saxon warriors of the opposite sex, what's truly
hysterical is the sight of all the males -and horses - decked out
with intimidating armor, yet the womenfolk have stripped down to tight,
midriff-revealing leathers. Like I said, it's more Conan than King
Arthur.
An entertaining popcorn-muncher, "King Arthur" has several
well-choreographed battle scenes and enough action to satisfy the
14-year-old in every man. For those more inclined to the romance of
the tragic love tryst, allow me to suggest "First Knight."
Note: There are a few expletives, but I caught no harsh or
profane language; there are several crude sexual comments mainly from
one of the Knights, mostly in the beginning of the film, but these
warriors ultimately prove themselves to be men of substance, willing
to lay down their lives for a cause and for others; there is some
brief sexuality as we see Arthur and Guinevere consummate their passion;
this scene is brief and contains partial nudity; one scene has a bad
guy attempting to rape a woman, but he is stopped by his superior;
it is not graphic and there is no nudity; there is some Christian
bashing, but there are also some positive statements concerning faith,
given by the main character; mainly the film receives its rating for
the violence; there are several battle scenes, people are killed by
sword, arrow and other weapons of the time.
Phil Boatwright is the editor of The Movie Reporter. For more
information, visit www.moviereporter.com.
Review used by permission.
CBN IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting?
Are you facing a difficult situation?
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
|
|