Review: The King

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Hail King Henry

When his father and brother die, the reluctant Hal (Timothee Chalamet) finds himself crowned the King of England and his pacifist ways tested. 

I had no idea this movie was even in the works until about a month ago. I liked the trailer, I thought Timothee's English accent sounded good and Joel Edgerton is always a pleasant surprise, but what really sold me was hearing about Robert Pattinson's bat shit crazy performance as a French prince. 

And ridiculous it is, so much so that Pattinson feels out of place. Like everyone else is taking this film seriously except him. But it works in its own strange way. It's levity for the heavy burden we watch Hal carry. 

Speaking of Hal, Timothee Chalamet is outstanding here. It's a shame the film isn't better. It feels like a mature progression to his career. He starts out without many cares and then when the crown is thrust upon them he adapts the best way he can. 

The King is about as basic as they come. We've seen this several times before but what sets it apart is Chalamet's performance. It's worth seeing if you're a fan of him.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: C+

Memorable Quote: "I am I. Who are you?" - Falstaff (Joel Edgerton)

Comments

  1. keith71_98November 13, 2019 at 12:09 PM

    I really liked how this movie went more towards character study than big sprawling epic. I found it to be a bit refreshing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 13, 2019 at 12:13 PM

      That's an excellent point. I enjoyed that about it too.

      Delete
  2. thevoid99November 13, 2019 at 5:47 PM

    I'm still interested in seeing this as it's an interpretation of the Falstaff story as it had been told in different versions with Orson Welles' Chimes at Midnight being the most notable rendition.

    I read about Punk's return to WWE but it's only because he's working for FOX Sports for this program. If he does make a serious return to the WWE, it's not to be good because the wrestling fans will see him as a sell-out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 14, 2019 at 6:28 AM

      That's what I was thinking about Punk as well. It would be weird as hell if he went back to WWE after everything, but I suppose plenty of wrestlers have done that as well.

      Delete
  3. s.November 14, 2019 at 6:55 AM

    The opinions about Chalamet are all over the place for this movie. I an already not a fan so this may push me over the edge lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 14, 2019 at 11:36 AM

      I think he's fantastic in it, and I wouldn't call myself a huge fan of his. I think he's reliable.

      Delete
  4. GeektellerNovember 14, 2019 at 7:00 AM

    I've been hearing mixed things about this, so I am reluctant to see it. On the one hand, I really like Edgerton, I think he is so talented. On the other hand, the reviews online are not that great, the trailer feels a bit boring, and I do have a lot of other things to watch and limited time. We'll see...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 14, 2019 at 11:35 AM

      I wouldn't have gone to see it if it was a theater release, but it was fine for a Netflix one.

      Delete
  5. BirgitNovember 14, 2019 at 11:28 AM

    I haven't heard about this film but Timothy seems to be a big star ready to burst forth. I w3ant to see this for pattinson's batshit crazy frenchman

    ReplyDelete
  6. JayNovember 15, 2019 at 12:50 PM

    I've heard some complain about his performance but I thought it was quite good, and versatile.

    ReplyDelete
  7. m.brownNovember 16, 2019 at 4:27 PM

    I will straight-up see anything that Edgerton's in, so I'm in for this, too (assuming I ever catch up).

    Oh, and batshit Pattinson? Yes, please.

    "crazy performance as a French prince" I read this line four times until I could finally convince myself that it didn't say Fresh prince. (yes, I'm a moron)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 17, 2019 at 10:31 PM

      Now I'm picturing Pattinson giving a Fresh Prince impression. Same level of weird.

      Delete

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