User reviews

Ooh boy, here's a toughie.

Chadwick Boseman, we barely knew ye. Two seconds after you broke onto the A List, you left us all in shock when you departed this world, the consensus being that it was well before your time. While arguments can be made one way or the other about such things, one thing is certain:

You made an impact.

MESSAGE FROM THE KING is not the best movie I have ever seen, unfortunately. It has pacing issues, continuity problems, and questionable dialogue choices. All that being said, Chadwick steals every scene with his powerful performance, and at least that's worth something.

It's not all bad. A man from South Africa comes to Los Angeles, searching for what happened to his missing sister. Without spoiling too much of the film, he finds out, and then wants to settle scores for what has happened.

In an attempt to create an original plot, some things get lost. There is a scent of mystery here, well played by the creators... we don't know who Jacob King is, or WHAT he is, beyond being a loving sibling who's well beyond furious as to the events as they unfold, and that part of the film works fine. In an effort to keep the mystery going, we are given a seedy, not terribly friendly portrait of Los Angeles life, and the downfalls some who go looking for dreams fall into.

Teresa Palmer plays a kindly neighbor, one who is involved in doing whatever is necessary to keep the roof over her and her daughter's heads. There is chemistry here, at first easily dismissed, but I have to speak about a scene which is my favorite of the film, in which she surprises him in a diner, sits down with him, and thanks him for not being the same as everyone else she's met since she fell into the luring trap of Hollywood. The exchange between the two of them is touching, heartfelt, heart wrenching, and immediately breathes life into what could have been easily written off as a simple revenge movie.

The level of violence here is high, perhaps a bit too high in certain scenes. Violence done realistically is rarely a treat to the eyes... I remember a scene from DRIVE in which a woman's head is taken off with a shotgun blast and you can see every gory detail of brain, blood, and bone as her head explodes in slow motion, and I find it jarring every time I see the movie. It doesn't need to be there, and sometimes in this film the violence comes off in a similar fashion.

I also mentioned the dialogue before... there's a lot of empty words thrown in the usual manner of macho bull and cliched banter. Alfred Molina and Luke Evans, specifically, have the worst lines to spout here, as they have to shout pointless insults back and forth at each other that only serve to take up time, instead of entertain us or keep the plot moving.

There's also a few plot twists that seem overly heavy, once again done for the sake of originality but lacking in a real sense of logic or reasoning that you accept just because you don't really have any other choice once you get into the parts of the movie that really work... you kind of just have to roll with the punches.

All in all, it's not bad. If you love and miss Chadwick, give it a roll. It's not as good as PANTHER. I suppose, in the end, when we remember him, nothing he did is going to compare with that.

Godspeed, Mr. Boseman. You will be missed.

I watch this last night to remember a fine actor Chadwick Boseman. He didn't disappoint. It was a fine performance by a great actor and it's sad that he is no longer with us. The movie itself was slow. I felt the pacing could've been faster and the fight scenes could be done better but otherwise it was entertaining. A good Netflix film given a lot them are absolute garbage.

Chadwick Boseman carries it no doubt, but I did feel entertained throughout by 'Message from the King'.

It's a simple film. It doesn't do anything revolutionary or anything, yet still managed to keep me watching with interest for practically all of the 102 minute run time. I like how it starts most, with the connections feeling believable. It loses some of that as it goes on, though it didn't affect my enjoyment all that much.

Boseman really is the only true star of this though, as he gives a very good performance in the lead role as Jacob. Luke Evans (Paul) is pleasant too, while Teresa Palmer (Kelly) has a few moments. Alfred Molina (Mike) also appears, as do Messrs Draco Malfoy and Brad Bellick...

The ending isn't the greatest, though it is still serviceable. That coupled with the nice look of the film and a certain Mr. Boseman mean I'll remember this in a positive manner.

"It's Bianca. She's got a brother. He's in town, says he has what we've been looking for. He's out of control, Mike. You told me Bianca was not a problem anymore. Bianca isn't a problem anymore. I'm afraid that's his problem."

Those who imagine the Los Angeles metropolis to be idealistically beautiful, they should adjust that view after watching "Message from the King". The less beautiful part of Los Angeles is used here. An impoverished neighborhood where the vast majority of residents live in poverty and where crime and drugs are an obvious part of society. Ash gray ghettos full of human suffering. And that's being emphasized by drizzly weather. The crowded mortuary is a reflection of these fading slums. A collection of nobodies who died because of an overdose, madness (drowned in a bathtub as an imaginary fish) and gang violence.

This is what Jacob King (Chadwick Boseman) faces when he arrives in L.A. The reason why he's staying in the city of angels is the sudden disappearance of his younger sister Bianca (Sibongile Mlambo). Soon he discovers the sore situation his sister got herself into and what it did to her : she earned a spot in the mortuary with a name tag on her big toe. The search for the murderers of his younger sister brings him in touch with all kind of figures. Trish (Natalie Martinez) the loyal neighbor points him in the right direction after which he meets a violent gang of Balkan criminals run by a certain Zico (Lucan Melkonian). Then there's the rich dentist Wentworth (Luke Evans) and the wealthy movie producer Preston (Alfred Molina). And let me tell you. Some of them are getting to know the bicycle chain he just bought, in a less pleasant way.

