The Mists of Avalon

Adapted from fantasist Marion Zimmer Bradley's genre novel of the same name, this made-for-television miniseries retelling of the Arthurian legend from a female point-of-view looks a lot better than most small-screen movies thanks to Oscar-winning cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond (Close Encounters of the Third Kind), while the presence of Julianna Margulies (as Avalon priestess Morgaine), Joan Allen (as diabolical Morgause), and Anjelica Huston (as Viviane, Lady of the Lake) provides plenty of acting power. But despite all the flashy mysticism, family machinations, and sterling swordplay on display, this aspiring epic often drags. Furthermore, some fans of the book argue that it severely dilutes the book's theme of religious strife. Still, especially given its literary popularity, consider this a strong optional purchase. (T. Rich)