
A NASA spacecraft proves Einstein right when, traveling faster than light, it ends up near King Arthur's Camelot. On board are big-hearted Tom Trimble and Hermes, the look-alike robot he built. Tom immediately makes friends with pretty Alisande while becoming enemies with the evil knight Sir Mordred. It seems Mordred has joined up with the Sorcerer Merlin and they are both up to no good. It is now up to Tom to try and use 20th century technology to foil their plans.
In a nod to the 1979 Disney classic "Unidentified Flying Oddball", this modern adaptation launches with the story of Charlie (played by up and coming actress, Kiana Ledé of Netflix's "All About the Washingtons"), an aspiring astronaut and mechanical whizz trying to accomplish NASA's disregarded space exploration endeavor.
Already breaking barriers as a young woman of color in an industry dominated by men, Charlie inadvertently journeys back in time while testing her self-built spacecraft. Landing in the medieval period, but with a twist. The king is now Queen Eleanor, played by seasoned actress Viola Davis, ruling alongside her wife, the Lady Guinevere (Janelle Monáe, known for her role in "Hidden Figures").
The comedic aspects are preserved, with Charlie's unfamiliarity with the era’s customs resulting in hilarious situations. The movie lightly touches upon climate change as Charlie helps medieval society implement eco-friendly technologies, promoting sustainability without disrupting the humorous tone.
A gender-swapped version of Merlin, dubbed 'Merlinna' (Sharon Stone), aids Charlie on her journey, often referencing contemporary pop culture, mystifying the medieval folk. Expanded roles for female characters bring a fresh dynamic to the plot, with heightened tension between Eleanor, Guinevere, and the villainess Morgana.
Cameos from the original cast subtly pay homage to the '79 classic and satisfy ardent fans - including Jim Dale’s brief stint as a confused astronaut trainer.
Incorporating elements like diversity, environmental consciousness, modern references within a medieval setting, and evolved gender roles - this new rendition maintains its original charm while appealing to a more socially aware audience.
