Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
A documentary filmmaker interviews the now-famous Trevor Slattery from behind bars.
All Hail the King is a fun MCU short that serves mainly as a comedic showcase for Ben Kingsley's Trevor Slattery, who remains a genuine delight to watch. The mockumentary format is a clever framing device that gives the short its distinct comedic rhythm, and Kingsley clearly relishes the role. The plot is essentially a character piece with a late twist that retroactively complicates Iron Man 3's controversial Mandarin reveal, which is interesting but also a bit of a retcon serving franchise housekeeping. Cinematography is functional and deliberately lo-fi given the mockumentary conceit. As a short film it punches above its weight in entertainment value but is ultimately limited by its brief runtime and narrow scope.