Walter Dickens is obsessed with King Arthur.

In a new animated film titled 'The King of Kings,' audiences are introduced to a unique retelling of the life of Jesus through the lens of Charles Dickens and his son, Walter. The film begins by highlighting Walter's imaginative obsession with King Arthur, which leads to a chaotic moment during one of Dickens' stage performances. In an attempt to mend their relationship, Dickens decides to narrate the life of Jesus to Walter, interspersing it with moments of personal reflection that allow both father and son to confront their emotions. The animation deftly weaves major biblical events, from Jesus' birth to his resurrection, into a narrative framework that includes characters from Dickens' life. However, it does so in a manner that sometimes feels disjointed – a playful interaction between Dickens and the gospel's portrayal of Jesus can create a sense of cognitive dissonance among viewers. Critics argue that while the intention is to offer a kind and theologically accurate message, the film's approach might dilute the significance of Jesus’ story due to its framing through the Victorian concerns of Dickens. Additionally, some reviews suggest that the animation quality and presentation style lack the sophistication expected in contemporary animated features, simplifying complex biblical themes. Voice acting from a strong ensemble, including Oscar Isaac and Kenneth Branagh, helps elevate the material, but there are instances where the connections between Dickens' lessons and Jesus’ story feel forced. Overall, 'The King of Kings' serves more as a child's introduction to Christian teachings rather than a robust cinematic experience, leading viewers to wonder if distinct narratives about Jesus and Dickens would have been more impactful on their own.