The Sword In The Stone is a major disappointment. It's by no means a bad film, it's just disappointing. What I expected to be an origin film was really just a silly film about a boy with a wizard for a teacher.
Don't let the title deceive you, this is not a movie about a sword in a stone, it's about a skinny young boy named Arthur- whom everyone calls Wart- who has a rather ruthles... read more
Description:Arthur (aka Wart) is a young boy who aspires to be a knight's squire. On a hunting trip he falls in on Merlin, a powerful but amnesiac wizard who has plans for Wart beyond mere squiredom. He starts by trying to give Wart an education (whatever that is), believing that once one has an education, one can go anywhere. Needless to say, itArthur (aka Wart) is a young boy who aspires to be a knight's squire. On a hunting trip he falls in on Merlin, a powerful but amnesiac wizard who has plans for Wart beyond mere squiredom. He starts by trying to give Wart an education (whatever that is), believing that once one has an education, one can go anywhere. Needless to say, it doesn't quite work out that way. Written by Tim Pickett {quetzal@yoyo.cc.monash.edu.au}
This animated feature is set in medieval times. After the English king dies leaving no heir, in the churchyard of a cathedral in London, a sword appears imbedded in a stone inscribed, "Who so pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil is rightwise king born of England." Although many try, no one can budge the sword from the stone. Deep in the dark woods, kind, but absent-minded Merlin the Magician begins to teach 11-year-old Arthur, who is called Wart, and lives in the castle of Sir Ector where he's an apprentice squire to burly, oafish Sir Kay -- when he's not washing stacks of pots and pans in the scullery. By being changed by Merlin into various animals, Wart learns the basic truths of life, but he also runs into the evil Madam Mim, who tries to destroy him. Merlin and Mim have a Wizards' Duel, during which each changes into various creatures, with Merlin using his wits to win. On New Year's Day, a great tournament is held in London to pick a new king. Wart, attending as Kay's squire, forgets Kay's sword, and runs back to the inn to get it, but the inn is locked. Wart, seeing the sword in the stone, innocently, and easily, pulls it out. When the knights marvel at the wondrous sword and question where he got it, Wart has to prove himself all over again, and again he pulls the sword from the stone. Wart is proclaimed king by the marveling warriors. Wart as King Arthur is apprehensive of his ability to govern, but Merlin returns to reassure him. Written by Corinne Shetter
"I watched this after finishing the TV show Merlin. Its just not the same and I've realized I actually am not a huge fan of this movie anymore.
Merlin=Colin Morgan
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"There is still some life in the characterizations, though the animation is turning stiff and flat.
- Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
He had my heart racing like a squirrel. He had my body soaring into the stratosphere like a bird. He had me slippery and firm like a fresh young perch.
- Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine"
ToonHead2102 added this to a list 1 month, 3 weeks ago
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TV (RECORDED TO DVR) / REWATCH
Date watched: 5th February, 2013
Project: Disney
Why?: Haven't seen this one for a long time.
Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
Thoughts: Well, it was ok. Not a favourite. Some enjoyable moments but nothing too thrilling. Forgot Arthur was American instead of English but never mind. Hmm... I think I have the book by T H White around here somewhere. Must dig it out to compare it to the film.
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Joshua "LF" added this to a list 3 months, 3 weeks ago