Do Not Unleash "King Arthur: Excalibur Rising"

King Arthur: Excalibur Rising (2017)

Not Rated

Starring Adam Byard, Simon Armstrong

Written and Directed by Antony Smith

The Story:

2017 was the year for King Arthur adaptations. Unless you were looking for a good King Arthur adaptation. In which case, 2017 was a bad year for King Arthur adaptations.

This was super cheesy, low budget drivel that was nearly impossible to stick with through the first 15 minutes.

Merlin (Armstrong) was basically there to remind you that Ian McKellan is the only actor that can apparently portray grey bearded wizards in fantasy films.

I was sitting with my hand over the eject button when the movie shifted and the scene said "19 years later."

Then one of the characters addressed the other as "Sir xxxxx" and when he said that he hadn't heard that name in years, the reply was "yes, 19 years...."

Eject.

Sooooo bad.

Now you see why I couldn't just outright dismiss Legend of the Sword. That was a masterpiece compared to this trash.

Final Grade: F-

It's Watchable... "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword"

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

Rated PG-13

Starring Charlie Hunnam, Jude Law, Djimon Hounsou, Eric Bana, Aiden Gillen,

Directed by Guy Ritchie

The Story:

Arthur (Hunnan) is a bit of a rogue, but when fate finds him next to the blade Excalibur, it turns out he is also the long lost true heir to the throne. That doesn't please Vortigern (Law) in the least, and he attempts to kill Arthur and any who stand with him.

Well, this is certainly a different take on the legend of King Arthur.

Ritchie does his best to keep the story moving forward, and surrounds the film with a talented cast who keep your interest.

There are a few mystical aspects that just seem odd as the film unfolds, but it gives Arthur the reason to rise up and be a true hero.

As 2017 was filled with at least 2 versions of the story, if you're going to watch one, make it this one.

Personally, I'd say go find Disney's The Sword in the Stone instead, but maybe that's just bias.

Or maybe, it's just that much better than most incarnations that have come since.

Possibly both.

:)

Final Grade: C