The Sword in the Stone

Posted on August 5, 2013 at 4:00 am

A-

Lowest Recommended Age:	All Ages
MPAA Rating:	G
Profanity:	None
Alcohol/ Drugs:	None
Violence/ Scariness:	Cartoon violence and peril
Diversity Issues:	Class issues
Date Released to Theaters:	1963
Date Released to DVD:	August 5, 2013
Amazon.com ASIN:	B00CUDD0XO

Disney is celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of its animated classics with a beautiful new Blu-Ray edition. Based on The Once and Future King by T.H. White that also inspired the musical “Camelot,” “The Sword in the Stone” is the story of the early years of King Arthur.

Nicknamed “Wart,” the future King Arthur is squire to a knight when he meets Merlin the magician, who promises to take on his education. Merlin turns the boy into a fish, a bird, and a squirrel to teach him lessons like the importance of brains over brawn. He gets to see this in action when Madame Mim, Merlin’s enemy, challenges Merlin to a duel by magic, and, though she cheats, Merlin is able to defeat her.

Wart still has his duties as a squire, and, having forgotten the sword for a jousting match, he runs to get it. He sees a sword stuck in a stone and pulls it out, not knowing the legend that whoever will pull the sword out of the stone will be the rightful king. He becomes King Arthur, and listens when Merlin reminds him that knowledge is the real power.

The Arthur legend has fascinated people for centuries, and this story about Arthur’s childhood as special appeal for children. Aside from the fun of seeing what it is like to be a bird, a squirrel, or a fish, and from having your very own wizard as a teacher, there is the highly satisfying aspect of having one’s worth, unappreciated by everyone, affirmed so unequivocally.

Parents should know that this film has some mild peril and family issues.

Family discussion: What made Arthur the one who could pull the sword out of the stone? What did he learn from his adventures with Merlin? How will what he learned help him to be a good king? How did Madame Mim cheat? How did Merlin fight back when she did?

If you like this, try: Older kids may like to see “Camelot,” the musical by Lerner and Lowe (of “My Fair Lady”), to find out some of what happened to Arthur later (note that the focus of that movie is on Guinevere’s infidelity with Lancelot). Mature teenagers might like the rather gory “Excalibur,” which has some stunning images.

“The Emperor’s New Groove” — A Neglected Gem from Disney

Posted on June 5, 2013 at 7:19 am

I am really pleased that one of my favorite Disney animated movies, “The Emperor’s New Groove,” will be out on Blu-Ray next week. It is a neglected gem, colorful and very funny, with wonderfully executed sight gags and action and a great story, with an Oscar-nominated song from Sting. It’s about an arrogant and selfish young emperor (David Spade) who is turned into a llama by the evil Yzma (voiced by the magnificent growl of Eartha Kitt).

Here is a glimpse and a song from Tom Jones.

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More from Disney’s Next Release: Planes

Posted on May 21, 2013 at 8:00 am

This video, featuring music by the film’s composer, Mark Mancina, is much more appealing than the trailer. I’m beginning to look forward to it. And do we get a hint that train and boat movies may follow?

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Trailers, Previews, and Clips

Disney Lets Merida Be Merida After All

Posted on May 18, 2013 at 8:00 am

Did the folks at Disney even watch “Brave?” One of the great strengths of Pixar’s first movie starring a female character (and its first originally written by a woman, Brenda Chapman, though she was replaced by a male director) was that its feisty heroine, Merida, looked like a real girl and not a wasp-waisted “princess.” But Disney released art showing that she had been given what she would never have put up with in the film — a makeover. The drawing on the Disney Princess website had a Merida who was more slender, bustier, and had eye make-up.

After protests by Chapman, bloggers, and a Change.org petition, Disney has backed down and Merida is back to the way we love her.

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Understanding Media and Pop Culture

Interview: Kiara Muhammad, Voice of Doc McStuffins

Posted on May 6, 2013 at 8:00 am

What a treat to talk to Doc McStuffins! Kiara Muhammed provides the voice for the little girl who diagnoses all of her toys’ ailments and teaches them to be healthy. The latest DVD, Doc McStuffins: Time for Your Checkup, will be released tomorrow.

Where are you when you record the voice for Doc McStuffins?

I am in a room by myself with a microphone and there’s glass so I can see the writer and director telling me how to say the lines. I try to think of some things that she does already, how she would normally do it to keep it the same. It would be a little weird if I did something totally different than what she normally does. Like does she nod when she says “yes” or does she just reply — things like that. I put my voice really high so I sound younger!

What is Doc McStuffins’ favorite thing to do?

Her favorite thing is helping toys. But she also likes playing with her friends. Family and friend time is important, too.

What should kids learn from Doc McStuffins?

The hygienic stuff is really important. Washing your hands and eating well and exercising — it’s a problem now because kids have all these electronics and can get lazy. They really have to take care of themselves.

Are you more careful about those things now?

I’ve been working out more and now actually like to go play. I used to just be on my phone all day and watch TV. Now I play basketball and tennis!

Do you have a favorite episode?

I like the episode where Lambie gets a rip and then I have to heal her. It’s a really sweet episode! I like the sweet episodes where I really try to help people out, not when they’re hurt but with their emotions.

What do you like to do for fun?

I really love movies! I like Will Smith movies and animated movies like “Tangled” and “Up” and “The Little Mermaid.” I like listening to music. If it’s really loud and I can’t hear anything else, I’m really happy. I like being with my friends. I’m reading The Goddess Test series and it’s really good. I hope she writes more of them.

What makes you laugh?

I like dry comedy — I find that hilarious. If you have a dry sense of humor, I’m going to laugh at you a lot!

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