Review of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017) by Great_Oneal — 10 Jun 2017

Based off critic reviews compared to audience scores across this site (41 vs. audience 78), imDb(7.3 from 41,000 users) and Rotten Tomatoes(28% critic score vs.75% audience) it is clear that critics didn't even give this movie a chance. It's pathetic these days where a quality film can be so over-looked and clearly widely panned by critics. But, it is not their opinions or prolific write-ups that matter. It's what we as regular movie-goers think and feel and that is clearly evident based off the above scores.

Now on to the movie. There wasn't a thing that I didn't like about it.(my second viewing clearing up any issue I took after the first viewing).

Guy Ritchie's visual style and film making talent are on full display here and even more so with the Fantasy setting to my utter enjoyment. And what I love is he pulls it off here whether it's the subtle details in the background that can easily be missed the first time through or the more often in-your-face awesomeness from the outstanding visuals, camera work(interesting overhead shots and angles), great performances and interesting characters and unique pulse-pounding score.

If you hate Guy Ritchie movies, you will most likely not enjoy this movie. His common stylistic flourishes and storytelling tropes are in full use here but to great effect.

This is a different approach to the King Arthur we have seen in movies past. Missing is a love interest between Guinevere(actually this character was altogether left out) and Arthur or Lancelot(who was also left out) which I happily enjoyed. Instead, in their place, is King Arthur's strong connection and camaraderie with his friends and the women who looked after him when he was growing up. It was a nice change compared to the many movies that feel a love interest is needed. Also Merlin exists but only mentioned and in his place as "his guide" is a female character known only as "Mage". Those are not the only differences, but I will spare the rest so as not to spoil them.

I already mentioned the cool visuals but also the action is well choreographed and shot. The epic opening scene alone will attest to both.

The characters, which there are many, have enough character development(strangely some critics mention too little character development which was baffling) and stand out as unique and interesting with one even holding a past grudge that plays out so well and in an entertaining way I won't spoil it. Bottom line is that you CARE about them. Something so rarely achieved in some of these big blockbuster summer movies or in general.

Charlie Hunnam's performance as King Arthur was so enjoyable to watch! His character evolves and develops as he struggles with the weight of who he is and what he must do. The Villain portrayed by Jude Law does an excellent job as a jealous and power hungry brother to the King. And we see him also struggle with what he will do to accomplish that power to a disturbing degree. The last thing I'll mention, because I could go on and on, is the outstanding soundtrack or musical score performed by Daniel Pemberton that truly stands out and is one of the best that I have heard in a long time( Incorporating actual breathing in a couple tracks). The score overall enhanced the mood and took to the the next level every scene it was used in. "This isn't your usual Hollywood epic adventure, it's a Guy Ritchie Hollywood epic adventure," explained Pemberton. "That means usual rules don't apply. In fact no rules apply. All that matters is can you make a score that sounds like nothing else? That was the mission.".

This version of Guy Ritchie's Arthur is a truly enjoyable, engaging, awesome and entertaining experience. Isn't that why we go to the movies anyway? To be moved, inspired, scared or just plain entertained? I will say this about King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and all it's parts: Mission accomplished.