George and the Dragon (2004)

They always say never judge a book by its cover. Well, the truth is we all do, even though we know better. Some do it more than others. Me? Well, I guess I'm no different.I saw this movie listed on my "You might like this" list at one of the DVD websites, and, after scoffing at it here and there, wondering what kid of film would have such unimpressive DVD cover art (technically very good, but nothing unique) for a title I'd never heard of? After a while I became curious, dismissed it, then became curious again, until I finally broke down a bought a copy.It was pleasantly enjoyable for what it was. The sets, costumes and even the acting were respectable and entertaining. The truth is this is a kids' flick, so you can't really expect true-to-history swordsmanship and all that went with it. It's meant to tell a tale of knights and chivalry to youngsters who are into that sort of thing. And the film does so successfully.I have no great love for the film, but I appreciate it for what it is, and even then I think it's A quality flick in terms of historic children's' fair. Respectably shot, though somewhat skidding a rough gray area of prosaic and inspired lensing, the film achieves a certain artistry that might be compared to some of the black and white classics in terms of shot composition. But maybe that's getting too high- falutin' for film meant for younger ages.There's some contemporary pop culture references, and the acting is a little over done, but again it's all aimed at younger audiences.The one interesting aspect was to see Patrick Swayze in a historic/fantasy film. One is so used to seeing him in films dipped in Americana that it almost almost seemed out of place for a middle aged Texan to be donning chain mail and strapping on a sword. But, he's an actor. That's his job. He can be anybody. Does he succeed? He sure does. He's in the same thespian league as the rest of the cast.It's an entertaining little film that should put grins on young boys and girls alike on a lazy weekend. If my adult side had a serious criticism, well, I'll just keep those to myself :-)Not a big favorite of mine, but something that shows that a film in this genre can succeed. It's a film that despite being aimed at younger viewers, shows that there's more than enough story material that can be eeked out of a period that's very unfamiliar to most people. In fact this film didn't need all the theatrics and SFX had it been aimed at an older crowd. It shows how this kind of stuff is truly interesting to people... dragons or no.With that in mind, give it a chance.Enjoy with the family :-)

I just saw this on SciFi channel, and normally I have contempt for most movies that play on that channel. But THIS one was enjoyable to watch. Good, sincere performances without the usual annoying clichés that infect most scifi CGI-filled fantasy films.Good cast has fun with the story.On the downside, there is some bad editing, cheesy CGI and everything is a bit rushed to speed towards the climactic battle. Still, it is a very ambitious piece, with action, humor and romance.Fun for the whole family, I can forgive the technical glitches. This has ambition like Lord of the Rings, action that sort of equals Eragon but with well written characters who are as fun to watch as those of Princess Bride.Awesome stuff

A "What really happened" retelling of the tale of St. George and the dragon. It begins when the dutiful princess Lunna (the perky Piper Perabo), who agreed to marry a man she hates for the good of her father's kingdom, is abducted by a dragon. No one realizes that she wasn't abducted to be devoured, but to help care for the dragon's egg while she recovers from an injury!George(James Purefoy) returns from the crusades and agrees to rescue the princess in return for land. Accompanying him is Lunna's self-absorbed betrothed (Patrick Swayze) and a small boy who grew up on tales of noble knights and Dragon Slayers. George thinks to find Princess Lunna gentle and despairing, but instead she's sick of playing gentle princess and ready to defend her charge by any means necessary.This movie is refreshing in it's ability to poke fun at itself and the swashbuckling tales in general. Watch for the "secret origins" of the fork, skateboarding, and England's patron saint. Don't watch if you can't stomach a single anachronism.

I just watched this movie entitled as Dragon Sword (26 Aug 2006) on the SCI-FI channel. It had a lot of references to other movies in it... Star Wars, George of the Jungle, Back to the Future (skateboard scene in the beginning) It also had several well known actors in it that I wasn't expecting to see. Some of them could have tried a little harder making their roles more believable. The fight scenes were quite fun to watch, and it looked like they were having fun making them. I liked this movie, it reminded me a little of the comedy stylings in the Princess Bride. Not that it was anywhere near as good as the Princess Bride. It would be fun to watch with someone who had seen all the reference movies.