Mark Wahlberg and director Simon Cellan Jones (The Family Plan) join forces for Arthur the King, a film that tells the incredible true story of a dog who braved the jungle for over 400 miles to find a home. Wahlberg plays Michael Light, an adventure racer who is at the end of his career. In many ways, Michael is his own worst enemy, driven by his past failures and not really knowing the meaning of being part of a team.
Michael can’t work as a realtor for his father and is always preoccupied with thoughts of racing when he’s at home with his wife and daughter. Michael’s wife, Helen (Juliet Rylance), gives him the okay to do one final race – the Adventure Racing World Championship being held in the Dominican Republic – in hopes he’ll finally win and be able to move forward.
Michael secures sponsors and puts his four-member team back together, including Leo (Simu Liu), who has a large following on social media but usually butts heads with Michael; Chik (Ali Suliman), who’s suffering from a bum knee; and newcomer Olivia (Nathalie Emmanuel), an ace mountain climber.
As Michael is putting together his team, the film cuts to the streets of the Dominican Republic and to a smart and scruffy street dog. The dog’s appearance suggests a hard life, but he’s sly enough to avoid larger, meaner dogs and find scraps of food to stay alive.
Michael meets the street dog at the team’s first rest stop during the 400-mile race that consists of running, climbing, mountain biking, and kayaking. Michael notices the hungry dog and is impressed with the fact that he won’t beg for food. He gives the dog a few meatballs before continuing on with the race. What Michael doesn’t realize is that he has just made a loyal friend and new teammate.
Three days and 200 miles later, Michael and his team are surprised to find their scruffy friend has joined them in the rain-soaked jungle. When Leo tries to continue on in the dark and yells at the others to forget the “dumb dog,” he’s stopped in his tracks by the dog cutting in front of him. The dog barks and refuses to move. Michael grabs his flashlight and the team discovers that their canine buddy stopped Leo from falling off a cliff.
“Extra meatballs for you, my friend,” says an impressed Michael.
The team continues on with the race, now with their new canine team member close at their sides and occasionally leading the way. Michael names him Arthur for his strength and determination to lead them, just like a king.
Based on a true story, Arthur the King is an inspiring and suspenseful adventure, as well as a story about a man and his new best friend. It’s an entertaining and heartwarming film with a solid ensemble cast who are all upstaged by Ukai as Arthur.
Mark Wahlberg gives another memorable performance as Michael, a determined professional athlete at the end of his career, who will do whatever it takes to win. Wahlberg does a good job of portraying the change Michael goes through after meeting Arthur and having him become his new teammate. In fact, it’s Arthur who helps make Michael a real team leader and helps him realize the importance of loyalty and friendship.
It’s Ukai, however, who is the true star of the film, and boy, does he deliver. With his adorable scruffy face and stunning eyes, Ukai delivers the most authentic and moving performance in the film.
Jacques Jouffret’s impressive cinematography elevates the film, as do the terrific action sequences. Especially thrilling is the zip-lining sequence, but that’s all this critic will say about it. I wouldn’t want to spoil the experience.
Charming and heartfelt, Arthur the King is a sweet and moving underdog film that will have dog-loving audiences cheering and applauding through teary eyes.
GRADE: B+
MPAA Rating: PG-13 form some strong language
Release Date: March 15, 2024
Running Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Studio: Lionsgate
