Is King of America Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1982)

📖 The Core Premise

King of America stands as a 1982 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Drama, TV Movie landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Hot-tempered Greek immigrant Andreas arrives in America in 1915. He finds work on a railroad, but soon gives his corrupt foreman Mekakis a savage beating. Making his way west across the country, Andreas eventually comes upon another railroad looking for workers. It turns out Mekakis has gone westward, too. He offers Andreas the only job suitable for him, a "mountain mover" on the suicide squad: He must grapple down the face of a cliff, position sticks of dynamite and then climb back up again before the lit fuses reach the explosive."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Michael Welden feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is King of America worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, King of America misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 74 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.