Lionsgate is taking the sports world by storm with their brand new inspiring movie Arthur the King. When Michael Light signs up, for what could be, his final race, he goes on an adventure that not only includes his team, but also a stray dog that earns the name Arthur. Arthur the King is now available on Digital, DVD, and Blu-ray for the suggested retail price of $39.99.
Thanks to Lionsgate, I received a copy of the Blu-ray to write a review. Here is what I though
Warning: Spoiler below.
Inspired by a true story, Arthur the King is about man’s best friend and the bond that they share. Well, actually, it is a little bit more than that. Arthur the King features man’s best friend but it’s themes are about growth, perseverance, and lasting bonds. It’s an inspiring film that takes place during the 435-mile Adventure Racing World Series.
We meet Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg) as he attempts to win the race. He is unforgiving, rude, and will not listen to his team. This leads to a huge loss and the breakup of his original team. With one last shot to win this epic race, Light forms a new team and once again signs up for the Adventure Racing World Series. However, unless Light can make some changes to to his own character, this race could be doomed to be a repeat loss.
Along the way we meet an adorable stray dog that has never had a home and he is searching for somewhere to belong. We watch as this stray endures cruelty while hungry and cold. Director Simon Cellan Jones succeeded in pulling my heart strings. I was sad and angry for this little stray.
This unlikely duo meet when the team arrives to compete in this long race. In a chance meeting, Michael Light and Arthur quickly find a friend in each other. However, the true surprise is when Light finds that the dog is following them during the race. It’s said that dogs can tell when they have found their family, and Arthur must have seen that in Michael Light.
The story then proceeds to share their trials as they race through storms, dangerous waters, wilderness, and so much more. Light grows as a person, learning to listen to his team and to adapt to crazy situations. The team persevere along with Arthur as they fight to finish the race. Through each trial the bond between Light and Arthur grows leading to a fantastic man’s best friend story.
I think this is a great film about an underdog team finding their way into sporting history. It has action, depth, and, the most important character, a dog named Arthur. While much of this film left me on the edge of my seat, there are a couple things I would have loved to see more of.
- I would have loved to see more of Arthur in the beginning. For a movie named after the dog, I wanted more of Arthur. One can never have too much of an adorable dog on screen.
- I would have loved for there to be more to the story then just, “I want to win.” Granted a race is about winning, but I wanted more of an Iron Will feel. In Iron will, after the death of his dad, Will had to win the sled dog race in order for his family to keep their land. Arthur the King felt a little shallow and less inspiring. Don’t get me wrong, this is a fantastic movie for sports fans and dog lovers everywhere, I just wanted more.
All in all, Arthur the King is a great film the whole family can enjoy. Be ready for edge of your seat moments, tears, emotional rollercoasters, and more. I give this 5 stars.
More about Arthur the King
Now on Blu-ray and DVD!
CAST:
Mark Wahlberg (The Departed, The Fighter, Invincible)
Simu Liu (Barbie, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings)
Juliet Rylance (A Dog’s Purpose, Frances Ha, TV’s “Perry Mason”)
Nathalie Emmanuel (TV’s “Game of Thrones,” Fast X, Furious 7)
Ali Suliman
Paul Guilfoyle
SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Fandango at Home Exclusive Featurette – “Adventure Racing: On Set”
- Blu-ray™ + DVD Special Features:
- Audio Commentary with Director Simon Cellan Jones and Author Mikael Lindnord
- Audio Commentary with Producers Tucker Tooley and Tessa Tooley
- Audio Commentary with Producer Mark Canton and Executive Producer Dorothy Canton
- “Finding Arthur” featurette
- “A Love Letter to Arthur” featurette
- “A Dog’s Journey: Making Arthur the King” featurette
- Mark Wahlberg and Best Friends Animal Society
- Theatrical Trailer
