Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
Starring: Rickie Sorensen, Karl Swenson, Sebastian Cabot
Year: 1963
I refuse to apologize for loving Disney movies, but I am guilty of using them to both entertain my daughter and to craft a quick review. I've seen them all a hundred times, but somehow, even as I grow old, they never do. I'm sure I'll watch Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast a hundred more times in my life, but I know I'll sing along to every song every time. The Sword in the Stone is no different. Though sometimes overlooked for being a little older, not having power ballads, and missing the patented Disney princess, it is without a doubt one of the very best.
The story is no more than the classic Arthurian legend; an orphan boy who does not know of his royal lineage, a wise magician who must lead him to his destiny, a great tournament in London to choose the new King of England, and an enchanted sword that will decide the fate of a boy, a kingdom, and his countrymen. Pair this story with whimsical music, vibrant characters, and one grumpy old owl, and you have a film that will delight children and adults alike.
Some movies go beyond simply watching and critiquing them. Some movies stick with you from childhood through adulthood and you love them unalterably. For me, The Sword in the Stone is one of those movies. It has a magical quality that goes beyond Merlin and his powers, a certain feeling that I have never been able to shake. Whether it is the ancient tale, the excellent music, the well-crafted characters, or the humor which is sometimes silly, sometimes subtle, there is just something about this story that I will love forever.
My rating: ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰
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