The Kid Who Would Be King

The movie has the freshness, innocence, and energy of youngsters on the threshold of adulthood, embarked on a grand heroic adventure.

It's got a great kid-energy to it, but also [has] real adventures, real danger, and real stakes.

I'm a huge fan of Cornish's 2011 debut Attack the Block, but this film isn't nearly as energetic or enjoyably wacky as its predecessor.

It's not embarrassed about not being cynical.

If you factor in the movie's faith in the kindness of children and its eventual optimism about the future, it becomes, in essence, a healing myth for the ills of contemporary Britain. With or without a deal.

A crowning achievement.

The themes and messages of the film were relatable and thoughtfully packed in a whimsical coming of age adventure.

Cornish’s family adventure film can be entertaining and is flawlessly produced, though it almost lands on the wrong side of the fence in terms of the fun by taking itself a bit too seriously.

The movie may prove forgettable for adults, but this critic wants to send it back in time to the 10-year-old me, who would love this sort of thing.

Made with a panache missing from other attempts at modern quest movies.