King Arthur

Hans Zimmer has already elevated many good films to unforgettable and many mediocre ones to decent. And no movie can be as grateful to him as King Arthur, which without his brilliant musical accompaniment would have remained just a story trimmed of magic with a historical subplot. Instead, it has become a decent historical spectacle, in which Clive Owen clearly dominates the acting, with his Arthur being a dignified and courageous leader even in civilian form. 70% - a bit shaky, but otherwise quite positive. (10/04/2007)

Despite the reputation that precedes this film, it is certainly not an epoch disaster. True, the screenwriter is bad. He didn't realize that if he put the film's introduction on the "according to the latest archaeological findings" plane and then provided the plot with cheap fantasy props, the result would be dubious to say the least. Likewise, he should have realized that the actual dismantling of the mythical system would not be enough if he did not replace it with a different one. It wasn’t replaced. King Arthur is a film about nothing, it's a journey from nowhere to nowhere. There's no legendary tension between the characters, or rich fabrication. All that remains is an epic journey around Albion and a majestic rambling before battles. Fortunately, director Fuqua got his hands on a high-quality acting ensemble headed by the really great Clive Owen, who is not stopped by the fact that his Arthur is basically total psychological nonsense, a hero so impulsive and eclectic that at times he seems ridiculous. But thanks to the presentation, also charismatic. As well as the performance of the other knights of the round table. The film is even exciting in places, unfortunately mostly just when the viewer realizes that this is IT, that it will not go any further, that the plot will not develop anywhere. End. It's a great shame, because the characters had the potential, they just needed story. This bare, wide plain can't be more captivating than the fateful fantasy epic Excalibur. I'm sorry, the real history game really isn't convincing. (22/09/2005)

An interesting idea to approach the legend of Arthur, trying to imagine how it might have been in reality. Unfortunately, the screenplay is the greatest weakness of the movie, which could have been saved by the director, if he weren’t the second weakest link here. A movie that isn’t fundamentally bad, just dime-a-dozen in all respects. The only significant plus point here is Zimmer’s music, despite being adapted from things he wrote before this, but still it works well in this movie. (01/02/2005)

Placing the Arthurian legend into a "historical" framework is simply ridiculous, and not even Keira with her small breasts can help it. This is an incredibly boring movie that only shows how Hollywood tries to turn anything into a modern action. There is also an attempt to add depth, but it fits about as well as a soccer ball in a golf hole. (31/03/2015)

Children playing in a sandbox and I’m glad to join them. Because there is always something smoking spectacularly and Zimmer’s music is more heroic than in The Rock. And because the kids include Keira Knightley and Clive Owen, who are a joy watch even if they are reciting Shakespeare while wearing clown noses. King Arthur is the most endearing bad movie in at least a year. I highly recommend the Director’s Cut, which is significantly bloodier. (08/08/2004)