User reviews

I usually avoid trailers and spoilers before watching a movie, but with this one, even the poster hinted at a heart-wrenching story. Discovering it was based on real events hit me even harder.

Dogs are just too precious, and movies like this always tug at the heartstrings. While it may not reach the emotional depth of classics like "A Dog's Journey" and "Hachiko," it still manages to make you care about the characters.

Considering it's based on true events, there might not have been much room for story changes. However, I felt the human characters could've been more developed. For instance, the hiker girl revealing her father's cancer right before the race felt like a cheap way to evoke sympathy.

Even Mark Wahlberg's character felt a bit underdeveloped. It's a classic case of "show, don't tell." Simply mentioning his emotional drivers through exposition didn't quite cut it and lessened the impact of his character growth.

I think the movie could have benefited from being slightly longer to establish the stakes more firmly and give the dog more screen time in the first half.

In 2015, Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg) leads a team of extreme racers. His driven stubborn decision ends their race early. His combative second Leo (Simu Liu) posts an unflattering pic. It's 3 years later and he's struggling with normal life. He decides to race one last time. He recruits veteran racer Chik (Ali Suliman) with a bad knee, Olivia (Nathalie Emmanuel), and Leo who has since become a social media influencer. Olivia is only racing for her legendary climber father who is dying from cancer. Then there is a dog.

This is very fine. It's based on a true story. It is a standard underdog sports movie. Heck, they even have a dog. It is sweet. It is sincere. There are some good adventure thrills. The zip line scene looks great on top of the thrills. Again, it has a dog. It's great.

I remember seeing this incredible real-life story in the media a few years ago, and was really pleased to see that it had been taken to the screen. The movie is exceptionally uplifting, has some strong competitive/adventure drama, and gives great portrayals of teamwork and camaraderie under arduous conditions.

Arthur really is a special dog. Why and how he followed, caught up, and stayed with the race team is a heart touching mystery. It's amazing how much impact he seemed to have on the team.

Arthur the King will definitely make your eyes glisten. Who can resist an inspiring movie about a wonderful dog?

Wife and I loved the movie and found it to have character, heart, and a fun story. At only 90 minutes long it moves fast and will work great for families with kids. We love dogs and tend to enjoy Mark W. Films, so this is one we took earliest opportunity to watch and we left the theater thrilled Arthur met our expectations. A must see movie that we will watch again someday. Some reviews have criticized changes to details of this true story. Keep in mind this is not a technically accurate true story, instead it is "based on a true story" meaning movie takes many liberties to bring something entertaining to screen. Neither of us have read the book, so none of this mattered to us and I doubt it will matter to most viewers (my wife enjoyed movie so much she just ordered the book). If you know the details of accurate true story and accuracy matters to you, then this might be one to skip. Otherwise , it's A MUST SEE MOVIE!

3.5 out of 5 stars.

Arthur the King is a pretty fair adventure film following Michael (Mark Wahlberg) who his team go on a endurance race thats 400 mile some race that takes them across the Dominican Republic. While during the race they come across a stray dog that guides and follows them through the race.

Plot was great. It has a bit of heart with Michael bonding with the dog during the race which the dog saved one of them from falling off a cliff. While they travel through rough terrain. The story can be a bit emotional for animal lovers.

It has a great cast ensemble lead by Mark Wahlberg.

The direction could have been better which was a bit generic for a adventure movie. Its a wonderful story just the direction did not offer anything new.

LIKES:

Great Pace

Fun Acting

Great Cinematography

Beautiful And Rigorous Setting

Music Elements Boost Emotion

Fantastic Dog Use

Writing Is Realistic

Decently Balanced Between Fiction and Fact

My likes boil down to great presentation of a story we've seen several times on the news with just that twist of unique flavor. Arthur the King caters well to the audience and brings an adorable story to life for just about every person to enjoy across the spectrum of emotions. A fantastically fun and family friendly tale that blends the Hollywood theatrics with a realistic base goes a long way to entertaining folks like me. The setting is gorgeous with camera work to capture the awe and delight of the island race that brings this cast together in ways that help mesh that authentic team/family role. Performances are fun, tight, and hold that Disney level feel, and the dog's inclusion adds even more character and an element that helps the laughs and the near-tears keep flowing. With the editing to further give those perfect shots and sounds, the movie excels in being one of those go see to feel better moments.

DISLIKES:

Cliché

Cutting Parts

Character Development is Mundane At Times

Mediocre Antagonists.

