Merlin's Apprentice (2006)

The Search for the Holy Grail is on. The great sorcerer Merlin has returned to Camelot, a kingdom now vulnerable to ill fates and war since the theft of the Holy Grail, its greatest gift and protection. With the help of Jack, an irascible young beggar-thief imbued with his own unruly magic, the fight against unknown dangers begins--to find the Grail, restore it to its rightful place, and bring Camelot back to its glory days. DVD Features include interviews with cast members. Product Description

Full-screen version... an okay movie, but distracting.

I much enjoy movies like this one (fantasies) but this film is just so-so. But first, what I LIKED about the film:

1. Very nice scenery -- I really liked the locations and sets.

2. The casting, as far as their appropriate appearance goes, is really excellent.

3. The soundtrack is nice and subtle.


Beyond that, this film had some problems:

1. All the "flashbacks" (tons of those) were "ad nauseum". This also sort of blew the film's continuity.

2. The acting skills of the cute little blonde were notably marginal, at least in this particular instance. I kept thinking that she must have been focused on trying to recall her lines -- she never seemed relaxed and natural.

3. The battle scenes were really chopped up. You couldn't see any single movement long enough to comfortably comprehend it, not pleasing to the eye and distracting as the dickens.

4. This film would definitely be better in the widescreen version -- the full-screen version is way too much "in your face".

In the end, this movie was okay but I probably won't watch it a second time. Since I bought it in a pawn shop (they had 3 copies, all full-screen) for three bucks, I didn't get hurt on it -- I'm sure I can think of someone in the neighborhood to pass it on to. I AM excited in anticipation to view the original "Merlin" movie, never having seen it yet. As I check out the ratings from both films, it seems that most folks are finding it a lot more palatable. I do wish that film producers would make a lot more of these Merlin-type, Medieval fantasy films. "The Lord of the Rings" (extended versions) just knocked me out -- they are superb! May 31, 2008

Vivien's review

This is a absolutely great movie. I have always been interested in Merlin and the Arthurian legend. This movie portrays Merlin in a way that really is believable. Love it!!! July 6, 2007

Typical Sequel

Got this as a package deal with the first movie. Didn't really follow the story from the original, but loved Sam Neil as Merlin, so we gave it a chance. Different Lady of the lake, and the plot stalled a couple times. It was pretty good, as a stand alone. As a sequel, not up to par and I'd rather watch "Merlin" instead. January 15, 2007

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