>> MOVIES > MOVIE REVIEWS

Eragon - Spoiler Free Review

From what I can tell, Eragon is one of many a fantasy based series that got the green light once the Harry Potter juggernaught began rolling in the cash. Not that I have a problem with that. The fantasy genre, particularly within the “young adult” section, needed a serious shot in the arm. Although I wasn’t a reader of the Eragon books, I knew the whole story about their school-age author.

Sure, you can call it a marketing gimmick, but, what the heck were you doing at 15? I know what I was doing and it wasn’t attempting to get my fantasy work published. (Although I was killing D&D characters and worrying my mother). Anyway, with fantasy performing well at the box office over the past few years, it seemed inevitable that Eragon would make the leap onto the silver screen...

But, does it fly?

It does, but not very well. As I stated above, I know little about the plot or setting of the book. Just as I knew very little about the kids in Hogwarts when I watched Mr. Potter’s first cinematic adventure. If you are noticing a constant comparison between the two, there is a reason. Both are written for, at least on paper, towards the same target audience. However, if the film is an example of the books, that comparison is only for the marketing agents. To put it simply, Eragon is just okay. The film is nowhere close to the film versions of The Lord of the Rings, Narnia, or Harry Potter... However, to it’s credit, it is leaps and bounds better than Dragonheart or the horrendous Dungeons and Dragons film. Eragon feels like a rushed film. Eragon feels like the perfect example of a studio trying to cash in. Then again, were I a 12 year-old kid wishing for a fun fantasy movie to watch at the theater, I could do a lot worse then Eragon. (Although, hearing the annoyance from said 12 year-olds as the credits rolled, I may be terribly mistaken).

The story is fairly cut and dry. If you have knowledge of the classic hero journey, then you know the story of Eragon. Indeed, it obvious the screenwriters have been painfully influenced by the George Lucas version of the Joseph Campbell arch. (I don’t want to comment on the books themselves, as I have never read them). In fact, the correlation between the world of Eragon and a Galaxy Far, Far Away are so great I found myself whispering “there was nothing you could do Eragon, you would have been killed too.” during a key moment in the film. Maybe I am being a little too harsh on the film. The hero myth is universal in its arc, and yet, I couldn’t help but shake the feeling that the screenwriters just bought themselves a Cliff Notes version of The Hero with a Thousand Faces and took the bits they liked. Eragon is a young farmer. No parents, so he is raised by his uncle. There is a wise but eccentric villager. Something amazing happens. Wise Man helps Eragon. Bad things happen. Eragon doubts. Eragon overcomes. Day is saved...

The performances go from one end to the other... As always, Jeremy Irons’ performance raised the general enjoyment of the film. In fact, I found myself more interested in his back story then anyone else in the movie. I’ve decided that, like Johnny Depp, Jeremy Irons can raise even the worst dialogue and stuttering plot to a higher level. (Um, expect for the above mentioned Dungeons and Dragons, ain't nothing saving that steaming pile of Tarrasque poop). Edward Speelers was adequate as the titular Eragon. He is a young actor with little to no experience. Perhaps in the hands of a more competent director (or script) his performance would have been more enjoyable. One moment he is the hero, the next he is a whiny, unsympathetic brat.

Again, I see potential in young Speelers. And, since he already looks like a younger Heath Ledger, all it will take is one hit and Edward could rise to an A-Lister. Rachel Weisz is the voice of Saphira, Eragon’s legendary dragon. Her voice is pleasant enough, but, I felt it lacked the grandeur I associate with dragons. As for John Malkovich, what little screen time he had was in full ham mode... Damn, I haven't seen overacting like this since Shatner played Kirk for the last time... Seriously, John, you need to stop slumming. Look, nothing wrong with a genre romp now and then... But, your resume is starting to look a little sad. Alun Armstong’s performance as Eragon’s uncle is the most believable and human in a movie where every actor seems to want to upstage a CGI dragon.

The effects are nice and functional; though not great, they also do not take away from the viewing. It is obvious that most of the effects budget went into the dragon. She looks good and is far more expressive then Draco in Dragonheart. You can’t help but issue a little “awww” when that baby Sephira first hatches. It is one of the cutest damn things you’ll see at the movies this year. Some of the final battles got a little blurry and you lose some of the visceral excitement from medieval style battles. Then again, this film is targeted towards a younger crowd and I doubt their parents want to explain blood spurts and decapitations...ala Helms Deep.

So, will you enjoy Eragon? Honestly, I doubt it. The die hard book fans will be sorely disappointed. (Again, this is only from my listening in on a group of very annoyed readers). People who are looking for this years Tolkien Trek, Rowling Romp, or Lewis Lore will be find the filming lacking. (Yes, I just did what you think I did...sorry). Who will like this movie? Well, I hate to say this as I am always pulling for the genre films... but, I think the only folks who will really enjoy Eragon are the kids who can’t bring themselves to read tales of fantasy... Preferring Hollywood and Square Soft to entertain them.

I just can’t bring myself to give Eragon anything more than 2 out of 5 Critical Hits.