Message from the King (2017)

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

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

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

I wasn't at all sure what to expect going into 'Message From the King'. I was skeptical about it based purely on the cheesy title. I decided to give it a go though and I'm glad I did. I wouldn't say I loved it but it was a very solid and enjoyable film for the most part. There was adequate violence and the action/fight sequences were well executed and fun to watch. The characters are a large part of what make this film so good. Both the hero and the main villain are well created characters and well cast also. Chadwick Boseman in particular impressed me. He brought a terrific intensity to the film and definitely had you rooting for him and caring about the fate of his character. On that note, this is a very dark film. I can't remember one single piece of comedic relief in the entire run time. It's not a film I can see anyone being blown away by, but it's also a film I couldn't imagine anyone not enjoying.

An EXCELLENT movie. One that not only addresses the cruelty and injustice of this world but also the humility and focus of the few who do try to make it right.Highly recommended!

This was an action-packed, thrill ride of a film. It had some unexpected twists - especially at the end - and some great acting by Boseman. He makes the movie, no doubt! The plot is pretty simple - find his missing sister. And when that comes to a heart-stopping conclusion, find those responsible for what happened to her. And Boseman's character - while not super human - is super skilled. The film shows the seriously gritty and unseemly side to Hollywood. Overall, a really good film and another fine performance by Boseman.

When it comes to films with black leads, I try to never let representation cloud my judgement and always hope they have the ideal writing and direction working for the leads in their favor. I've been excited to see Chadwick Boseman raise from the TV show Lincoln Heights to playing T'Challa as Black Panther. After learning about this film Message from the King, I thought this film would at least be a good prelude to the few months waiting for Black Panther, however, I left severely underwhelmed that the Message brings.Chadwick Boseman plays Jacob King, a man traveling back from South Africa to search for his sister Bianca had gone missing and goes on a chase through those she knew personally for answers of her whereabouts and even resulting in violent acts in the process. Chadwick himself does fine in the role, as most of the time he is spent stoic and a man of few words. Luke Evans makes a surprise role connected to the antagonists, and while his cool persona helps the role, his character gets really annoying fast as a dentist where literally no character doesn't talk about their teeth while their around him. "You can really learn about a man when you see his teeth." That is a real line. In a movie that's supposed to be a action thriller.Another big issue is the pacing of this movie. Even at a 103 minute runtime, it takes entirely too long for any engaging action to occur (there's only 2 action scenes in the whole movie), and the plot and writing isn't engaging enough to warrant it's slow burn storytelling. But the film really flies off the rails in the third act with the main antagonist and you find out about his shady business involving someone young, it felt disgusting and really out of place for what the films main motivation.Message from the King was one I had hope for, but I found out halfway, this wouldn't leave a good impact. The direction and writing is choppy, despite some decent performances from Chadwick and Luke. I just feel King deserved better and I'm hoping I'm right in February.