Dvds Out Tomorrow

Aug 17 2008 Mickey Mcmonagle

Reviews

SWORD IN THE STONE (U) *****

This DVD is being released to mark the 45th anniversary of the amazing Disney cartoon.

The story of King Arthur's ascendance to the throne is given a 'toon twist with wizard Merlin befriending the browbeaten young lad and transforming him - literally.

It's a fantastic story, with the hand-drawn animation of the day done to superb effect.

The usual great songs are crammed in throughout the film but the highlights for me are the transformation scenes, with Merlin and Arthur as fish, birds and squirrels. Look out for a sad moment for youngsters at the tail end of the squirrel sequence.

The modern references and slapstick humour will have kids in stitches. For simple style and class, it's hard to beat this cartoon.

KING OF NEW YORK (18) *****

Another classic reissue but this one could not be further removed from the cartoon wonderland of Disney.

Christopher Walken is on terrifying form as chillingly cool crime kingpin Frank White.

Just released from jail, he teams up with his old gang - including Jimmy Jump (Laurence Fishburne), Test Tube (Steve Buscemi) and his lawyer girlfriend Jennifer (Janet Julian).

They set up headquarters in Trump Plaza and start to wipe out competing drug gangs to take over the city. But Frank intends to donate any cash made from drugs to charity after undergoing a change of heart in prison.

The cops out to nail him again - David Caruso, Victor Argo and Wesley Snipes - refuse to believe he has turned over a new leaf and decide to do whatever it takes to get him, legal or otherwise. A stunning film.

MEET THE SPARTANS (15) *****

It's a shame there are so many spoof movies around now because it seems any good ideas have been done before.

300 was certainly ripe for spoofing and the makers of this film obliged but they struggled to fill it with new quality gags.

There are a few good moments but much of the film reverts to the same gay jokes again and again. The dance-off will appeal to some but it didn't make me laugh.

SPOOF MOVIE COLLECTION(15) *****

Utter nonsense, this collection of three films - Date Movie, Epic Movie and Sports Movie - is a total waste of time.

Mickey McMonagle