In his homeland of Alagaesia, a farm boy happens upon a dragon’s egg — a discovery that leads him on a predestined journey where he realized he’s the one person who can defend his home against an evil king.
While it owes much of its appeal and appearance to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Eragon can stand on its own as an enjoyable fantasy for younger viewers. Faithfully adapted from the bestselling novel by teenage author Christopher Paolini, this boy-and-his-dragon tale offers clean, fast-paced family entertainment without compromising the darker qualities of Paolini’s novel (the first in what is known as the “Inheritance” trilogy). The plot centers on 17-year-old peasant farmboy Eragon (played by appealing newcomer Ed Speleers) who discovers a mysterious blue object that turns out to be an egg that eventually hatches to reveal Saphira, a blue-scaled dragon that quickly grows to full-size. According to prophecy, Eragon is destined to be a dragon-rider like those who once protected a benevolent kingdom, thus reviving an ancient conflict against the army of King Galbatorix (John Malkovich), a former dragon rider who turned to evil, now in alliance with a! dark-magic “Shade” sorcerer named Durza (Robert Carlyle). While the movie serves up familiar fantasy elements and offers little if anything new to fans of the genre (or anyone who’s read the books of Anne McCaffrey and Ursula K. Le Guin), it’s visually impressive (especially the dragon scenes, with Rachel Weisz providing the telepathic “voice” of Saphira) and full of timeless wisdom, much of it delivered by Eragon’s heroic mentor Brom (Jeremy Irons), himself a former dragon rider with memories of past battles and hope for Eragon’s future. Add a fair warrior-maiden named Arya (Sienna Guillory) and you’ve got all the ingredients for a worthwhile (if not particularly original) fantasy that points directly to a sequel. Whether that’s a good or a bad thing is up to individual viewers to decide. –Jeff Shannon
Eragon Extras
 Christopher Paolini talks to us about his book and film inspirations and makes recommendations for fans of Eragon, click here to view the complete list. |
 Build and customize your very own dragon with “Volksdragon”. |
Beyond Eragon
 Eragon (Inheritance Trilogy, Book 1) |
 The Eragon Community on Amazon |
 Eragon Collectibles |
Stills from Eragon
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Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Eragon
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April 14, 2010
#1
After watching the trailers, i think this will be a great movie! i cannot wait until it comes out!
April 14, 2010
#2
The novel-and now movie- was a piece of junk, and the movie sucks as well; it was basically Star Wars in Middle Earth. Boy(aka Luke Skywalker), with a dreams of being someone(Jedi), becomes the last of a breed of Dragon Riders(aka Jedi). He becomes under the teaching of a former Dragon Rider, Brom (aka Obi Won Kenobi). As he trains and outta nowhere learns magic, he finds out of a trapped princess(aka Leia). Disregarding his mentor, he goes to save her and in the process, one of the evil kings henchmen(aka Darth Vader) kills Brom. He goes for a final battle at the end. Sound all too familiar?? With lack of depth and originality and realism, this bogus fantasy disgraces the name of fantasy and the book or the movie shouldn’t exist.
April 14, 2010
#3
I really like it. the book is took thick for me to read and I dont have time. in fact it was due a month ago. The movie is awesome. We all know you cant always compare a movie to the book 100%. People who hate this movie just looking fo somthing stupid in this movie. Thust me, this movie is really good.
April 14, 2010
#4
I have read and reread the first two books of this series. As far as my personal taste is concerned, I think this youngster has understood and followed the genre founded by JRR Tolkien in a most satisfying way. He both follows and explores his themes and languages in his own right in a fully rewarding story telling. I find these books more satisfying and full bodied than any other so called Tolkien wanna-bes. A great read. I hope they can keep up with the quality, depth, and diverstiy of story in the film version. The cast certainly sounds promising.
April 14, 2010
#5
Pros: Baby Saphira was awesome, especially when she instant pawned that rat in the beginning.
Cons:
Eragon the Actor sucks
Was that blue jeans his cousin was wearing when he was saying goodbye in town?
Brom eh……well the man that played his part did better acting than in Dungeons and Dragons so I guess thats the 1/90th of the 1 star
This was a 90% movie 10% book based film
Personally, I would always go for the heart when shooting someone with something since the object of shooting someone is to 1.Injure/Kill them or 2. Keep them from advancing upon your territory in the name of defense.
Heck, this movie at times was so random, I am surprised that Brom didnt pull out twin M9 Service Pistols (Beretta) and start laying waste to everything around him.
What was with the dragon suddenly growing?!??!?!?!?!??!
This movie has in a way, more than one, but is not completely void of, using the similarities of the accounted, already released and famed, movie films based upon the following but not limited to, movies of Star Wars by G.Lucas and Lord of the Rings by Tolken and is hereby charged with by may not be deemable by others, an official 1 star rating based upon the fractional numbers of 1/90th improvence on: Actors Acting and the other 89/90 being, but not secluded to, the special effects on Saphira, the dragon.