Dragonslayer (1981)

 Dragonslayer (1981)

5/10 

Starring

Peter MacNicol

Caitlin Clarke

Ralph Richardson

John Hallam

 

Directed by Matthew Robbins

 

I don’t quite know what to think about this film. It wasn’t boring, and while some characters could have used better development and depth, I didn’t feel the need to stop watching.

If I compare the effects to what I remember from my youth, I can honestly say the visuals were classy and held up well for a film from the 80s.

The movie created its hero in a unique way, and the villain’s eventual fate is something you definitely won’t see coming. As the story develops, you’ll come to appreciate how it all unfolds.

Every character in the movie leaves an impression, each with their own presence. But it’s impossible to guess how each one will contribute to the dragon's eventual demise. The plot’s unpredictability keeps you on your toes.

The story begins with the last sorcerer, Ulrich of Cragganmore, practicing magic alongside his apprentice, Galen Bradwarden. They’re approached by a group led by Valerian, asking for their help to save Urland, a land terrorized by a 400-year-old dragon named Vermithrax Pejorative. Ulrich agrees to assist, but his apprentice tries to talk him out of it, citing Ulrich’s age and health as obstacles. Despite the doubts, Ulrich sets off with them.

Before leaving, one of the king’s captains accuses Ulrich of being a fraud and questions his abilities. Ulrich, decided to allow the man to test his abilities, he called Galen, gave him his wizardry amulet and present himself to be tested.

How Ulrich (after being tested), with Galen’s help, was able to get to Urland and together, they confront the dragon are a series of events that unfold in ways you wouldn’t expect. Their quest is one of discoveries and surprises, and the ultimate fate of the dragon is something worth experiencing firsthand, so I will not drop spoilers here.

While the movie didn’t quite achieve box-office success in 1981, it was still an enjoyable adventure, with special effects that were a breakthrough at the time. It was the first film outside of Lucasfilm to use ILM (Industrial Light & Magic) for visual effects, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects. Unfortunately, it lost to another ILM film from that year Raiders of the Lost Ark (Indiana Jones).

I’m not sure if this movie should be considered a classic in the dragon genre, but it’s certainly a fun ride and worth watching, especially if you can overlook the fact that the effects are from 1981.