Waste of time

hyped garbage

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

Fantasy films with a female lead (particularly one as beautiful as Amy De Bhrún) are rare, hence I was keen to view this offering about a young noblewoman fulfilling her destiny, which involves a potty-mouthed Aragorn hero, some bad soldiers and a dragon.On the plus side, there is a plot, there are some fight scenes which are not bad, the acting is above average, Noblelady and Aragorn are likable characters and the dragon is rather well done.However, ultimately, the film is brought down by what appears to be simple directorial disinterest. It lacks pace, continuity (the condition of her dress and the whereabouts of his sword), wholesale copying of scenes from Ivanhoe but on a much cheaper scale, and a rather abrupt ending.To tell the truth, I had to re-watch this three times, because I kept falling asleep and it wasn't because I had had tiring days at the office.Don't expect much and you won' be disappointed.

Let me start off by saying that The Crown and the Dragon is one of those rare movies that makes you forget it's a low-budget production. Which, in my humble opinion, is a reflection of good direction, cast and crew. The acting, location, and ambitious special effects (with a nod to all the other equally-important processes that go on behind the scenes), all worked together to pull off a very watchable flick with a commendable storyline.That being said...This is the story of a spoiled noble woman who comes of age in a conquered land, ravaged by war. She is an unwitting heroine with a surprise destiny.Ellen Barethon's privileged lifestyle has ill-prepared her to survive in a world where the line between good and evil has become increasingly blurred. She experiences firsthand just what people will do in order to survive -- first as a witness, then as a participant as she herself becomes a fugitive.Her transition from naive, pampered and arrogant young woman into someone more worthy of the noble destiny she is bound for, is forced upon her over the course of a few days. Guided in an intolerant, taming-of-the-shrew-like manner by her unlikely travel companion, Aiden, Ellen quickly learns to rethink her self-importance, reconsider her priorities, and to think and act quickly on her feet. Ultimately, her new-found courage and confidence drives her to complete her mission, oblivious to the fact that this is only just the beginning for her.Without any formal training or preparation, or even knowledge and acceptance on her part, the viewer is left doubting until the very end whether or not she is capable of fulfilling her destiny. But this is what I liked most about the movie. Finally a heroine I could relate to. While there's no shortage these days of strong women figures in movies, what I've felt lacking is one that more of us can relate to and sympathize with.And the morals our heroine learns along the way are reminders of what we ourselves have learned/are learning along our own life journeys. For example, the idea that nobility is not just a title or something one's born into, it's something that can reside within anyone from any walk of life, achieved by living a life of honor and virtue. Another favorite theme of mine is that it's never too late to redeem yourself. But so as not to provide any spoilers for those who haven't seen this film yet, I'll leave it at that.I'm quickly becoming a fan of Anne Black, the director. Her movies promise a quality balancing act between storyline, actors and effects. Also, this was my first introduction to actors Amy De Bhrún (Ellen Barethon) and David Haydn (Aiden), both of whom I thought portrayed their characters magnificently. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for any future projects that involve these two.

For 2013, the effects are from the 90s. The acting isn't so bad for a B movie, and the plot has holes, but its good to kill time on a rainy Saturday. The whole time I got the feeling that this was a low-budget version of one of the popular book series (cant tell which one) and that everything missing would have made sense if Id "read the book first". But, it wasn't so bad; effects were cheezy, but not horrible, dialog was corny, but cute and worked, actors weren't great but did the job, etc. The rest is just to fill space for the policy; blah blah blah yakkity shmackity I met her on Monday and my heart stood still she do run run run run she do run run Someone told me her name was Jill she do run run run she do run run

It is what it is. A rainy day kind of movie that never lost my interest at any moment. The major plot theme here that's well done is the relationship that grows between the heroine and her hero. People who rate this movie low are taking things way too seriously. I enjoyed it immensely with their ending kiss. Don't take other people's word for it. Give it a try. Just don't go in expecting blockbuster action and sword-fighting. It has sorcery, dragons and medieval themes but at the end of the day its about a charming heroine and the unlikely hero who decides to aid her and their time together unfolding into something special. I would buy it on blu-ray if it were available. The mistake I think is people trying to compare this to major blockbusters like titanic or terminator 2. Please don't even go there. Not that type of movie, but charming in it's own right. This is one of those movies I'll go the extra way in praising just because of the foolish people who would dare think to give it a low rating. That would be like harshly criticizing your five year old child's drawing instead of just hanging it on your fridge door end enjoying because it's special in its own way.