Predictable

Dislikes are going to be nitpicky and potentially illicit some negative responses, but that's kind of my job. Arthur the King will fall into the cliché role, something critics will find familiar, if not overdone, which leads to them feeling bored and listless. Such predictable antics are slightly off shot, but the trailers have laid the foundation for knowing how most of the story will go, meaning that the surprise element gets a tad diluted. Throw in editing that helps condense the five days into ninety minutes, and part of the adventure is taken away to give you quality of life and your time back. Characters have enough dissection to be engaging, but fall short of the perfect mix, choosing efficiency over meaty profiles. It's not the worst, but it could pack more punch like say Cool Runnings did. Even the antagonists need a little work, a little more connection and involvement to help establish the rivalry that they were going for. There are some other elements I can't say to avoid ruining the little mystery, but the movie being a bit simplistic and maintaining that family feel is going to drop scores for a pickier fanfare.

THE VERDICT For me, Arthur the King was quite enjoyable and certainly a solid installment in the library of just having fun with a light-hearted story. An incredible dog that did so much with a remarkable team is a solid mixture of just simple enjoyment in a tale with all the elements of movie magic thrown in. Solid performance by all members (especially the dog) will tug at heart strings and athletic stature alike, with editing that brings much of the race's excitement out in spades. True there are some editing choices and character directions that need tweaking, and the movie is very by the numbers in terms of predictability. But outside of that, Arthur the King's story is certainly a tale worth watching, enjoying, and just embracing in the energy and inspiration it puts out in such a tight and fun package. So grab the kids and the family, and get to the theater for this one if you can.

My scores are: Adventure: 7.5 Movie Overall: 7.0.

Arthur the King knows the unbreakable bond between man & dog gives it a free pass and an added edge in everything it's doing, which it uses to full effect. It's very easy to get invested in with a plot propelled by forward momentum as the race takes up most of the run time and the struggle to save Arthur that follows only makes it more emotional and gripping.

Mark Wahlberg shows off a new skill by having a believable bond with his canine counterpart. He gets a good arc and is supported by Simu Liu, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Ali Suliman who makes for a strong core four. When Arthur joins it only gets better, and those earlier scenes where he's on his own are more impressive in some ways since all those lack human support.

Simon Cellan Jones directs with a fair bit of handheld camerawork to give it a sense of immediacy. Visually it's a little too grey but it's still nice to see so many natural locations and the zipline sequence in the middle stands out simply by being as tense as you'd expect. Kevin Matley's score saves the best for last, bringing the feels to ensure the ending is as lovely as possible.

Fantastic film with superb direction. The landscapes are stunning, the acting is top-notch, and Arthur steals the show! It's a must-watch; you'll both smile and shed a few tears.. The performances are incredibly authentic, making every moment feel real and impactful. Arthur's portrayal is especially memorable, bringing depth and charisma to the screen. This movie is more than entertainment; it's an experience that stays with you, sparking conversations and leaving a lasting impression.................. Don't miss out on this masterpiece that promises smiles, tears, and an array of emotions in between.!!

I highly recommend watching the ESPN Sports Center documentary entitled "SC Featured: A Dog's Remarkable Journey to Find a Home" which details the true story of how Swedish adventure racer Mikael Lindnord and the dog he named Arthur came together in 2014 during an adventure race in Ecuador. That documentary was 13:54 in length and has much more emotional impact than this film which is dull in its storytelling and with one or two exceptions, emotionally flat. The film wanders off-topic (the dog) far too much, emphasizing heated and dull machismo far too much. The director also uses a hand-held cam frequently which takes me out of any film due to the shaky cam effect. Watch the documentary and observe the tears that roll down Mikael's face as he talks about saving Arthur -- there you will find the heart that this film lacks.

This was a wonderful movie that I would recommend to anyone who is an animal lover and a fan of underdog stories. It's got everything you could hope to see in a racing land adventure - with risks and danger at every corner; it keeps the pulse up and the stakes are high for the entirety of the film once they get into the race itself. When you see all that Arthur endures and the bond that forms between him and Mikael along with the other teammates - it makes your soul sing with hope and wonder at the willpower of this dog and how he serves as a living mascot for the rest of the team. Mark Wahlberg did a fantastic job acting the part of Mikael but when I saw he also produced I was thrilled because the execution of every scene and how it ties to the love and courage of an amazing dog was beautifully delivered.

Going into this not knowing anything about it or the story I wasn't sure what to expect, with the exception of knowing that Wahlberg is always good. That proved to be the case here, he lead the film's story well, and given his real life injury, made it eminently believable. The story itself is quite remarkable too, but this is where the film suffers to some extent. It's very obvious that there is no way anyone really knows how the dog made his journey, but there are elements of speculation that aren't put across particularly well, one in particular was quite cringe worthy, and I wish the film maker could have focused more on the characters journey in these parts. The background story of the dog is less important than his actual remarkable journey. That is not to say it ruined the film, just knocked a couple of stars off my rating. I also had issues with the Bear Grylls voice over commentary. I know it was actually him, but there was no real tension in his voice, because he wasn't commenting on an actual race at the time. An actor would have been better.

