Arthur's Quest Reviews

In this reworking of a Mark Twain story the legend of Camelot is catapulted from medieval ramparts to modern American suburbia. It's a novel twist that makes for some good family entertainment. Young King Arthur is propelled forward through time by Merlin the wizard (Arye Gross) to escape the wrath of the evil leather-clad sorceress Morgana (Alexandra Paul), who plots to steal the Excalibur sword, usurp Arthur’s power, and take over his kingdom. After arriving in America, Arthur (Michael Oshry) — now nicknamed Artie — is adopted by a kind-hearted waitress who raises him into a robust 20th Century teenager. Ten years pass without a sign of trouble save for Artie’s occasional truancy from school with his best-pal Gwen (Katie Johnston). Suddenly a deranged homeless guy in a wacky cloak shows up to retrieve the lad and the Excalibur - which has been conveniently stuck into a statue for safekeeping. This is Merlin, who appears to be a street corner nut. Artie doesn’t believe Merlin's claim that he's actually a legendary King. The wizard's untimely lapse of magical prowess doesn't help convince him. Artie evades Merlin’s constant harassment, until Morgana shows up on the scene with a gang of nefarious henchmen. Nothing like a marauding troupe of barbaric warriors to wake Artie up to the facts. And lucky for him, Merlin’s powers come back in the nick of time. A slightly predictable plot and amateurish special effects are balanced by earnest, engaging performances in this overall charming and imaginative tale that’s sure to delight young and old alike.