ERAGON -- Stefen Fangmeier, dir

©2006
studio: 20th Century Fox
production company: Fox 2000 Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Davis Entertainment, Dune Entertainment, Ingenious Film Partners, Major Studio Partners
dir: Stefen Fangmeier
cast: Edward Speleers, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Guillory, Robert Carlyle, John Malkovich, Garrett Hedlund, Alun Armstrong, Christopher Egan, Gary Lewis, Djimon Hounsou, Rachel Weisz, Richard Rifkin, Steve Speirs
screenplay: Peter Buchman, from the novel by Christopher Paulini


A young boy is given what appears to be a special stone but is actually the last dragon egg, owned by the ruthless king. The dragon hatches and the boy and dragon are linked and expected to become the savior of the opressed citizens.



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I had started the book and was quite enjoying it (which actually surprised me) though I never finished it (a library book, returned).

This movie was interesting, but it never quite had all the impact that a movie of this nature needs to have.

First, we never develop a clear liking of the young boy hero. Like so many hero/fantasy type books/movies, we have a young boy thrust with power or importance, but we aren't given any time to get a bond with the character, to let us identify with him. Without this important aspect, there's little to draw us into the movie.

The mystery of the rock was never mysterious. Don't waste so much time on it. It's an egg. We know that.

But what makes this movie actually fail is the ending. What I suspect is supposed to be the climax builds no tension or interest. In fact it is confusing as to what and why anyone is doing what they are doing. And then suddenly it all ends. Roll credits.