For Jacob, these L.A. neighborhoods probably still look like charming neighborhoods compared to where he comes from. His sister Bianca, his deceased brother Isaac and Jacob himself, lived the largest part of their life in South Africa in the Cape Flat townships, a sandy area south of Cape Town and better known as "Apartheid's dumping ground". A dilapidated community where gangs rule. Both in the slums and in prison. Such as "The Number Gangs". Isaac was a member of this notorious gang, until his death. Reason enough for Bianca to turn her back on her home country and to seek salvation in the United States.

You could say this movie is a cheaper version of "The Equalizer" with Boseman having an equal personality as Denzel Washington. A cold-blooded but alert person who has control over his violent eruptions and who accurately follows the traces to solve the criminal puzzle in the end. However, the ultimate motive remains quite mysterious. Perhaps the only minus I could find in this hard-core, ultra-dark movie. In fact, it's an ordinary revenge film that differs slightly from others because of its quirky atmosphere and tone. And afterwards I discovered the film was directed by a fellow countryman : Fabrice du Welz. Maybe that's why this movie displays a kind of willfulness.

Even though this action-flick is soaked by cliché elements (corrupt policemen, a cunning politician and a prostitute (Teresa "Lights Out" Palmer) who plays the Good Samaritan), you can speak of a stylish end product. No explicit violence scenes (the result is usually more explicit than the action itself) and a few star-like interpretations like that of Teresa Palmer. But especially Chadwick Boseman impressed. A man with few words, but hard negotiating techniques. From the very first instance, I was fascinated by him. In my opinion, this is yet again a rough diamond that simmers on Netflix undiscovered. Don't let anybody stop you from watching this when you bump into it somewhere, because this will surely surprise you.

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A simple story with a solid script with action and twists. When Jacob King from South Africa does not hear from his sister in America. He decides to visit and uncovers a pit of lies and betrayal.

I enjoyed this cracker. I knew, where the story was going and then the story takes a side step. Which leaves you like mmmm OK and then your back to where you thought the story was going.

Now my issues, the accent was too strong or low. Which stopped certain scenes from connecting. Also I'm not going to lie a car chase scene and some one liners would have made it Fire. And the action needed more multi angles (point of view shots). But this would add 1000s to budget and editing time. Modern film making is control by numbers, like most products today. So, I am not disappointed and I cant wait for this teams next project.

Apart from that very good watch. Casting and performances were strong. If you like films like taken with a touch of born identity. Then this is the Netflix title for you. One the best crime action dramas on Netflix today.

Another King role for Chadwick. Just kidding and I haven't seen Black Panther yet (though that situation will be remedeed later on tonight). This movie is a straight up revenge thriller. And I really am not telling you anything you won't read in the description. Chadwick is the stranger who comes into town - in search for his sister and his nephew.

Now you can imagine that he won't just find them the minute he comes over. What he does find is some friends and quite some trouble. With an interesting choice in "weapon" he goes on to find out what happened. Now if you are a pacifist, you may not like how he approaches certain individuals or how he revolves arguments or how he achieves getting information from certain individuals. But this is a movie and a certain motivation plus determination will lead to a violent resolution. Question is: how well is it made? I'd say more than decent enough. It doesn't add anything really new to the genre, but it is well executed (if you'll excuse the pun) ...

This film was made around the period when Chadwick's illness was discovered. He made the majority of his films since then, between surgeries and chemos. As another reviewer noticed he's an actor comparable to Denzel Washington. Maybe yes, unfortunately he hasn't had the time to prove that. My first thought was the same when I first saw him, btw. This film, Marshall, 21 Bridges, and of course Black Panther: mnany different roles and all superb acting. His passing is an irreplaceable loss for his family, for the black community and for every moviegoer and filmlover. Rest In Peace, Chadwick. Your memory never will be forgotten. You remain the King and a Hero in many ways.

Nice to see Chadwick in a role other than that of a superhero and/or a 'good guy'

The story could have done with being more refined, and with more substance

This movie shows you what cinema should look like. This old craft of making movies with tempo, cinematography, editing and score is deprived of all imprints of judgement, opinion or the director's indulging in his pretentious personality as many directors strive to do these days; it seems that the director has nothing to prove but only the commitment to telling a beautiful masterful story filmed with excellence and craftsmanship. The goal here is to learn what real cinema is. Everything serves the story, everything is well balanced. It's an exercise in genre and a director's pure intentions to making only cinema. You don't get pitiful emotion or euphoric fake bliss you only marvel in excellence. No shot is overrated, no emotion is fake. This is a work of a master. And these days masters are found in Europe. It brought me back to my film school days when I was in awe with the great directors of past and how they can create a work of art without the excesses of today's cinematic work that is riddled with uselessness and has no soul or beauty. Mind you, this is not a masterpiece, far from it; rather this is a lesson of what true cinema is... Watch it and be in awe...

