Review of King Arthur (2004) by Becca W — 17 Jul 2010

Perhaps KING ARTHUR's greatest weakness lays in its claim to historical accuracy. Certain elements such as the love triangle between Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere are almost laughable and the scriptwriting leaves something to be desired. The movie could have been significantly condensed and at points the audience really feels every second of its running time. It aims for epic, but remains a little out of range - causing the already thin ice of unreliable characters and cheesy dialogue to crack beneath its feet - as is often the fate of movies that take themselves too seriously.

However, if nothing else, watch this movie for its magnificent score. Hans Zimmer has once again orchestrated a masterpiece and the swelling melody itself nearly pulls this movie from a near certain doom. Despite being perhaps one of the best under used scores I have heard in a long time, it still manages to capture the passion and urgency that the acting and screenwriting fail to accomplish.

KING ARTHUR will in not be a movie you will rush out to buy, but despite its flaws, provides a mildly entertaining experience.