TV Review: "The Magical Legends of the Leprechauns"

"The Magical Legends of the Leprechauns" is a tv miniseries that aired recently. Made by Robert Halmi Sr., the same producer who did "Merlin," viewers are treated to a movie about leprechauns and fairies. The miniseries moves through a convoluted plot in a wonderful setting full of special effects. A confusing plot, weak inspiration and stereotypes Makes what could have been a wonderful Fantasy movie lame.

The plot of "Leprechauns" is a confusion of love and war. Jack Woods is an American visiting Ireland for his job. He saves leprechaun Seamus Muldoon from drowning. Also, he meets Kathleen Fitzpatrick and falls in love. Meanwhile, a young leprechaun falls in love with a fairy princess, which sparks a war between the two groups. The war results in the near destruction of the world. What proceeds is a four hour story of special effects and poor inspiration.

Weak inspiration created the confusing plot. The creators of the film could have found better inspiration by researching the vivid stories of Irish mythology. Instead, viewers are left with a numbing four hours of special effects, bloodless battles and poor themes. The two love stories are a bit simplistic; the fairy and leprechaun's turning into a literal rendition of "Romeo and Juliet."

Another problem with the film are the stereotypes. Leprechauns are portrayed as the stereotypical drunken Irishman that only seeks fun. The fairies are cute little pixies with a nasty streak of arrogance. Human characters accept the existence of the little people too calmly except the American. His jumping in fright every time a leprechaun appears gets old very fast.

"Leprechauns" did have a few good points. It's setting was beautiful with the Irish backgrounds, fairy castle and other scenes. Some of the special effects were good, like the headless horseman and his fire breathing horse. This was not enough to make the film very worthwhile watching.

"Leprechauns" is a disappointment for Fantasy fans. The lame plot, insulting stereotypes and lack of depth makes this a miniseries one to avoid. I wanted to like it, given "Merlin," but couldn't. This film could have been better if only the creators had plumbed the rich depths of Irish mythology and fairy lore. Hold out for the ambitious Fantasy miniseries "Tenth Kingdom" next year.

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