“Listen. Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. You can’t expect to wield supreme executive power just because some watery tart threw a sword at you. I mean, if I went round saying I was an Emperor just because some moistened bint lobbed a scimitar at me they’d put me away!”

Apart from that The Kid Who Would Be King is a highly entertaining, if slightly cheesy, modern take on Arthurian legend, that can be enjoyed by all the family. Joe Cornish is probably best known for directing the wonderful Attack The Block and he brings the same wit, creativity, and British sensibilities to this take on the classic King Arthur story.

Based around secondary school kids Cornish did a superb job getting good performances out of his four main child actors. Starring as Alex Elliot, the King Arthur of modern times, is Louis Ashbourne Serkis (Andy Serkis’ son), and joining as his knights Lance, Bedders, and Kaye are Tom Taylor (from The Dark Tower), and newcomers Dean Chaumoo and Rhianna Dorris. All four have excellent chemistry, and carry their character’s journeys well throughout the film.

It does feel a little long though coming in at a full two hours. It certainly takes a while to get into the action and the throws of the film, but once it gets there The Kid Who Would Be King is a great ride. It is aimed to be fun for younger audiences, but there’s plenty of entertainment for adults as well.

I was truly shocked by The Kid Who Would Be King given that I expected it to be awful from the trailer. But it has actually turned out to be a lot of fun.

7/10