The Lost King

A true story, potentially inspirational but mostly just peculiar.

The viewer will recognize a classic David vs. Goliath tale at the heart of The Lost King, which is what makes it such a good story.

It's sweet and nice, but it didn't need the extra stuff.

Stephen Frears gives us something really comforting, sweet, solid and sincere.

As it ticks along from one small but crucial development to another, this climax is far more exciting than any part of any superhero movie I’ve seen in recent months.

The Lost King often seems distinctly underpowered. But it has one big thing in its favor: Sally Hawkins’ performance as Langley. She’s perfectly cast, which, as a general rule, does not always translate into a perfect performance. Not so here.

The Lost King successfully illustrates someone struggling to validate their own sense of identity through achievement, and that’s something most viewers can recognize from life.

Director Stephen Frears reunites with his Philomena writing team, who include the actor/comedian Steve Coogan, and they pad out a thin story with flourishes that no actor, no matter how charming, can sell.

Sally Hawkins charms in this uplifting feel-good movie as Richard III's superfan. The fantasy bit involving his ghost provides comic relief as well as a manifestation of Langley's affection for the last Plantagenet king.

Slow moving but the film thrives thanks to the talent of Sally Hawkins.