Dragonslayer (1981)

 Dragonslayer (1981)

5/10 

Starring

Peter MacNicol

Caitlin Clarke

Ralph Richardson

John Hallam

 

Directed by Matthew Robbins

 

I do not know what to think about this film, it was not boring and even though I felt some of the characters needed more development, I did not feel the need to stop watching.

If I want to look at the effects in comparison to what I recall seeing back when I was younger, I will praise the effects for being classy.

The movie had its own way of creating its hero and it also had its own way of killing the villain, something you will not be able to guess from the start, but you will appreciate as it carries on developing.

Each of the characters in the movie strike their own gong of presence and command their own way to be remembered, but I can bet you, the part each will play towards the death of the dragon is not easily guessed.

The film starts with the introduction of the last sorcerer, Ulrich of Cragganmore, who we see practicing magic and with him in his home is his apprentice, Galen Bradwarden. They were visited by a group of people led by Valerian, to come to their aid as their land Urland, is being terrorized by Vermithrax Pejorative, a 400-year-old dragon.

Ulrich agreed to help, but his assistant and helper, tried to talk him out of following this expedition back to Urland, because Ulrich was old and they did not believe he will be able to make it.

But he packed up to follow them, and then one of the king's captains showed up at Ulrich's home before they all set out. He called Ulrich a fraud and doubted 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 with the aid of Galen were able to get to Urland and then take on the dragon are path best left unsaid so that you can watch this movie and enjoy the discovery of it.

In the end, even though the film was ok and worthy to be enjoyed when it was released in 1981, the movie was not a box office success.

This was the first movie to use ILM (industrial light and magic) for its special effects outside of Lucas Films. It got nominated for an Academy Award for best visual effects and lost to another ILM film of that year, Raiders of the Lost Ark.

I do not know if this movie falls in line as one of the classic dragon movies, but it was a fun ride and I worth seeing if you will not be bothered by the effects being from 1981.