Movie Review: Outlaw King

Hey Steem Movie Lovers

It seems like Netfix's new catchphrase is now based on an untold true story as it continues to push out action movies set in the past. We've seen this with Operation Finale as well as The Siege of Jadotville. So what is their obsession with these untold stories? Honestly, I have no idea, It just seems like a juicy marketing angle

I've already reviewed operation finale and you can find the link to it at the end of this post, which was a good movie but had its issues as well as historical inaccuracies. Outlaw King looks to be the second release in quick succession in this new franchise

I think this one will be a safer bet since none of us were born in the time period to dispute anything we see on screen right? Lol, so what's this movie about and how did it turn out?

Image Source: IMDB

Plot for Outlaw King

In a nation once divided we see Robert (Chris Pine) try to restore order after being crowned King of Scotland. As tensions rise the legendary warrior Robert the Bruce is forced into exile by the English and leads a band of outlaws to help him reclaim the throne.

Trailer for Outlaw King

What I thought of Outlaw King

My first critism of this film is that doesn't really do much in terms of fleshing out the characters and their motivations and I think it would have worked better as a mini-series. The period in which this film takes place, was a major event in Scottish history, and trying to cram all of it into 2 hours was not going to be an easy task. I'm pretty sure the cutting room floor is litered with vital scenes we've missed out on in the final delivery.

The visuals

Outlaw King is one of the most visually stunning with some amazing shots of the countryside, and you can really see the work put into the cinematography, the set pieces & the costume designs. The action scenes are really well done, you're placed in the heat of the battle and do not miss a single second of the brutality and gruesomeness that is hand to hand combat.

The cast

The actors all put a shift, and Chris Pine's efforts are noted even if he can be a bit boring at times, overall he was great as the Bruce. Most of the other characters are pretty generic and forgettable, you won't remember a single name apart from Bruce once the end credits start rolling. You don't get much time to spend with them, as they just stand in the background and do some cool stuff like getting killed.

Don't even get me started on the most generic and unimaginative love story I've ever seen in a film, they could have totally left it out since it had no effect on the movie whatsoever. Aaron Taylor Johnson, however, was pretty entertaining here, as a savage lunatic eager to avenge his family.

My rating

If you're looking for an updated Braveheart you're going to be disappointed so don't even start to compare the two. The Outlaw King will surely disappoint the history buffs and hardcore movie goers but for the general audience, I think its one of the better movies to come out this year and a good deal of entertainment for your time spent.

If you can get past the fact that everyone in this movie looks like the Unabomber and Chris Pine's Scottish accent fading in and out then you will likely enjoy this movie. I give it a solid 7 out of 10

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