Dragonheart (1996)

 

At times, the classic adventure does feel as if it's missing in theatres the past few decades. I mean, during the 80s they were pretty common, but then it almost seems as if people got jaded and didn't care for fun romps with heart and fun. 

Well, at least there's 'Dragonheart', which might not be a masterpiece but it sure is nice and you get some heavy-hitters as a bonus. 

'Dragonheart' takes place somewhere in Britain during the 8th century. You'll have to forgive several people speaking with American accents though. 

And don't get me started on whatever accent Dennis Quaid is trying to emulate.

Quaid is Bowen, a noble knight who follows the old code and is trying to teach the young son of a tyrant king the same code, in order for him to grow up and be a much better ruler than his father. But when a rebellion arises, Einon (the boy) is mortally wounded. His mother wants to take him to a dragon so he can be saved. The dragon gives the kid half his heart, but it soon transpires that Einon is just as big a prick as his father.

Whoops. A bit strange no one saw this coming.

Bowen is so disillusioned, he decides to destroy all dragons for corrupting this child, even though if he had half a brain, he would've known Einon was no good. 

Ah well.

12 years later, and Bowen is close to eradicating all dragons and comes across Draco, the very last one. They decide to team up and hustle people out of their money, while Einon's rule grips the land. Of course, thanks to several happenstances, Bowen finds that he has been wrong about several things and eventually helps lead a revolt against Einon. But because Einon and Draco share half a heart, things might be a little more complicated then they seem.

Sure, you could pick this one apart, not in the least when you consider some of the acting is a bit iffy. But that doesn't take away from the fact that this is one of those heartwarming adventures with some real poignancy, especially near the end. 

No spoilers, no, but you can probably guess what happens anyway.

That being said, most of the leads do a fine job. Dennis Quaid is always a good choice and he manages to bring that mix of charm and heroism to the part of Bowen. There has to be a reason why he never became an absolute A-lister, but it's a real shame. Pete Postlethwaite is fun as the comic relief because he is never annoying and of course there's a pretty solid performance by Sean Connery as the voice of Draco (yes, that's the dragon). 

Sometimes the CG looks rather dated, but there are many shots where the blend is pretty solid and there's no denying the dragon design is fun and cool at the same time, giving the creature a wide range of expressions. And let's be honest: who else could play an ancient dragon better than Connery? Except maybe Ian McKellen?

This is probably one of those films that has a place in your heart if seen at a fairly young age, but even as an adult this is still highly enjoyable. It is nothing exceptional but as far as adventure stories with a bit of humour inserted go, you could do a lot worse.