Fairly decent, memorable for Chadwick Boseman's performance and some pretty tense scenes, but not really in the same ball park as some of the best revenge movies.

I wasn't at all sure what to expect going into 'Message From the King'. I was skeptical about it based purely on the cheesy title. I decided to give it a go though and I'm glad I did. I wouldn't say I loved it but it was a very solid and enjoyable film for the most part. There was adequate violence and the action/fight sequences were well executed and fun to watch.

The characters are a large part of what make this film so good. Both the hero and the main villain are well created characters and well cast also. Chadwick Boseman in particular impressed me. He brought a terrific intensity to the film and definitely had you rooting for him and caring about the fate of his character. On that note, this is a very dark film. I can't remember one single piece of comedic relief in the entire run time. It's not a film I can see anyone being blown away by, but it's also a film I couldn't imagine anyone not enjoying.

This movie is quite gritty and dark, it shows the underbelly of LA. I found all of the actors very good. Boseman is solid as ever. I am not sure what would have pushed it into a 7/10. I have seen some of the very negative reviews and I think it's a little unfair. I would give it a go if you have a few hours spare

I know some Netflix films can be a little rubbish but they excelled themselves here. In my opinion the whole cast excelled especially Chadwick Boseman who carries his role off beautifully with a great accent that has no weak points - revenge thrillers are common but few as well acted or with a script as well written. I was engaged from beginning to end - the twist is superb.You won't regret watching this movie.

Nice ID twist right at the end, intense violence, multinational cast, excellent actors, average revenge story. Lots of comeuppance.

This movie puts together some among my favorite actors: from Alfred Molina to Luke Evans or Teresa Palmer or Chadwick Boseman, and follows an intriguing storyline.

Unfortunately (on my opinion) the final result suffers the destiny of many TV movies: a plot doomed by annoying logical holes, an unkempt sequence of events and an (even more disturbing) insufficient development of key characters…

Too many good actors for a missed opportunity.

The story is nothing really special. Guy comes to LA to look for his sister and he gets tangled in the mess that she was in. He uses his tough South African skills to punish people. Liam Neeson did it with great success, Chadwick Boseman does it too.

It was the acting that was pretty decent, though, as well as the portrait of the city as a corrupt place that feeds on hope and takes it all away. The "message from the king" is that you may have a lot of money and live in a big rich place and still be just as rotten as the most crime ridden places in Africa.

Bottom line: a linear and predictable story that only highlighted the good acting and subtle message on the background.

This film tells the story of a South African man, who goes to Los Angeles to find his sister who is missing. During his investigations, he learns by surprise that she has a stepson, and is involved in shady businesses before she is murdered. He sets out to hunt for the killer and seek revenge.

"Message from the King" may have a good plot, but I have to say that my enjoyment of the film is hindered by the strong accent of the lead character. There are times when I hardly can understand him, and I have to guess what he is saying. Other than that, his calm composure, quick reaction time and being street smart make him a memorable character. I wish the film more explicitly tells exactly who he is back in South Africa. Though there is a hint at the end, I am left hoping for more information on the background story.

Certainly shows the gritty underbelly of LA. Not the South Central gang-centric scenes we are normally given but how other nations have infiltrated and made it their crime bed too.

Some of the content piqued my interest so know I know a bit more about South African prison gang culture, interesting knowledge is never bad.

The story is fairly sound, person missing, person looks for person, a bit of blackmail and violence, but the end (in my opinion) was a surprise and good.

The one-man against many revenge film has become quite a robust genre of its own. Message from the King is another in a long line of Taken-style movies, this time with Chadwick Boseman playing a man from Africa who comes to the US looking for his sister. When he finds she is dead, things start to go downhill from there. There isn't much to latch onto with this film. The story is paper thin, even though they keep trying to throw more people onto this conspiracy. In reality, it was just an easy way of creating more victims for our hero, since he takes no prisoners. Even the action sequences were fairly lackluster, so I was almost bored with the movie. It was interesting to hear Boseman working on his African accent that would later be used in his performance as Black Panther, it's just a shame that they didn't give him much to do here. The character is quiet and measured in every scene, so he doesn't get a chance to show his acting talent. There were times I thought he might be bored with the movie just like me. There's still something satisfying about these revenge movies, and I can't say that Message from the King is all that bad. It just lacked something special to make it a movie worth revisiting or recommending to anyone else.

Film noir been around for a long, where the story, setting and atmosphere are tied specifically to the sun culture of California. "Message from the King" is a fusion of several genres, calling back to movies like " "Hardcore," and "To Live and Die in L. A." in this plot of a mysterious and lethal South African man who touring the ugliest motels of LA in order to figure out why he hasn't heard from his sister lately. There are strong performances and there's also something just a little off about this picture, which keeps it from connecting with the viewer all the time. But overall it works, though bit being a masterpiece and that because of the good rendered atmosphere and the teal violence scenes.