NOW IN THEATERS! Time to pack up the family for a feel-good dog story for the kids and a solid sports drama for the adults in Simon Cellan Jones’ feature film, Arthur the King. Mark Wahlberg plays adventure racer Mikael Lindnord, who has placed second year after year after year at the Adventure Racer World Championship. His problem is he is so driven to break his second-place losing streak that he refuses to listen to his teammates, including his wife, Helena (Juliet Rylance), and friend, Leo (Simu Liu).
Several years later, Mikael is a failed real estate agent and still regrets never winning the big race. A bug of victory is itching, and he convinces Helena that he has one final race within him on the 430-mile race in the Dominican Republic. In no time, he secures some meager financing and pulls together a team consisting of rookie racer Olivia (Nathalie Emmanuel), Chik (Ali Suliman), and a reluctant Leo.
At the start of the race, the team falls behind, but thanks to Chik, their navigator, he is able to bring the team to the top three thanks to clever shortcuts. But these shortcuts are full of calamity. Along the way, they pick up a stray dog, who, after being fed a meatball by Mikael, follows the team everywhere they go. They name the dog Arthur the King, and when Arthur saves Leo’s life, he becomes an honorary member of the team. Will Arthur become a valuable member of the team? Can Mikael learn to trust his teammates and operate as a team? Can Mikael win his first and final adventure race?
Mark Wahlberg as Michael in Arthur The King. Photo Credit: Carlos Rodriguez
“…so driven to break his second-place losing streak that he refuses to listen to his teammates…”
As I mentioned at the top, Arthur the King is a very solid family film. It’s got that sports element that feels real and is loaded with danger. At the heart of this team is the conflict between Mikael and Leo. The two are at odds because Mikael is so obsessed with winning that he becomes blind to each dangerous path they follow and pushes his team beyond their physical and mental capabilities.
Then there’s the cute dog. Arthur steals the movie, though he appears in only half of it. This guy is well-trained, and his actions feel genuine and authentic for a dog. Kids will absolutely adore this little guy. Even the tiny movements, like putting his paw on Mikael’s hand, just ooze with emotion. At the same time, every time Mark Wahlberg speaks to the dog, I can’t help but think of the SNL sketch, Mark Wahlberg Talks to Animals featuring Andy Samberg.
Arthur the King is also a gorgeous film to behold. I’ve had the privilege of reviewing several shots in the Dominican Republic, and the rainforest setting is a wonder to behold. The action sequences are choreographed perfectly, and the camera work of the zip line sequence is incredible as I’m left wondering if there were even stuntmen involved.
Get ready for a heart-pumping experience with Arthur the King—a sports drama that will leave you cheering for more. Watch as Arthur and his teammates defy death and overcome incredible odds in this thrilling movie. It’s the perfect family outing—so pack up the kids and head to the theater for a truly unforgettable adventure!