Overall though, it's a very enjoyable, and extremely remarkable story, and I loved the pictures of the real Arthur and owner at the end.

This is a great story and I was looking forward to watch this - but it has too many technical issues for me to really enjoy it.

The pace is really bad - I love a lead up to a movie but this is just too much with nothing getting done.

We don't start racing for what seems like ages but in that time we don't learn much about the sport of the characters. Really important aspects are just blurted out rather than shown.

This makes the characters really flat as they have just one characteristic to define them - you get the ego one, the pushy one, the bad knee guy and the daddy's girl - nothing more.

Despite tracking through some of the most beautiful countryside on the planet the film looks very dark and colourless.

It is also rare for the camera to actually be on a tripod and even scenes in a cafe feel like they were shot from a dingy floating on a pond.

The acting also is quote stilted where every line feels like a quip.

The dog parts also aren't great - a chase scene with just dogs is a brave thing to try but very hard to do.

I feel really mean talking so badly about t a film that was obviously made with a lot of love but just didn't do it for me.

My wife really enjoyed it and there is fun to be had here but I couldn't get in to it.

"Brought tears both of happiness and sadness to my eyes. -Dad" "It was good. -Mandy" "That's a sad movie, dad. -Theo" "Guys...that was stressful. -Natalie" "It was pretty good, the dog was pretty cute. -Iris"

10/10.

Saw this movie as part of mystery movie Mondays at Regal Cinema with my family. Great movie we all agree! There's happy parts, sad parts, a real rollercoaster and tearjerker of a movie. Worth watching even if you're not a big Mark Wahlberg fan and don't like Marky Mark. Glad to have seen this movie! Mystery movie Mondays at Regal Cinemas are great. I liked seeing the real pictures of the real people and dog at the end.

Apparently this film is based on actual real events about a group of professionals racers whom are travelling across the world end up finding and be friending a survival dog. Of course with these type of films, there is controversy and a certain sad and emotional aspect which is the cause of everything.

Mark Wahlberg is solid as the lead as expected while the supporting cast were simply there to provide support. Simu Liu plays the aggressive second lead character of Leo whom intentional is over the top as a social media star.

The film is at its best when Michael (Wahlberg) shares scenes with Arthur the dog along the journey. What wasn't fully explained is how the dog was able to track down Michael and his team across the world.

As far as family based films, this is definitely enjoyable and touching. The right way ending is showing a happy feel good ending. Without knowing the real story, it definitely seemed like it may have ended in a bleak way. However that isn't the case.

In imperfect but passable true-tale sporting / canine romp "Arthur The King" Mark Wahlberg leads team-mates Simu Liu, Ali Suliman & Nathalie Emmanuel on a multi-day World Championship endurance race (involving jungle trekking, zip-lining (great scene), cycling, kayaking, climbing, etc) in the Dominican Republic... on which they're joined by the titular abused stray dog. Michael Brandt's screenplay is too slow to introduce the dog to the team, but once it does the sluggish pace builds and the requisite tear-jerk boxes are ticked (despite Simon Cellan Jones' direction being amateurishly basic at times). It coulda been better but the feel-good power of the story pulls it through.

After an embarrassing loss in 2015, Michael formed a team to compete in the 2018 World Championship Adventure Race to redeem himself with a win. With limited funding and only their determination and grit, the team sets out to do the impossible. On their way to the finish line, they befriend a stray dog who joins them for the rest of the race and struggles with his own survival.

Based on a true story, this movie can be broken into two parts, the first being an adventure film with a team racing across the beautiful country of the Dominican Republic and the second being about the bond between man and dog. Both parts have the same underlying theme, anything is possible with hard work and determination. The movie is exciting, emotional, and captivating. The runtime is appropriate for covering the story of Michael and Arthur, but some parts are slow. This is a great family watch, and for anyone who loves the outdoors, racing, or dogs, catch it in theaters or stream it when available.

I absolutely loved this movie. It isn't going to win any awards, but it is very entertaining. From start to finish, I loved every minute of it. I don't want to give any spoilers in this review, but I will say, those most have been some good meatballs. This movie may be tough to watch for some, bring a box of tissues. It was nice to see Nathalie Emmanuel in a film, it took me most of the movie to realize where I knew her from. I'll let you figure that out. Very inspiring tale about the love between man and beast. Dogs are smarter than we often realize, and they are very loyal. The scenery is also well filmed and beautiful. 10 stars, worth seeing in the theater!

