Hooray, it’s time for another animated film! I actually took count on this. It’s been 16 movies since the last animated movie (101 Dalmatians) and 10 before that since Sleeping Beauty. So how refreshing to finally have another animated movie to watch. For this project, I’m focusing on the story itself, including dialogue, character development, any subplots, how a story presents itself, the speed at which it moves, if it slows down unnecessarily, etc.
A Brief Summary
(Taken from D23)
An animated feature, set in the medieval era at a time when 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, kindly, but absentminded Merlin the Magician begins to teach eleven-year-old Arthur who is called “Wart” and who lives in the castle of Sir Ector where he is an apprentice squire to burly, oafish Sir Kay when he is not washing mounds 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 Wizard’s 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. Seeing the sword in the stone, Wart, 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.
What works
- Fantasy film highlighted by the return of the ‘storybook opening’ mainly used by Princess movies (Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White) though the book format was also used in Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier
- The movie setting is medieval like in the Sleeping Beauty but the animation and character personalities feel more like in 101 Dalmatians so much more contemporary.
- The storybook (I’m talking the actual pages shown, not just the cover) has a fantasy/time period feel to it while the narrator is much easier to follow along. The narration style reminds me of Bing Crosby who narrated Ichabod’s portion in Ichabod and Mr. Toad. Obviously I’m referring to the singing portion from Ichabod, but the ‘dramatic recitations’ in the narration.
- Once the beginning narration is over, the story starts with Merlin, diving right into the action while clearly still being at the beginning of the story. I think that makes it a little easier to get immersed quickly into the story.
- Kay as a hunter makes me think of Steve Irwin, though certainly an anti-Steve Irwin (and not as bad as Joe Exotic). I enjoyed him as a character.
- I love the wolf as a running gag/minor antagonist. I only wish there was more of him, though the amount of screen time he had does seem enough for his importance in the story.
- Archimedes is my spirit animal
- Merlin’s sugar bowl is also my spirit animal
- Established early that Merlin has a bit of a temper
- Archimedes is my spirit animal (worth saying twice)
- Merlin is such a fascinating character to watch. Whereas Archimedes is able to temper his knowledge with current societal norms, Merlin goes all-in with his knowledge, leading often with his emotions. Knowledge = power, he knows more. What he knows is right, therefore he is right, therefore others should just agree and do it his way
- “No there’s no telling what the old devil might do.” I love that they show this in the movie. Kay for certain doesn’t like Merlin (does he like anybody?) and Ector is willing to toe the line while still trying to maintain some control.
- The story wraps up pretty well, ending with Arthur having become King and hinting at what was to come for King Arthur.
What may or may not work
- Merlin alone wouldn’t work in this, character personality-wise, Archimedes is needed to help balance Merlin’s personality.
- I like that Ector is in charge, but if you just witnessed a wizard doing wizard things, probably shouldn’t tell him he can’t do wizard things (educating the Wart)
- They freakin’ did that female squirrel dirty. Talk about squirrels mating for life and that she had chosen Arthur but then they just leave her! I don’t know how they would have fixed it but still.
Honorable Mentions
- Higgitus Figitus – favorite song. It’s Merlin’s packing song and believe you me, I would absolutely ABSOLUTELY prefer singing this song and having all my belongings packed away in a single bag when I have to move or go on a trip. Seriously, if it could work even once, I would be the happiest person ever.
- “See there Sugar Bowl, you’re getting rough. That poor old tea set is cracked enough.”
- followed by Sugar Bowl ‘elbowing’ the teapot in the ‘stomach’ with its spoon (hence its spirit animal status)
- “You…bungling blockhead” -Archimedes to Merlin
- “Now don’t you get any foolish ideas that magic will solve all your problems because it won’t”-Merlin
- half-true
- “Now have you ever considered being a squirrel?” (Merlin to Arthur)
- Madam Mim is everything
- Madam Mim and Merlin’s wizards duel is hands down the best part of the movie
- “Knowledge and wisdom is the real power”
- feels like the same lesson learned at the end of Indiana Jones 4 (though in that Knowledge was the real treasure of El Dorado)
- “Sir Kay, I’ve been knighted, don’t forget.” – “Sir” Kay
- “A stooge for that big lunk, Kay” – Merlin
- No one questions an owl just hanging around with Arthur at the tournament.
- I appreciate how smoothly the sword goes back into the anvil/stone
- “I say we let the boy try it.” – Sir Pelinor
- an underrated man of wisdom
- (When Merlin returns at the very end of the movie) “Back from Bermuda and the 20th century. And believe me, you can have it. One big modern mess.”
- Good thing he didn’t visit 2020, he might not have survived.
Side Questions
- Arthur is the ward of Sir Ector. How’d he wind up there anyway?
- What’s so bad about Arthur getting a medieval-level education? He won’t be called crazy for his knowledge and he could still rule effectively.
Would I watch this movie again?
- Absolutely. This was one of the movies that I grew up watching, so there is still a nostalgic feeling to it. It’s not one of Disney’s best films, but it is certainly still an enjoyable watch.
If you’ve seen The Sword in the Stone, what are some of your thoughts? Share in the comments below!
Rewind to the beginning of the Disney Film Project
Skip back to the previous film with The Incredible Journey
Fast Forward to the next film with The Three Lives of Thomasina
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