Arthur the King - Budget Unknown - 1 hour and 30 minutes
Mikael Linford ran with his team during the 2015 Adventure World Racing Championship. They were neck-and-neck when Liam told Mikael to slow down because the other team was hesitant. Liam realized the current works against them, but Mikael wanted to continue. Liam tasted the water and detected salt. He warns Mikael that they are going the wrong way. After trekking through debris-filled mud, the team knows they lost. Liam takes a picture and posts it on Instagram.
Three years later, Mikael is a married man with a young daughter. Mikael's wife, Helena, can tell something is bothering him. Mikael knows it's his last chance to enter the race and win. So, Helena encourages him to race. Mikael finds the best team and convinces them to compete with him. He picks Olivia because she has excellent climbing skills and Chik for his navigation abilities under pressure. The sponsors worry because Chik's last team kicked him off because he had a bad knee. Mikael assures them that Chik's knee is fine. Before Mikael unveils the third teammate, the sponsors stop him. They want Liam to be the final selection, or they won't help. Mikael promises to persuade Liam to join. Then, Mikael requests $100,000 to train for four weeks in Costa Rica before the race. But the sponsor will only give $50,000. So, Mikael says yes.
Mikael trains with his team and starts the race. Over five days, these teams will race to transition points. However, they can choose the path between transitions. Using an IV will cost them a 4-hour penalty. At a point, Mikael and his team are behind but take a break to eat. Mikael gets the meatballs and sees a dog watching. He offers the dog some food. It takes a while for the dog to trust Mikael, but the dog eats. Scores of miles later, Mikael's team made significant ground and cut their rest short. They start to hike through the jungle during the rain when Chik slips and hurts his ankle. Liam and Mikael argue over Chik's health and Mikael's attitude. Then, they hear barking. It's the same dog that Mikael gave meatballs to. They decide to let the dog follow them and continue their run until the dog stops them. The dog growls as they try to proceed. Then, Mikael carefully steps forward and sees the edge of a cliff. The team was moments away from sudden death. They thank the dog and make him a member of the team. Mikael thinks the dog acts like a king, so Mikael names the dog Arthur. Mikael believes he's found the perfect pet to share his pain bucket. But will Mikael's mind change when he has a complex decision: the race or the dog.
Based on Arthur: The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home by Mikael Lindnord, this movie takes liberties with the location and race's name but it's fun to watch (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Viewers will see Arthur's struggles to survive before Mikael and their instant bond. And the director didn't speed up the race through dangerous terrain to rush Mikael and Arthur's meeting. It will make the audience appreciate the journey Arthur made to find Mikael. The movie has a heart-stopping moment during the race that will make you hold your breath. The script doesn't stop when Mikael's race ends because the race is only half of Mikael's problem. Seeing Mikael's tribulations to keep Arthur will pull at your heartstrings. While the story is entertaining, you won't yearn to purchase it. One viewing on the big screen is enough to make you appreciate the film, the race, and the team, including Arthur.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
I need you to be okay - Mikael
Way to go, Mikael - Helen
You know I always have a backup - Liam
That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard - Chik
You're gonna have to bitch louder - Olivia
