Merlin: The Return
2000 British film
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Merlin: The Return is a 2000 British fantasy film written, produced, and directed by Paul Matthews. The film stars Rik Mayall, Patrick Bergin, Craig Sheffer, Adrian Paul, Julie Hartley, and Tia Carrere.[2] It tells the story of Merlin and King Arthur in the modern era.[3][4]
Paul Matthews
| Merlin: The Return | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Paul Matthews |
| Written by | Paul Matthews |
| Based on | Arthurian legend |
| Produced by | Elizabeth Matthews Paul Matthews |
| Starring | Rik Mayall Patrick Bergin Craig Sheffer Adrian Paul Tia Carrere |
| Cinematography | Vincent G. Cox |
| Edited by | Peter Davies |
| Music by | Mark Thomas |
Production company | Allumination |
| Distributed by | Peakviewing Transatlantic Plc |
Release date |
|
Running time | 90 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Box office | £20,868 (UK)[1] |
Plot
For 1,500 years, the powers of Merlin (Rik Mayall) have kept the evil Mordred (Craig Sheffer) and his mother Morgana (Grethe Fox) captive in another world. When a present-day scientist (Tia Carrere) stumbles upon the gateway between this world and the one Mordred is imprisoned in, it is up to a recently re-awakened King Arthur (Patrick Bergin), Merlin and Lancelot (Adrian Paul) to stop Mordred from returning.[5]
Cast
- Rik Mayall as Merlin
- Patrick Bergin as King Arthur
- Craig Sheffer as Mordred
- Adrian Paul as Lancelot
- Julie Hartley as Guinevere
- Tia Carrere as Dr. Joan Maxwell
- Leigh Greyvenstein as Kate
- Byron Taylor as Richie Gould
- Grethe Fox as Morgana
- Jennifer Steyn as Richie's Mom
- Anthony Bishop as Gawain
- Lynne White as Aunt Everlyn
- Jocelyn Broderick as Megan
Reception
Critical reception for the film was mostly negative.[6][7][improper synthesis?] Several critics such as Michael Thomson of the BBC, Time Out, and Total Film have criticized the film for its direction and screenplay.[8][9][10]