Merlin madeover for the Yanks

Oh, is it half-term again? Here's Rik Mayall as the shiftiest Merlin you ever did see in a weird tale also starring Tia Carrere as an evil scientist (in a blond wig, probably hoping no one in Hollywood will recognise her) trying to unlock evil Mordred from his timeless slumber, while Patrick Bergin plays our hero, King Arthur, as if he were an overweight Irish publican.

It's a made-for-the-yanks film heavily reminiscent of the Morris Minor England of the Children's Film Foundation, but with some updating - music by One Man And His Synth, hair by Daggy Dreads, Mordred's character lifted directly from Ozzy Osbourne, catering by Spar. Messy but fun, with some effective SFX.

Verdict: Faerie-nuff.