Disclosure: I was invited to preview the movie and attend an experiential press event forThe Kid Who Would Be King by 20th Century Fox Pictures. My colleague from Kid Congeniality also helped contribute to this post (and got an awesome selfie with Sir Patrick Stewart, I might add). All opinions expressed in this post are our own!
About The Kid Who Would Be King
Here's a blurb about the movie, right from the movie's official website: "Old school magic meets the modern world in the epic adventure The Kid Who Would Be King. Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) thinks he’s just another nobody, until he stumbles upon the mythical Sword in the Stone, Excalibur. Now, he must unite his friends and enemies into a band of knights and, together with the legendary wizard Merlin (Sir Patrick Stewart), take on the wicked enchantress Morgana (Rebecca Ferguson). With the future at stake, Alex must become the great leader he never dreamed he could be." The film is rated PG and opens nationwide on January 25, 2019.
Watch a trailer for the film here:
Press Event
We were treated to a fun afternoon of knight-training activities, and we even got to hear the cast speak about the film. It was super exciting to see Sir Patrick Stewart, Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Rhianna Doris and Joe Cornish live and in person! Some interesting facts we learned during our 'round table' discussion:
-Writer/Director Joe Cornish made a reality of his childhood fantasy by having a big battle in a high school setting.
-Sir Patrick Stewart wanted to play a wizard since his friends were all playing wizards (Sir Ian McKellen/Gandalf we're looking at you!)
-Rhianna Dorris' (Kaye) says that the most fun scene to film was the one in Morgana's castle. No spoilers here, but keep your eyes peeled for it because it is super intense!
-Some of the hardest scenes to film were the intense foggy lake scenes. We found it to be one of the most riveting sequences.
The Kid Who Would Be King Review (Spoiler-Free!)
The Kid Who Would Be King is one of the more clever modern adaptations of the King Arthur Legend. It's a feel-good family film that hits on many of the struggles of our times including bullying, family woes and world struggles. Such issues are woven together in a manner that tweens can relate to. Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkius) is a 12 year old who keeps getting bullied in school along with his best friend Bedders (Dean Chaumoo). While running away from the school bullies, (played spot-on by Rhianna Doris and Tom Taylor), Alex finds Excalibur and releases it from the stone. The Arthurian Adventure in modern times begins!
No spoilers in our review except to say that the film sticks to Arthurian lore with a few modern twists. Merlin (aka a 'young' Merlin) played by Angus Imrie made the movie for us. He was dorky, funny, magical and utterly stole our hearts!
The Kid Who Would Be King is a film about friendship, loyalty and making your way in this confusing world as a young teen. The world is always going to be a chaotic place full of bullies but if you lead by example it can become a better place. Magical powers and glistening swords are fun but being a leader is truly heroic. Joe Cornish has done a great job modernizing the Arthurian legend and I am looking forward to seeing what Alex and his friends are up to in a few years. Hint...Hint!
We recommend The Kid Who Would Be King for kids ages 10 and up. There are many scenes with demons coming from the underground that may scare the younger set. If your child has nightmares from scary creatures (think Lord of the Rings), this is not the film for them.
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| Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox Pictures |
You're Invited to a Free Screening!
If you're in the New York area, you can see a FREE SCREENING of The Kid Who Would Be King on 1/23 (before it opens to the public! Woot!). Click the link below for details. This is a first come, first served event, so be sure to sign up for passes and arrive early. There will also be some activities for kids before the show!
You're invited! Free screening passes here: http://www.gofobo.com/ezvUj79152
Find Out More About the Film
You can visit The Kid Who Would Be King official website or follow them on their social channels below:
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/KidWhoWouldBeKing
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KidWouldBeKing
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/KidWhoWouldBeKing
Hashtag: #KidWhoWouldBeKing
And check out my colleague and friend KidCongeniality, for more photos and thoughts from the movie! Kid is your go-to source for family friendly fun in New York City!
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| photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox Pictures |
The Kid Who Would Be King Prize Pack Giveaway
You can win a mini prize pack of goodies from The Kid Who Would Be King! Prize pack includes:
-an official coloring book from The Kid Who Would Be King
-plastic knight's cup
-crayon 4 pack
-make your own knight's shield kit
-DK Reader Knights and Castle book for kids, level 3
-an official coloring book from The Kid Who Would Be King
-plastic knight's cup
-crayon 4 pack
-make your own knight's shield kit
-DK Reader Knights and Castle book for kids, level 3
Follow the directions below to enter!
Fine Print: U.S. entrants only, 18 and over please. One winner will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter. Entrants must be willing to provide a valid U.S. mailing address and email address (for contact purposes only). Winner must respond to email notification within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen. Entrants must follow Rafflecopter instructions or risk being disqualified. This contest is not endorsed by 20th Century Fox or The Kid Who Would Be King.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And get ready for the movie with some of the knightly items in my Amazon affiliate links below!
Looks like a great film
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful family movie- might be a little scary for little ones, but older kids it's a must-see!
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