supermaggie Finally! Finally a princess with brains and a mind of her own (and not only set on princes), independent, brave, with principles, who treats the dragons as they should be treated - as wonderful, dignified (admittedly, CGI-) animals, the monsters are not dragons but humans. Funny, suspenseful, heartwarming, and filled with great cameos (Val Kilmer, Joan Plowright, Stefan Jürgens), way to go for the fairy tale genre!! And even if he does not portray the most likable character of his career in this movie, but it is always good to see Patrick Swayze (no, I am not a Dirty Dancing fan, but Swayze did much more than that and a lot of good stuff among it)! So if you want good and educative entertainment for little and adult viewers alike, check this movie out!

Amy Adler George (James Purefoy) has just returned from the crusades, with a Moorish friend, Tarik (Michael Clarke Duncan) with him. It is George's fondest wish to return to his village and acquire a cottage, a small plot of land and a wife. Not so Tarik; thus, they part company. Meanwhile, the king (Simon Callow) is in distress, for his beautiful daughter, Princess Lunna (Piper Perabo) is missing. No one knows the truth, that she has been kidnapped by a dragon for "company". Upon arriving at his father's house, however, George learns that his father wants him to "slay" the last dragon, if there is such a creature, before he, George, settles down. Dad gives George a "dragon horn", one that only the fiery ones can hear, to help locate the beast. Not wanting to disappoint his papa, off goes George. But, his search is constantly interrupted. First, Princess Lunna's arrogant suitor (Patrick Swayze) is searching for the beautiful princess, too, so that he can solidify his future riches and stature. He seems to find George a rival for the young woman's affections. And, second, Princess Lunna is guarding a dragon egg, after its mother dies, and she doesn't want any dragon slayers finding her or her treasure. She ESPECIALLY never wants to see her handsome former suitor for she detests him. From hill to valley to monastery to cave, who will find the princess? This is a very handsome film, with a nice cast and plenty of action. That's good, for the plot zigs and zags like a bee searching for honey. Its very hard to keep the story straight, so only older children will probably enjoy it. The actors are fine, with Purefoy making an excellent hero and Perabo giving the princess spunk, brains, and beauty. As the main "heavy", Swayze does a good job while Duncan makes the most of his smaller role, too. Callow and Joan Plowright add some nice sophistication to the movie as well. One could say, naturally, that the middle ages never looked as nice as this but most will be enchanted by the stunning art direction. There is also some modern twists for the old St. George legend so be prepared for some changes to the traditional versions. In addition, there is a good deal of violence, although it is of the mild variety, so heed this warning if it is important to you. But, in short, if you have a fantasy loving family who clamor for magical movies, this one should fit the bill.

skyhouse5 But, mayhap, not quite enough "George." After all, it would seem the intent here was to upstage the "saint" and, in the process, demystify and dedemonize the "dragon," who, after all, is but a winged serpent, much less to be feared than the snake-oil peddlers ever in our midst and at our bosoms. That said, the wild and woolly offtakes on the hoary theme seems to this viewer more than amusing and less than misspent. As for not quite enough "George," more of him might have provided a more focused and pointed disambiguation. Moreover, if there is, today, a more persuasive and more engaging actor than James Purefoy, I, for one, would be delighted to witness the portrayal or performance. Given the chance, as in his Marc Antony in the HBO "Rome," this thespian could well play Adam in the Garden of Eden and upstage both serpent AND apple, whoever the Eve. That said, I thought the hatchling was charming, and Adelaide adequate. Just enough of both to make one anticipate George R. R. Martin's "A Dance With Dragons," if the man will ever complete same. Methinks he's come a cropper with the full exfoliation of his incredible and estimable "Ice and Fire" series. And why has no one even attempted a cinematic projection of this immense sci-fi saga?

klchu This movie started with some promise: big name cast, good looking sets, but then it fell apart.Most of the time it can't tell whether it's a serious movie or a comedy. One minute they're talking about how there's no joy in killing and the next there is a fight scene set to funny music and funny banter.Some of the acting is pretty bad, mainly from Patrick Swayze and Piper Perabo. She also gets some groaner lines like, "When I marry, it will be about love." Ugh.But the worst thing about this movie is that it's just boring. Not enough action, not enough humor, not enough plot, not much of anything really. Just a lot of clichés and cheesy moments.Also, a movie with "Dragon" in the title should contain a lot more dragons than the few (and pathetic CGI dragons) that appeared in this movie.Can't the SciFi channel show *any* good movies?