It is quite the rare occasion in this line of work to watch a film without having been swayed by its promotional materials. However, when such an opportunity presents itself and the film unfolds in ways you least expect, the experience is nothing short of delightful. Animal-centric movies, particularly those featuring dogs, tend to explore themes of self-discovery. Mark Wahlberg’s ‘Arthur the King’ is no exception to this rule; yet, it transcends this trope, unveiling itself as a pleasant surprise for its audience.
The strength and weakness of ‘Arthur the King’ lie in its straightforward storyline – it captivates until it unfortunately becomes all too familiar. After facing challenges, Michael, played by Mark Wahlberg, assumes the role of an “adventurers’ assembly” leader, reminiscent of Nick Fury from the Marvel Universe. He corals a team of diverse individuals for a formidable expedition race. The team features a varied cast including a social media enthusiast named Leo (Simu Liu), Chik (Ali Suliman) who deals with a knee injury, and Olivia (Nathalie Emmanuel), whose father is battling cancer. In the midst of these human stories, we are also introduced to Arthur, an injured stray dog navigating the rough streets of the Dominican Republic. As the narrative progresses, Michael’s team and Arthur’s paths converge. The endearing pup becomes an unexpected participant in the team’s grueling endurance race.
In typical fashion for dog-centric films, the star canine does not steal the show from the onset. Instead, the first half of the movie delves into Michael’s familial relationships and the personal significance behind the race for each team member. Arthur’s limited early appearances do little more than highlight his lonely predicament. It is not until Michael shares a meatball with the dog and subsequently finds Arthur has still followed hundreds of kilometers later that we understand his integral role in the story.
The heartwarming nature of ‘Arthur the King’ amplifies knowing it is an adaptation of the memoir ‘Arthur – The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home’, which recounts Mikael Lindnord’s own serendipitous encounter that led him from athlete to author. The true story effortlessly pulls at your heartstrings, particularly during poignant moments, such as one scene where the team is briefly forced to leave Arthur behind during a kayaking leg of the race. The emotional depth of the plot allows viewers to momentarily overlook the film’s cinematic execution, which, in its own right, is commendable. The film beautifully captures the Dominican Republic’s dense jungles and narrow alleys and includes a notably artful zip-line sequence. Furthermore, the film achieves the feat of demystifying the sport of adventure racing for newcomers through an effective use of narrative commentary.
As viewers become comfortable within the borders of the story, it is inevitable the initial novelty of the plot begins to wane, as the predictable trajectory of the underdog-led narrative (complete with a literal dog) becomes clear. Consequently, the film focuses on the race’s outcome and Michael’s burgeoning relationship with Arthur. Despite its formulaic approach, the film compensates with the heartfelt rapport between Wahlberg and his four-legged co-star, allowing the latter to genuinely shine on screen.
In essence, ‘Arthur the King’ is a poignant narrative of friendship and overcoming the odds, armed with palpable charm to captivate your heart. With such emotional resonance, this tale emerges as a testament to the indelible bond between humans and their canine companions, celebrated on the silver screen.
‘Arthur the King’ is currently showing in theaters worldwide, beckoning audiences to embark on an awe-inspiring adventure of endurance, partnership, and survival against the backdrop of scenic landscapes and life-challenging pursuits.
