Arthur the King is a sports drama that is now available to stream on VOD services such as Amazon Prime Video. At first glance, it appears to be a heartwarming tale about an adventure racer and his dog. However, upon deeper analysis, it becomes evident that the true focus of the film is the scruff-off between Mark Wahlberg and an adorable canine.
The movie follows the story of Mikael Lindnord, a real-life adventure racer whose team is joined by a stray dog during a grueling multi-leg competition. Inspired by his experience, Lindnord wrote a book that served as the basis for the film. The underlying message of the movie is to embrace life and appreciate the selfless love that dogs provide.
While the film does touch on adventure racing, it does not delve into the details of the sport. It provides only a basic overview of what adventure racing entails, which includes running, biking, hiking, paddling, climbing, and ziplining. The movie emphasizes the physical and mental challenges faced by the athletes but does not explore the intricacies of the sport.
The protagonist, Michael Light, portrayed by Mark Wahlberg, is introduced as a former adventure racer who has given up the sport to work for his father’s real estate company. Despite having a supportive family and a comfortable life, Michael feels unfulfilled. It is clear that he needs something more in his life, which is where the dog comes in.
Three years after his retirement, Michael decides to put together a new team for a race in the Dominican Republic. It is during this race that he encounters a mangy dog who has been surviving on the streets of Santo Domingo. The dog’s appearance is compared to that of a dust mop mixed with Santa’s Little Helper from The Simpsons. Despite his scruffy exterior, the dog captures Michael’s heart and becomes an inspiration for him and his team.
The movie incorporates elements of other films, such as Channing Tatum’s Dog, Marley and Me, and Strays. It also follows the pattern of typical Mark Wahlberg movies, where he portrays an earnest and determined character. The standout performance in the film comes from the dog, Ukai, who steals the show with his adorable presence.
While Arthur the King may not be groundbreaking or offer any significant surprises, it is a heartwarming film that delivers on its promise of cute dog shenanigans. It may not inspire viewers as much as it intends to, but it is a feel-good movie that can be enjoyed by the whole family. So, if you are looking for a movie to stream for your next family movie night, Arthur the King is a solid choice.
