Name: Retro Film Review: Dragonheart (1996)
Item: Dragonheart
Rating: 50
Author: @drax

(source: tmdb.org)

(SPECIAL NOTE: Capsule version of the review is available here.)

All those who compare titles in American book stores with the titles in American cinema theatres are going to notice an interesting phenomenon. Fantasy books are more popular than their science fiction counterparts, while it is quite the opposite in Hollywood - fantasy films are very rare compared with the multitude of science fiction titles. On one hand, it is somewhat easy to explain that phenomenon with financial reasons - while science fiction film might require single man dressed in alien suit, strange worlds of mythical past put huge demand for exotic costumes and production design. On the other hand, fantasy films are not likely to provide escapist entertainment matched by fantasy books and their epic scope, world-building and Byzantine plots that fill tens of thousands of pages. Fantasy films, therefore, almost always looks like inferior to their literary counterparts, and Dragonheart, 1996 spectacle directed by Rob Cohen, is one of such examples.

The plot takes place in unnamed European country at the end of 10th Century AD. Protagonist of the film is Bowen (played by Dennis Quaid), knight that teaches ideals of chivalry to young prince Einon (played by Lee Oakes). Tutoring is interrupted by peasant revolt that leaves Einon's father dead and young prince mortally wounded. Boy's mother, Queen Aislinn (played by Julie Christie), is desperate enough to seek help from the dragon Draco (voice by Sean Connery), the protector of her ancient Celtic ancestors. Draco heals the boy by giving him half of his heart. Boy grows up to become evil and tyrannical King Einon (played by David Thewliss) and disgusted Bowen blames the dragon for such transformation. Bowen decides to track down and slay every dragon he could find. But meeting with Draco, who happens to be the last of its kind, would create strange alliance between the dragon and the dragonslayer. This alliance is joined by Kara (played by Dina Meyer), peasant woman who wants to lead another revolt against the tyrant.

The script of Dragonheart clearly shows all the difficulties associated with creating credible or interesting fantasy world or creating a good fantasy plot. Charles Edward Pogue's screenplay is torn between the desire to have the texture of fantasy novels and the filmmakers' demands for simplicity. The compromise is unfortunate one - characters and their motivations aren't developed enough, and some of characters are nothing more than cliches (including "comic relief" played by Pete Posthlethwaite). However, Rob Cohen directs this film with great confidence, aided with good Slovakian scenery, impressive special effects and, last but not least, Sean Connery in one of his more unusual incarnations (dragon that even took physical mannerisms of a Scottish film icon). There is enough action and humour for audience to be entertained for most of film's running time. Dragonheart is not very good film, but despite all of its shortcomings, it proves that fantasy and Hollywood entertainment might go hand in hand. RATING: 5/10 (++)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on March 24th 2003)