Positive attributes: Story is the backbone of every movie ever made. If it's loose or incomplete, the whole movie usually falls apart. Luckily, this movie's story is good enough to keep it on its feet. After years of mandatory service to Rome, Arthur and his knights are just one mission away from the sweet, sweet freedom they've craved all their lives.
Good acting for the most part. Clive Owen delivers a realistic performance as the legendary King Arthur, portraying him as a loyal and level-headed Roman commander. Ioan Gruffudd also does a great job of Lancelot, Arthur's loyal but very different friend. Merlin has been completely stripped of his magical powers and given a much grittier feel as the leader of the Woads, the warlike rebellion against Rome's occupation of Britain. The award for best acting, though, should definitely go to Stellan Skarsgård, who gives a rough and scary portrayal of Cerdic, the ruthless, bloodthirsty leader of the Saxons. The battle action isn't anything you've never seen before. It's bloody, brutal, realistic, blah blah blah... Hans Zimmer shines (in moments) as the movie's composer, eliciting a powerful score to wrap the rest of the movie in.
Negative attributes: If over and underacting annoys you as much as it does me, then wear a mouth guard, for you'll be grinding your teeth quite a bit. Overacting seems to be popular amongst (mostly) the secondary actors in this film, for whatever reason. Unfortunately, Keira Knightly (who plays Guinevere) only provides more evidence to my suspicion that she can't actually act by her displaying some more of her acting abilities in this film (or lack thereof).
Also, if you're an avid hater of clichés (as I very much am), be prepared to catch a net-full. In fact, there are so many in this movie that they become downright tiresome almost right away.
Another minor complaint I have with this movie is that it didn't draw out the love triangle between Guinevere, Arthur, and Lancelot as much as I would've liked.
Conclusion: Overall, King Arthur is an OK movie, certainly worth seeing. For me, what is most disappointing is that Antoine Fuqua, the acclaimed director of Training Day, took over this after Michael Bay (who I don't especially like) dropped out, and I can't really imagine what Bay might've done differently (with the exception of maybe subtracting some from the story and tossing in a few more special effects). As long as you aren't expect Shakespeare when inserting the disc into your DVD player, you'll at least be entertained.
Good acting for the most part. Clive Owen delivers a realistic performance as the legendary King Arthur, portraying him as a loyal and level-headed Roman commander. Ioan Gruffudd also does a great job of Lancelot, Arthur's loyal but very different friend. Merlin has been completely stripped of his magical powers and given a much grittier feel as the leader of the Woads, the warlike rebellion against Rome's occupation of Britain. The award for best acting, though, should definitely go to Stellan Skarsgård, who gives a rough and scary portrayal of Cerdic, the ruthless, bloodthirsty leader of the Saxons. The battle action isn't anything you've never seen before. It's bloody, brutal, realistic, blah blah blah... Hans Zimmer shines (in moments) as the movie's composer, eliciting a powerful score to wrap the rest of the movie in.
Negative attributes: If over and underacting annoys you as much as it does me, then wear a mouth guard, for you'll be grinding your teeth quite a bit. Overacting seems to be popular amongst (mostly) the secondary actors in this film, for whatever reason. Unfortunately, Keira Knightly (who plays Guinevere) only provides more evidence to my suspicion that she can't actually act by her displaying some more of her acting abilities in this film (or lack thereof).
Also, if you're an avid hater of clichés (as I very much am), be prepared to catch a net-full. In fact, there are so many in this movie that they become downright tiresome almost right away.
Another minor complaint I have with this movie is that it didn't draw out the love triangle between Guinevere, Arthur, and Lancelot as much as I would've liked.
Conclusion: Overall, King Arthur is an OK movie, certainly worth seeing. For me, what is most disappointing is that Antoine Fuqua, the acclaimed director of Training Day, took over this after Michael Bay (who I don't especially like) dropped out, and I can't really imagine what Bay might've done differently (with the exception of maybe subtracting some from the story and tossing in a few more special effects). As long as you aren't expect Shakespeare when inserting the disc into your DVD player, you'll at least be entertained.