Eragon (Movie)

Based on Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Studio: 20th Century Fox (2006)
Rating: PG

Genre: Fantasy
Director: Stefen Fangmeier
Main Cast: Edward Speleers, Jeremy Irons

Viewer’s Annotation: Eragon is chosen to be a dragon rider but faces the wrath of King Galbatorix who has for generations suppressed all the riders in his kingdom.

Summary: Simple farm boy Eragon happens upon a strange blue stone that turns out to be a dragon egg. The egg promptly hatches into the majestic Saphria, for Saphira has chosen Eragon to be her rider. This relationship is complicated by the evil King Galbatorix who orders his sorcerer Durza to kill the fledgling dragon rider. With the help of wise former rider Brom, Eragon embarks on a journey to the Varden, a group of rebels who have long waited for the emergence of a new rider who can help them challenge Galbatorix’s reign. Durza, however, proves a formidable foe.

Notes: This movie feels like a poor imitation of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy in every regard from the weak plot to the much less impressive sweeping landscape sequences, and when the token princess in distress calls Eragon “Farm boy” in a pitiful recall of The Princess Bride, the movie condemns itself.
Flags: 2

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ~ J.K. Rowling

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc. (2007)
ISBN: 0-545-010-22-5
759 pgs

Classification: YA fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: 13+

Reader’s Annotation: The dark wizard Lord Voldemort has made several bold moves, placing himself in near total control of the wizarding community, and armed only with half-understood insight from their headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasly embark on a journey through the wizarding world that Harry knows must end with Voldemort’s death or his own.

Summary: Foregoing their final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry, Hermione and Ron set off on an uncharted course with only vague ideas as to what they will do next. Seeking answers to his questions about his parents’ life together and their deaths, Harry wants to visit Godric’s Hollow despite Hermione’s warnings about the dangers they may face there. Meanwhile, Ron, sick with worry over the well-being of his family, longs for a more comfortable existence back home or at Hogwarts. As their fears increase and the weight of responsibility bears down on them, the three friends race to uncover enough knowledge and inner strength to save the wizarding world, their loved ones, and themselves before Voldemort realizes all they have done to undermine his power.

Notes: Book 7 of 7. Truly transcendent, this final novel turns Rowling’s Potter books into a genuine literary achievement that ponders such deep philosophical questions as freedom of will, choice, and destiny.
Flags: 5

The Seeker (Movie)

Based on The Dark is Rising by Susan Coper
Studio: 20th Century Fox (2007)
Rating: PG-13

Genre: Fantasy
Director: David L. Cunningham
Main Cast: Christopher Eccleston, Alexander Ludwig

Viewer’s Annotation: When he turns 14, Will learns that he is the Seeker responsible for finding six signs in time to prevent Dark from vanquishing Light.

Summary: The Dark is on the rise, the Rider has been biding his time, and American teen Will learns of his true identity: as the seventh son of a seventh son, he is the Seeker who is compelled to search out five signs hidden throughout history. The Seeker must unite the five signs with a sixth in time to prevent the Rider from reaching the height of his powers and destroying Earth. Aided by the “old ones,” Will must embrace his identity and learn to harness his own powers for light to win out over dark.

Notes: While visually spectacular, the movie progresses through the thin plot without engaging characters to create an emotional viewing experience.
Flags: 3