Commentary - Camelot on Starz

So if you are a returning reader you maybe saying, I accepted that you shamelessly plugged your artwork exhibitions on Tinsel & Tine and that you let guest bloggers with links to matters not pertaining to food and film have a platform, but now you're gonna review cable television?  What the F%#*!

Well, that's what I'd like to think you might be thinking if you actually cared. And my response to your supposed thinking is that I am a Gemini who thrives on variety, and a blogger who is trying to figure out this fun medium; open to the many ways it might serve me and my readers.

But in terms of venturing into cable TV, I have a legitimate film & food tie-in with this new series, Camelot premiering on Starz tonight (Friday, April 1st).  I love that I now receive e-mails to screenings other than just through Philadelphia Film Society. This screening invite for Camelot included the words refreshments will be served prior. So I of course replied "Yes"! Making it a food event.

 The screening took place at Ritz East (Landmark Theaters) with a 2hr running time, so there in lies the film tie-in.   I also went because Camelot is one of those timeless stories told again and again, yet whether it be movie, mini-series, or musical (If Ever I Would Leave You, being one of my favorite songs) it's always enjoyable. I often forget all the particulars of the tale of Arthur and his Round Table. The book Once and Future King, is one of the more comprehensive versions, but I read that back in grade school. And the other versions dealing with Morgan le Fay and Avalon gets very complicated. But on the whole, the magic, the mayhem, the betrayals and the idealism of the tale will forever stand the test of time.

This Starz version is not going to be the best representation of this story in terms of class. This series is more in the campy vein of The Highlander or Zena Warrior Princess, with a lot more sex.  Don't take that as an insult. I got no problem with camp and deliberate, obvious dialogue, it's the perfect setting for a lazy Saturday afternoon when you want to kick your feet up and shut out the world for an hour or two.

The casting is pretty good, particularly Morgan played by Eva Green. She's got fire in her eyes and a seething, searing quality that makes her sorcery believable. Joseph Fiennes as Merlin is an odd choice, but I like the slightly sinister, puppet master way he's playing the character. King Arthur played by Jamie Campbell Bower (Caius, New Moon/Gellert, Harry Potter) is appealing for the younger generation. There is no Lancelot in the series premiere, which begins with Morgan poisoning her father, King Uther (Sebastian Koch) and Merlin setting out to retrieve Arthur who he gave away as a baby to keep him safe until such time as this, when all of Britain will depend upon a "savior" ruler to bring peace in the land.

King Arthur (Bower) and Guinevere (Tamsin Egerton)

 Even though the "refreshment" incentive got me to the theater, I didn't trust that it would be more than cheese and crudities, if that, so I grabbed a slice before going. Miscalculation, there was a lot of food, along with beer, wine, soda and punch! The offerings were butlered, but due to the fact the promoters were expecting over 200 attendees and attendance was more in the ballpark of 80 -100, the trays just kept coming.  Superbly managed by Robert Ryan Catering of Phoenixville.

Mango Lump Crabmeat on cracker spoons

Chipotle BBQ Beef on Potato Pancake

Mango Chicken Salad in Cone

Fried Polenta w/Basil and Sour Cream

Next week (April 4-10th), Film in Philly is alive! Events are happening in conjunction with The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA April 7-May 11th). PFS is showing Cave of Forgotten Dreams and Circumstance and it's the return of CINEFEST! Philadelphia Cinema Alliance will once again offer the spring version of a Philadelphia festival of film (April 7-14th).

Stay tuned for Tinsel & Tine's coverage of as much as my eyes can hold and fingers can type.