Movie Review: ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’ is a Southern fried flick with too many ingredients
It turns out that the honey business isn’t as sweet as it sounds: In the new movie “The Rivals of Amziah King,” beekeepers steal from each other, poison rivals’ insects and rip folk off. “It’s not full of…
The film "The Rivals of Amziah King" is a Southern-inspired movie filled with a multitude of elements and genres that can be overwhelming. Matthew McConaughey stars as the title character, adopting a caricature of his usual persona, complete with a wide grin, enigmatic smile, and Southern charm. Brace yourself for a bewildering blend of Tarantino-esque brutality, a coming-of-age story, a heist film, a revenge fantasy, and a country music-filled musical number.
McConaughey's performance is the film's saving grace, bringing to life the character's rascally demeanor and Southern gentlemanly charm. He appears onscreen in his signature outfit - suspenders, scruff, cowboy boots - instantly uplifting those around him. The movie opens with McConaughey's character indulging in a chicken-fried steak sandwich and a cherry Coke while playing the banjo with a quartet of musicians at a beloved food joint.
However, the plot takes an abrupt turn when his character leaves the scene after the first hour, handing over the narrative reins to Angelina LookingGlass, who makes her movie debut as the title character's former foster daughter.
Slapstick humor escalates as the plot delves into the theft and poisoning of bee colonies, followed by an industrial accident that gruesomely injures one of the characters. As the characters navigate these harrowing circumstances, they are guided by their shared experiences, particularly those related to beekeeping, which symbolizes community, sharing, and resilience. The film's writing, though clumsy at times, effectively conveys these themes.
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