Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, August 12, 1995 TAG: 9508140128
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In terms of story and production values, it never rises above the level of a formula fantasy. But it's remarkably well-cast and well-acted; it's preceded by a snappy cartoon; and the kids at one Friday matinee seemed to be completely entertained.
Filling in for Mark Twain's Connecticut Yankee, Calvin Fuller (Thomas Ian Nicholas) is a struggling Little Leaguer who's summoned by Merlin (Ron Moody), possibly by mistake, to save Camelot. Guinevere is dead, and King Arthur (Joss Ackland) has pretty much surrendered control to the evil Lord Belasco (Art Malik) - "the dork in the purple dress," as Calvin calls him.
Of course, Belasco has it in for Calvin, too. But Calvin manages to bring along a backpack full of 1990s stuff and finds that he has the wherewithal to fight back. Add in a couple of pretty princesses (Kate Winslet, from ``Heavenly Creatures'' and Paloma Baeza), secret passages, dungeons, a big tournament and the mysterious Black Knight, and there's the movie.
Director Michael Gottlieb (``Mannequin," ``Mr. Nanny") handles things simply, always keeping in mind his target audience's attention span. The action moves quickly and without many complications.
Much the same could be said of the cartoon, but "Runaway Brain" is even faster and livelier than the main feature. It's a comic adventure/horror story starring Mickey Mouse in a more aggressive role than the world's most famous rodent usually takes. And, even though the cartoon is rated G, Mickey's girl Minnie appears in a thong bathing suit.
\ Runaway Brain and A Kid in King Arthur's Court **1/2
Disney releases playing at the Valley View 6. Combined running time 95 min. Rated G and PG, respectively, for comic violence and jousting.
by CNB