MOVIE REVIEWS

Decent watch, probably won't watch again, and can't recommend. Now it's been a while since I've seen this one, and now I remember why. There just isn't anything in the well in which to return. Sure all the magic is amusing, and the animal adventures are cute, as well as a nice reminder of how good we have it as humans, but I really feel like we ruined that squirrel's life, and I'm sad about it. The actual story of the sword in the stone is very short, because it's not interesting: it's all the adventures that Arthur has growing the kingdom, establishing rule over (what would be) England, and his adventures as an adult king (most of which were his knights') to include warring with neighbors. While the jocks versus nerds analogy through the movie is interesting, it feels polarizing, and the message of education / knowledge is mixed throughout the movie. Future references to the (1963) present just dates the movie and aren't all that funny, and it tells the audience that just because you have knowledge, doesn't mean you can use it. Then in the 3rd act, we start a controversy over having knowledge / skills can be used to better or worsen things, and other than inspiring Star Wars, I don't know what the point of it was. My favorite part was when Archimedes got to laugh: he seemed like he really needed it.

"Arthur" - rather unkindly nick-named "Wart" is a stable boy with grand ambitions. He wants to be the squire to a bold and chivalrous knight. Those plans are soon up in the air, though, when he has a chance encounter with "Merlin" in the forest and is soon the wizard's pet project. You see, the wise if scatty old man knows the true identity of the young man, and is determined to prepare him for what's to come. What now ensues isn't so much an Arthurian legend, more a compendium of fun and colourful escapades at "Wart", his boss "Sir Ector" and his scholarly tutor "Archimedes" have some messy and sometimes scary escapades. I quite enjoyed this. It's quickly paced and makes no bones about it's intention to entertain rather than do any educating of it's own! We've got suits of armour, dragons, magical dishwashers and, of course, "Madame Min" and the characterisations are engaging and mischievous. It's written with light-hearted comedy in mind, takes in easy on the moralising, and I found it a joyful production to watch for eighty minutes.