DragonHeart (1996)

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

I never got around to seeing DRAGONHEART, probably because I thought it looked rather cheesy and at the age of 15 (as I was when this film came out) I was more interested in seeing adult thrillers like RANSOM rather than kiddie flicks like this one. Seeing it all these years later, it's clear that I didn't miss much; this is a film that plays out exactly as you'd expect, which is as ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES with an added dragon.The only good thing DRAGONHEART has going for it is that the plot is fairly unusual, setting up intriguing characters who go on different directions to those you might expect. David Thewlis is clearly going for an Alan Rickman vibe in PRINCE OF THIEVES in this one, but he doesn't really come off all that well, and Dennis Quaid's hero is typically dull. The interest comes from the supporting players: Brian Thompson and Jason Isaacs are always welcome; Dina Meyer is feisty enough to get her the role in STARSHIP TROOPERS; and Pete Postlethwaite is great comic relief.The elephant (or should that be dragon?) in the room is Sean Connery, playing the voice of the dragon. He's pretty good, but the CGI effects are only acceptable in this one. They're fine compared to a lot of the usual SyFy/Asylum nonsense, but they're a far cry from the quality we saw in JURASSIC PARK. And Rob Cohen's direction is typically bland and soulless. If you're in the mood for undemanding family fare then you might enjoy this, but then again you might be like me and not think much of it.

OK, let me just say that Sean Connery nails it as the voice of Draco! A dragon with a Scottish accent?! Just great! :-)The movie has its share of laughs and excitement, but what I liked about it most was that the jokes are kind of clever and Dennis Quaid does a hell of a good job pulling it off as an old washed out knight whose time has passed. David Thewlis does an equally good job as the evil King Einon, so good that at times you wish you could get up and smack him around a bit yourself! Same goes for Dina Meyer who plays the single minded Kara who seeks revenge and will do anything it takes to make Einon pay his dues.It is a fun movie, and it will bring a few smiles to your face.

I'm imagining an author or screen writer who has a story to tell. He writes his story to appeal to a particular audience...it could be an audience of children, or it could be an audience of adults. The film studio, however, always with an eye to have a bigger audience decides the film needs to appeal to both adults and children, so they require some changes so the film will appeal to both groups. But, in the end, it is too mature for kids, and too "kiddish" for adults, and really pleases almost no one. And that's a major problem with this film.On the positive side, the film is nicely filmed, and the special effects regarding the dragon are excellent. Also, the relationship that evolves between the dragon (wonderful voice of Sean Connery) and Dennis Quaid (which takes quite a long time to develop) is quite enchanting...yet also problematic -- it's a little too talkative and emotionally mature (not in a sexual manner) for most kids.On the negative side, close your eyes and listen to Dennis Quaids dialog when he's being forceful. I thought he must have taken speech lessons from Harrison Ford! Not saying Quaid doesn't do a decent job here, however. And then there's the mismatch between a little too much comedy to be taken seriously, and far too much drama to be taken as a comedy.As mentioned, Dennis Quaid as the knight does rather well. Sean Connery, though you only hear his voice as the dragon, is quite remarkable. I'm not sure this is a good role for David Thewlis as the evil king, It's clearly been a long fall for Julie Christie from Doctor Zhivago, although, as the king's queen mother, she has one delicious scene with her son toward the end of the movie. Dina Meyer as Kara, a peasant girl, is okay. And, you're right, that's John Gielgud's voice as the ghost of King Arthur.And, the ending simply ruined the film. Shameful and stupid.Some highlights, yes. But overall disappointing.

Dragonheart (1996): Dir: Rob Cohen / Cast: Dennis Quaid, David Thewlis, Dina Meyers, Pete Postlethwaite / Voices: Sean Connery: Energetic fantasy about importance of sacrifice, friendship and love. Dennis Quaid plays a knight who is assigned to protect the young King but when injured in battle the King is taken to a wise dragon who donates a heart in return that the King rule wisely. The King becomes greedy and Quaid blames the heart and vows to slay every dragon he can, with the obvious one remaining. What are the odds of that? Eventually they form a plan where Quaid hunts Draco repeatedly for money before they attempt to dethrone the King. Story is repetitious with a ridiculous climax but the visual effects bring out that young at heart feeling. The dragon is a triumphant visual wonder voiced by Sean Connery who brings personality and purpose to the dragon's sense of worth. Director Rob Cohen has fun with the fantasy elements. Quaid survives as a knight who wishes to repair a wrong, but much of the acting is bad. David Thewlis as the tyrant King is straight forward and too juvenile. Dina Meyers is the obvious potential love interest and otherwise useless. The visual effects are the payoff and unfortunately it isn't enough. An attempt to recapture fantasy will appeal to that audience while others will find that it breathes more fumes than fire. Score: 4 ½ / 10