An adventure racer adopts a stray dog named Arthur to join him in an epic endurance race.
If there's one thing I've learned from watching movies about men and their dogs, it's that I'm guaranteed to be moved. Or at least get really, really misty-eyed—like when I'm chopping onions, only with feelings. Enter "Arthur the King," a film where Mark Wahlberg trades his usual tough-guy roles for something that tugs at the heartstrings: a tale of an endurance racer who adopts a stray dog and brings him on an epic race journey.
First off, let's set the scene: Mark Wahlberg plays the lead, supported by the charismatic Simu Liu and the ever-graceful Juliet Rylance. But let's be honest, the real star of the show is Arthur, a scruffy, lovable stray dog who becomes more than just a pet; he becomes a partner. As any pet owner (or pet staff member, depending on who you ask) will tell you, the human-animal bond can be just as profound as human-to-human relationships. And when it’s Mark Wahlberg forming that bond, you bet I’m watching.
The movie is based on a true story, which always adds a layer of emotional investment. Knowing that these heartwarming events actually happened somehow makes every smile a little brighter and every tear a bit saltier. And Mark Wahlberg, bless him, seems to be getting better with age—not just in looks but in choosing roles that showcase more than his ability to punch things. This film adds to his growing repertoire of roles that require him to flex his emotional muscles as much as his physical ones.
However, not everything is puppy chow and belly rubs in this film. While the story of a man and his dog racing through challenges could fill hours of screen time with heartwarming moments, "Arthur the King" sometimes feels like it’s holding back on the doggy details. The connection between Mark and Arthur is the soul of this narrative, but the film occasionally jogs past moments where it could have instead taken a leisurely stroll. A few more scenes showing their growing bond would have been warmly welcomed like a dog welcoming its owner home.
Adding depth to the film are some intriguing tidbits: Wahlberg tore his knee on the first day of shooting but kept going, weaving his real pain into his performance. Filmed in the Dominican Republic but set in Ecuador, where the true events unfolded, the film takes some creative liberties with locations but captures the spirit of the adventure. Furthermore, after the passing of the real Arthur in 2020, the film gains a layer of poignancy, knowing that his legacy spurred the creation of a foundation dedicated to the welfare of dogs globally.
"Arthur the King" concludes with an idyllic scene of Michael and Arthur running in the mountains of Colorado, a slightly embellished rendition of their actual adventures. In reality, their bond was so strong that they raced together again, only six months after their initial ordeal. This real-life continuation of their partnership could have added even more weight to their on-screen portrayal, but sometimes, you have to pick and choose your scenes.
Ultimately, "Arthur the King" is a heartfelt ode to the friendships that form in the unlikeliest of places, under the toughest of circumstances. It’s a story about resilience, companionship, and the unconditional love that dogs offer us, even when we're miles from home and struggling to breathe.
I rate this movie a solid 7.8/10. It's a warm, feel-good film that reminds us of the power of companionship—both human and canine. Animal lovers and fans of true stories will find much to enjoy here, even if they might want a few more tail wags and wet-nosed nuzzles.
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