Arthur the King

Due to strong language and some intense drama, this week’s film is more appropriate for older viewers.

Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg) is an experienced racer longing to finally win a championship. He’s got one last hope: he and his team enter a grueling 435-mile race through the difficult jungle terrain of the Dominican Republic, a multi-day challenge that will include trekking, cycling, kayaking, and climbing.

Not long after the race begins, Michael encounters a stray dog and feeds him some scraps. As the race continues, Michael expects he’ll never see the dog again, but sure enough the dog shows up miles later, refusing to leave Michael and his team. The dog is soon named Arthur and becomes an honorary part of the team. Though the dog provides unique companionship, Michael’s not sure they can win the championship if they want to take care of their furry friend the whole way.

Based on a true story, Arthur the King celebrates loyalty, selflessness, and learning to measure victory by something other than a finish line. It is a theme familiar to lovers of animal stories: animals that depend on us have a unique way of putting the rest of life into perspective. The film is rated PG-13 for strong language and some frightening scenes.

Runtime: 1 hour, 47 minutes
Rated PG-13
OSV News classification: A-III
IMDb Parents Guide
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