Radio Lady Reviews: "Eragon" (Opens Friday, December 15, 2006) [View All]

My husband frequently co-hosts my Oregon Public Broadcasting audio program. He is always an interesting guest, providing his political outlook and opinions on a variety of topics. We’ve been doing husband-and-wife radio programs since the 1970s – and he is also available for reviewing in case I fall ill or have a schedule conflict. Hubby asked for “dibs” on this press screening, because he and my son-in-law are avid sci-fi fans. I said “sure” and I went off to continue my recovery from the loss of a loved one in our extended family. (See other threads for an explanation.) I hope you enjoy this review.

My husband says, “I like science fiction, but haven’t cared much for fantasy in the past. I read a lot of science fiction, and enjoy this genre at the movies, too. I’ve read some books by Orson Scott Card, who tends to cross over from one genre to another. Since I enjoy his writing, I have occasionally found myself reading Card’s fantasy. Similarly, I wandered into reading some fantasy by Piers Anthony. And, yes, I did read most of “Lord of the Rings” and managed to watch all three films. I fell off the wagon with “Harry Potter” and can’t get going again with these popular stories. By contrast, I have read all the “Dune” books and… Well, enough about me. I just wanted to give you some background. Suffice it to say that fantasy is not my “cup of tale”. I mention this because I’ve found myself drawn to see the latest fantasy production now in theaters. That film is the long awaited “Eragon”.

I loved it! I can’t wait for the sequel! There are dual aspects of this flick that drew me into wanting to see it. One was the simple basis of the story, which I’ll share with you, since I believe it will not spoil it for you – but will whet your appetite for the film, as it did mine.

In faraway place and a different time, the day of the dragon riders is over and a cruel king and his evil wizard rule the land. With the end of the flying dragons, there is only the hope that the day of the dragon riders will come once again. Eragon, a young farm boy, comes by an unusual rock, which fascinates him. The rock turns out to be an egg and when it hatches…well, you guessed it… It’s a cute little winged baby dragon.

That’s what attracted me, plus the advance information that the special effects here are terrific, and they are! What Jurassic Park did to bring realism to dinosaurs – is what the movie “Eragon” does to bring life to flying dragons.

The movie does not disappoint. It’s a delightful outing for you and the kids, and why not take the grandparents for good measure? This film will work for everyone except possibly the very young. In other words, the violence is kept in check and what we don’t need to see is not shown. However, tiny tykes may have a problem with the evil wizard, Durza, played well by Robert Carlyle. Edward Speleers is the handsome young farm boy, Eragon. Rachel Weisz provides the voice of the grown up dragon, Saphira, and the cast is further filled out with the talented duo of Jeremy Irons as Brom and John Malkovich as the mean king.

Plain and simple. “Eragon” is fun and I think I’ve finally find my kind of fantasy, and perhaps yours, too. See it and bring the family. I rate “Eragon” an A.

MPAA RATING: PG for fantasy violence, intense battle sequences and some frightening images
GENRE(S): Action | Adventure | Family/Kids | Fantasy
WRITTEN BY: Peter Buchman, Lawrence Konner, Mark Rosenthal, Jesse Wigutow
DIRECTED BY: Stefen Fangmeier
RELEASE DATE: Theatrical: December 15, 2006
RUNNING TIME: 104 minutes, Color
ORIGIN: USA