Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight

Rating PG13 Formats DVD Genre animated Starring Kiefer Sutherland, Lucy Lawless, Michelle Trachtenberg, Michael Rosenbaum Directed by Will Meugniot Publisher Paramount Pictures External Links Official Dragonlance Website

Dungeons and Dragons has become the top fantasy brand in our time, with many products ranging from books to video games to table-top games to movies using it as their basis on which to build their world. The Dragonlance series of books is one such example, using the Dungeons and Dragons universe as a base to build the world of Dragonlance. With about 190 books already released, the Dragonlance series is now expanding into the movie market with the release of Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight(from here on merely Dragonlance). Based on the book of the same name, Dragonlance offers old-school fantasy action.

Dragonlance is based on the 1st novel in the series, sharing its name as well as its basic plot. Takhisis, an evil witch, and her army of dragons have returned and are threatening to take over the world. The story revolves around a band of heroes from Solace who have come to possess the Blue Crystal staff, a staff that touches whatever it heals. Takhisis wants this staff for her own nefarious purposes, so Raistilin, the priestess Goldmoon, and half-elf/half-man Tanis must work to both stop Takhisis and protect the Blue Crystal Staff.

While that is a rough outline of the plot, it is much more epic than that simple description conveys. This is both a blessing and a curse, as the movie is interesting, but for newcomers, it can be overwhelming. The beginning of the movie can has numerous characters introduced, and a lot of background information is given. There were quite a few moments where I was left wondering who that character was again, and why are they doing what they do? But after the initial plot details are given, the story settles into a linear, easy to follow plot that is classic fantasy- ancient forests, monsters that turn to stone when stabbed, magic spells, goblins, sword fights, and a healing staff. Those that follow Dragonlance will easily feel at home in this universe, but for those who have never seen it before, it will take a little adjustment, but once that adjustment is made what follows is good, classic, fantasy.

Dragonlance is interesting in that it is a mix of CGI and hand-drawn animation. While a little disconcerting, it allowed the animators to have the best of both worlds. The hand-drawn animation is used for the human/elf/dwarf/goblin characters, giving them a more detailed look, while CGI is used for the larger evil characters, such as the dragons, which gives them greater freedom of movement and allows for more thrilling battle sequences. While adequate, the animation is a little off. It seems somewhat choppy, as if frames are missing. This is somewhat understandable, since it is a made for TV movie, and although it is not horrible, it is mildly distracting. The CGI also could have used more polished; compared to Pixar's CGI, this looks ancient. Again, not horrible, but it is mildly distracting.

The sound from the film is classic fantasy music- an epic score, swords clanging, dragon roars, etc. One of the best parts of the film is the voice actors. Kiefer Sutherland, of Jack Bauer and 24 fame, provides a voice, as do Lucy Lawless from Xena, Michelle Trachtenberg from Buffy, and Michael Rosenbaum, who is Lex Luthor on Smallville. It was a little weird hearing Jack Bauer speak as an older wizard, especially when I am used to hearing him yell things about terrorists and nuclear bombs, but he and the other voice actors do a great job.

Despite its flaws, Dragonlance is good, fun, old-school fantasy. Dragonlance fans will absolutely love this movie, and even casual fantasy fans will find it enjoyable. While no Lord of the Rings, Dragonlance aims to please, and strikes a bullseye.