The Sword in the Stone - 3/5

This is a fun family classic that doesn’t have staying power beyond the superficial. It wisely adopts a simple, straightforward plot, instead of the more complicated storylines of the novel by the same name or The Once And Future King. Instead the bulk of the film is dedicated to training antics which allows it to show off its main fantasy element: Merlin’s magic. The wizard’s duel is the most iconic scene and rightly so, as the rest of the movie is basically an extension of those few minutes, and makes it a solid entry in the catalog of classic Disney films.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Jungle Book (1967) by way of The Black Cauldron (1985).

Setting: Adventure
Plot: Fantasy
Tone: Family Comedy

The Rescuers (1977) - 5/5

This is an understated contemplation on the nature of faith in the face of hopelessness. It boasts an unrelentingly bleak atmosphere that it douses with equally unrelenting heart. In true Don Bluth fashion the silliness is limited to a flavor of villain caricature and avoids affecting the plot. Instead, it allows the story themes to play out with a lot of depth without becoming too intense for more sensitive viewers. It’s masterfully executed and achieves its conservatively ambitious goal with real staying power for those not driven off by the family-friendly aesthetic.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Pursuit of Happyness by way of The Great Mouse Detective.

Setting: Crime
Plot: Adventure
Tone: Film Noir

Robin Hood (1973) - 5/5

This is one of the two most classic Robin Hood adaptations every put on screen, and it does not disappoint. This family adaptation doesn’t shy away from the hopeless plight of the villagers, and the theme of hopelessness doesn’t interfere with the swashbuckling adventure. The silliness here is kept to a minimum when compared to similar Disney fare, and never gets to the point where it might begin to affect the plot. It’s fun, creative, charismatic, and the whole movie is downright iconic, from Friar Tuck to the stork disguise at the archery tournament.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) by way of The Sword in the Stone (Disney).

Setting: Action Adventure
Plot: Heist Adventure
Tone: Family Adventure