King Ralph (1991)

Undescribable Perfection

Powerful

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

The bizarre and unthinkable idea of an American King of Britain would certainly make a good comedy however this one tries to hard. The film is based loosely on a novel Headstrong and the the novel was adapted to the idea of an American becoming King and the formula worked making the film interesting but with a basis to build on. The film works well with all the national stereotyping of the characters and the culture shock of the main character to adjust to his new found culture as well as the shock of being from ordinary in to exceptional. The transition of the character and his new circumstances is played out well The faults of the film is that it would of been better as a Drama with Comical elements making it formal without being serious. The plot is too simplistic and as in the novel should of followed more of the complicated Politics of the British Monarchy rather then a predictable dual format. The cast is all good except John Goodman who is to inelegant to pass of as a monarch and a different American lead should of been selected. However an enjoyable afternoon film for all the family that will be fun.

I am a huge fan of this movie. There are a lot of people who do not, but perhaps they would if they actually paid close attention ( especially the last 20 minutes). Spoilers ahead: Watch the speech before Parliament where Ralph abdicates the throne for Cedric ( Peter O' Toole): Admitting " I tried my best, but my best will never be good enough." Cedric notes later on that ( Ralph ) is a good and kind man who conducted himself with honor and taught him how to be King ( showing courage by doing the right thing for England and giving England "A better and more qualified man then any Nation deserves." ( he did not want the job ( one reason being he had no heirs) and admitted being a coward)). The relationship between Ralph and Miranda really works as well. Camille Coduri is a knockout, much better looking thank Princess Anna ( Joely Richardson). But what really works is she is not perfect ( being a stripper), and gradually starts to realize she has made bad decisions in her life ( "Taking the easy way out" and accepting money from Lord Graves to embarrass Ralph ( Graves was a particularly nasty John Hurt)). In the end she changes and is working in a clothing store when Ralph comes for her. Of course, you know that the next King of England will be Ralph and Miranda's Son Ralph Jr ( you see him in the final scene). Really outstanding performances by Camile Coduri, Richard Griffiths ( the King's Secretary Duncan Phipps), John Goodman ( Ralph), and of course, O'Toole who should be on a short list of the greatest actors in History. 10/10 Stars

Watching a whole royal family blown up, isn't particularly funny, but we must remember this is only a movie. Out of interest, it would be interesting to see the real royal family's view on this movie, as well as how accurately the set up is here. Enter John Goodman, a piano player who plays in seedy second rate clubs, in Vegas. He's scouted out by some of the surviving royalty where on the night of being fired from his gig, he's given a proposition, which is a dream. But really what would it be like, being the new king or any royal figure, having to adhere to customs, and keep up appearances, while also being mobbed in informal wear. No way. And this is basically what they take from Goodman in this. I think they've visually captured this originally good comedy well, and it has been interestingly written. It's quite dishy. One such touch I loved, was the score of punk/fascists with their pink cuts and heavy jewellery, watching through the t.v shop, passing view on their new king. Our King too, falls in love with an English girl, where she too is propositioned, by a corrupt royal party, (John Hurt, in a splendid dastardly performance, who was also up for king). Peter O'Toole as Ralph's royal tutor, is royally solid, no surprise, he was cast in this sort of role. They found the right man for the job in Goodman, as he displays his bumbling and clunky manner with such believability, which he's very un king like, where the writers have poured a lot of funny stuff into this, as well poking fun at the royal traits and figures, themselves. John Goodman's love interest was good too, fresh off the heals of her character in Nuns On The Run. Oh and he was right, about the royal woman (fox, looking a lot like Di), he's 'spose to marry, she really does have the voice of a tuba, which would scare off any guy. Check out Goodman's expressions here. There will be people out there, including real royalty who will take offence to this film, but there's a lot of other more offensive comedies. I found King Ralph very funny, but also very well made in terms of royal setting, costuming, whatever. And really, is there such a desert as Spotted d..k. Hear and see Duke Of Earl song like it's never been played before, by Goodman, and band.

I wasn't sure whether King Ralph would be my style, seeing how much the critics panned it. But when I watched it, I was surprised at how much I liked it. It is not perfect, but one of the worst films ever? No, far from it. It is enjoyable, despite the sometimes weak script, uneven direction and one or two parts that felt rather slow and contrived. What redeems it though is the cast. John Goodman amiably bumbles his way through his role and gives some charm into a character that could have been bland and uninteresting, and Peter O'Toole and John Hurt seem to be having a whale of a time as the adviser and scheming courtier. Also, the film does actually look nice, the cinematography is good and the scenery is lovely. The soundtrack and score were enjoyable as well. Overall, it has its problems, but it isn't a bad film by all means. 7/10 Bethany Cox