This is a very well done retelling of the Arthurian legend. It blends it action and comedy well. There are a few times where the sound and visuals don't work like they ideally should, but this is a very strong film.

There was a brief moment in movie making history where special effects grew by leaps and bounds. Then in 1982 Tron was made and all that growth went right out the window. In fact it was sort of like the end of the Bronze age and it seemed that...
[+] Read Full Review

There was a brief moment in movie making history where special effects grew by leaps and bounds. Then in 1982 Tron was made and all that growth went right out the window. In fact it was sort of like the end of the Bronze age and it seemed that after computers were introduced into the mix special effects crews lost the magic.
Excalibur, in 1981, was one of the last great special effects movies. This movie, along with Blade Runner (1982) are visual masterpieces. Although they take two different routes to get there, the apparent consideration of artist necessity is obvious.
In Excalibur the art direction is focused on the connection between the world and the King. When the King is great, so to is the lush and green universe...and I mean green. Some of the effects are cheap, but work expressly well, as in the green glow of the Sword, or the simple lighting against the armor.
The direction is superb, so much so, a curly haired Lancelot is believable.
All the characters, though fantasy in nature, remain grounded to their needs and desires, which becomes the reason for most of the motivation. Desires we all know, all the pie in the sky of Arthur De Morte is left out. We get the raw adults, questing not necessarily for the glory of a new nation, but for their own conquests and hopes.
And thankfully, no over blown, drawn out monologues about righteousness and morality. Even when Arthur beasts Lancelot he's emotionally aware of what he's really done and at what cost.
An excellent retelling.
There is a young Patrick Stewart in this movie.