Fantasy Flix: 2000's

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Dragon (II) (2006)

Director: Leigh Scott

Writers: Leigh Scott, Eliza Swenson

In a desperate attempt to save her kingdom from an advancing army of dark elves, Princess Vanir must traverse the haunted forest of Sidhe. With the help of loyal adventurers Cador and Artemir, they encounter the army of elves, a mysterious sorceress, and the powerful dragon that stands in their way. Bring the Dragon into your home from December 12th at Blockbuster and Hollywood Video... and let the adventure begin!

This is a movie called Dragon. While, there is a dragon in the movie, and the characters are looking to kill it, don't you think a more descriptive title would be better? Or at least one that separates it from all the other movies out there named "Dragon".

Title: 3

The story itself is one that you have probably played in one of your D&D campaigns. Which wouldn't be bad if this movie was not so boring. There is a lot of talking here with little action overall. The action scenes are pretty poor as well. There is no blood or gore, this is a family-friendly movie.

Plot: 4

Death Scenes: 3

The acting is definitely nothing to write home about. There are some awful moments, Shaky accents, and little range presented here. If I were to pick some stand-out, Matthew Wolf and Eliza Swenson are not half bad.

Acting: 4

There are not a lot of special effects, but the ones that are here are pretty terrible. The dragon is one that you have seen before on many Syfy originals, which means awful.

Special Effects: 2

I can't even add a "it's so bad it's good" title to this. It's just bad. The movie take's itself very seriously and I can't help but think it would have been better served with a little comedy or cheese.

Cheese level: 1

If there's any upside at all it would be Eliza Swenson who is pretty damn hot. As I said, however, this is pretty family-friendly and there is no skin to be had. There's barely even a bare shoulder. Eliza is pleasant to look at, skin or no.

Eye Candy: 7

Rewatchability: 1

Verdict: Skip it

Cast

Amelia Jackson-Gray ... Princess Alora Vanir

Jon-Paul Gates ... Lord Artemir

Matthew Wolf ... Sir Cador Bain

Jeff Denton ... Gareth Morholt

Jason DeParis ... Sogomo

Rachel Haines ... Naga

Eliza Swenson ... Freyja

Jessica Bork ... Damara

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Beowulf & Grendel (2005)

Director: Sturla Gunnarsson

Writers:

Andrew Rai Berzins, Anonymous (epic poem "Beowulf")

The blood-soaked tale of a Norse warrior's battle against the great and murderous troll, Grendel. Heads will roll. Out of allegiance to the King Hrothgar, the much respected Lord of the Danes, Beowulf leads a troop of warriors across the sea to rid a village of the marauding monster. The monster, Grendel, is not a creature of mythic powers, but one of flesh and blood - immense flesh and raging blood, driven by a vengeance from being wronged, while Beowulf, a victorious soldier in his own right, has become increasingly troubled by the hero-myth rising up around his exploits. Beowulf's willingness to kill on behalf of Hrothgar wavers when it becomes clear that the King is more responsible for the troll's rampages than was first apparent. As a soldier, Beowulf is unaccustomed to hesitating. His relationship with the mesmerizing witch, Selma, creates deeper confusion. Swinging his sword at a great, stinking beast is no longer such a simple act. The story is set in barbarous Northern Europe where the reign of the many-gods is giving way to one - the southern invader, Christ. Beowulf is a man caught between sides in this great shift, his simple code transforming and falling apart before his eyes. Vengeance, loyalty and mercy powerfully entwine. A story of blood and beer and sweat, which strips away the mask of the hero-myth, leaving a raw and tangled tale.

I've never been a big fan of Beowulf adaptations. This one is really no different for me. This is not a bad movie, I just found it kind of boring. The story has some changes for this adaptation, but overall it's the same. Beowulf comes to save the day from Grendel....

There is really not a lot of action here. There's a lot of possible action, but it never seems to come to fruition. Grendel basically demolishes everyone and then demolishes himself.

The acting, of course, is great with the likes of butler and Skarsgard. Also, it's nice to see "The Hound" himself in Rory McCann. Sarah Polley is fine, but shows little emotion through the film. One thing that bugged me was that everyone seemed to have an accent except her. I'm not sure why she was cast in this.

There is no nudity or even any sex appeal to be had in this movie. Unless of course you are in love with Gerard Butler.

The scenery of Iceland is, of course beautiful and is really the star here.

The practical effects of Grendel and the Sea hag were nicely done, but not great. However, it's always nice to see practical effects at all in this day and age.

Overall, this is a decent movie with little to complain about. If you like the Beowulf tale and never tire of seeing it, then you might enjoy this. Personally, I found it a bit boring with little to capture my attention