TheDudeLebowski

I missed this movie when it was initially shown on NBC and also when it came out on VHS. Judging from other comments, I'm glad I did in a way. I rented the DVD, and I will say it would be a mistake to miss this gem. Most of the acting is superb, in particular Miranda Richardson, who has yet to disappoint me in a movie. Sam Neill, who I remember as the antichrist in The Final Conflict, is much more at home in this role as Merlin. At first, one might think he is dwarfed by the talents of Richardson, Martin Short, and Helena Bonham Carter, but you must remember that this is a Merlin hesitant to use magic, and Sam Neill fits in perfectly as a more laid back Merlin. Granted, there is some questionable casting and legend selection. Isabella Rossellini is horrible as Nimue, and I'm not too sure what the point of the character was anyway. King Arthur, though not the centerpiece of this story, could have been done a little better (Excalibur is a great movie to watch with Arthur as the centerpiece). Still its overall treatment of Arthurian legend is worlds better than First Night, which took a great legend and made it a chick movie.

I finally found the editor's cut of this film at a cheap price (I hate my softcore to be cut), and I must say, WOW! Shannan Leigh is soooo hot!! But, hey, all the babes in this movie are hot. There's not one that didn't do something for me. For softcore, the sex is extremely gratuitous. and if you can find the editor's cut, do not miss this one. Unless you hate gorgeous women and movies with lots of sex, this movie is definately for you.