Watch Merlin: The Return

Merlin: The Return is a 2000 fantasy adventure film starring Rik Mayall, Patrick Bergin, and Craig Sheffer. The film is a modern reimagining of the classic Arthurian legend, focusing on the return of Merlin to save the world from an ancient evil. The film begins with the sudden and mysterious reappearance of Merlin (Rik Mayall) after being absent from the world for many years. He quickly reunites with his former pupil, the grown-up King Arthur (Patrick Bergin), who is now an old man and facing the end of his reign. Merlin warns Arthur about an impending threat from the evil sorceress Mordred, who has returned after centuries to seek revenge and take over the world.

As Arthur's health begins to fail, Merlin enlists the help of young archaeologist Jack (Craig Sheffer) to find the powerful artifact known as the Holy Grail. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to find the Grail, encountering various obstacles and villains along the way.

Meanwhile, Mordred and her minions are closing in on Camelot, and it's up to Arthur's knights and the remaining forces to defend the kingdom. But as the battle rages on, Merlin and Jack make a shocking discovery that may hold the key to defeating Mordred once and for all.

Throughout the film, the relationships between the characters are explored and fleshed out, particularly the dynamic between Merlin and Arthur. Rik Mayall's portrayal of Merlin is both quirky and endearing, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a penchant for sarcastic quips. Patrick Bergin brings gravitas to the role of King Arthur, showing both his strength and his vulnerability as he faces his mortality.

Craig Sheffer's character, Jack, serves as a relatable and down-to-earth outsider who gets swept up in the fantastical world of Merlin and Arthur. Although initially skeptical of Merlin's powers, he eventually comes to believe and becomes a valuable ally in the fight against Mordred.

The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Adrian Paul as Lancelot and Tia Carrere as Mordred's right-hand woman. The special effects, while dated by modern standards, are still impressive and add a sense of magic and wonder to the film.

Overall, Merlin: The Return is an enjoyable fantasy adventure that will delight fans of the Arthurian legend. While it may not offer anything particularly groundbreaking or original, it is a well-made and entertaining film that will transport viewers to a world of knights, sorcery, and magic.

Merlin: The Return is a 2000 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.0.