Arthur The King

I'm a sap for dog movies, especially those that show triumph in the face of adversity. Arthur The King is based on a true story of a dog that tags along with a group of athletes attempting to win an intense athletic event. Throughout the movie, we are privy to some of the challenges, both physical and mental, that the four (five with Arthur) must face.

This is a great story, truly inspirational, and full of the power of family. However, it doesn't translate very well to the big screen. Don't get me wrong, I teared up every time the dog did something heroic, or kept strong through injuries that are apparent at the first meeting. But the human component, while true, wasn't entirely interesting. Each of the four athletes have reasons to be there, and three of them are selfish. Bonding as a team takes time, and the short amount of time given just doesn't make sense.

I understand that movies have a limited amount of time, but the creators needed to take that into account when deciding to make the film. I wonder if a tv mini-series would have been a better medium to allow the characters to flesh out a little bit.

I enjoyed this mostly for any time the dog was on the screen, and the sappy ending was even better because it is a well known true story. Families with children may find this film a good idea because of the dog, but this is not a kid's movie. There are many moments of peril, adult language and adult motivations that aren't very positive. It's worth a watch, but maybe wait for streaming.

Arthur The King is a captivating emotional journey that tugs at your heartstrings, leaving you teary-eyed yet filled with a sense of joy. This film is a delightful blend of suspense, humor, and adventure, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.

Based on the true story of Mikeal Lindnord (Mark Wahlberg), the movie takes us on a thrilling ride as Mikeal and his group set out to win a race that will go down in history. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Arthur (Ukai), a lovable dog who becomes an integral part of their team.

What makes Arthur The King truly special is its ability to resonate with both dog lovers and non-dog lovers alike. The film's visuals are breathtakingly natural, capturing the beauty of the outdoors with stunning cinematography and seamless editing. It's evident that the crew poured their hearts into bringing this true story to life, and their dedication shines through in every frame. Mark Wahlberg's portrayal of Mikeal Lindnord is nothing short of remarkable. He exudes leadership and compassion, especially towards Arthur, which instantly endears him to the audience. Ukai's performance as Arthur adds depth and charm to the film, elevating it to new heights. One of the film's greatest strengths is its pacing. Despite its quick pace, Arthur The King never feels rushed. Instead, it effectively conveys the message of the film - that a dog truly is man's best friend - in a short amount of time, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

The message is "dog is man's best friend" and it serves as a reminder of the special connection between humans and dogs.

I give Arthur The King 4 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for ages 2 to 18, plus adults (and dog lovers.) This film is a heartwarming tale that will leave you laughing, crying, and ultimately feeling uplifted. Don't miss your chance to experience this emotional thrill ride when it hits theaters on March 15, 2024. By David E., KIDS FIRST!

I do like that it was based on a true story. If you like movies regarding animals, I'm sure you will like this movie. I do wish they would've shown more of the dog because I could've watched a movie completely just about the dog. But I did find it well, written, informative, very entertaining, good actors and just a really good family movie to see. It also made me want to go learn more about the true story, and the characters that were involved in the real story. So you might want to put this on your list if you get a chance to go see a movie that you probably will enjoy. And your whole family can see it.

If what you want from a movie is to be entertained, go see Arthur the King. A (semi-) true story, well-developed characters and a satisfying plot and ending make this a must see.

Arthur the King has no room for climate-crazies, survivalists, whack-job neo-nazis or paleo-communists. But if you want to have some fun, head to the cinema-plex.

. The physical action seems non-stop, and one gets into the action and athletic exhaustion in the same way that The Last of the Mohicans left the audience gasping for breath and in need of a good nap.

I saw no special effects nor CGI, just the beautiful scenery of Santo Domingo and the solid acting of Wahlberg et a al.

Don't miss the credits after the flick ends...

We're going to see it again.

"Arthur the King" is a heartwarming story that beautifully marries the thrill of adventure with the touching story of a man and a dog.

Mark Wahlberg delivers a compelling performance as Michael Light, whose journey from adrenaline junkie to compassionate leader is both engaging and believable.

As you know, the true star, however, is Arthur, the stray dog, whose presence adds an emotional depth that truly enriches the film. The cinematography captures the Dominican landscape's raw beauty, enhancing the storytelling with breathtaking visuals.

While the narrative occasionally falls into predictability and clichés, the film's exploration of themes like loyalty, resilience, and companionship shines through. It's a mix of adventure, emotion, and inspiration, with solid performances and stunning visuals that highlight the indomitable spirit of its characters.

Despite some shortcomings, "Arthur the King" stands out for its sincerity and heart, making it a captivating watch that resonates with viewers long after the end. A testament to the power of friendship and perseverance, it's a must-watch that tugs at the heartstrings and inspires.

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