DRAGON HUNTER Review - Written by Mathius Mack Gertz

Dragon Hunter (2008)

USA/PG-13/90 minutes

Directed by
Steve Shimek

Writers
Steve Shimek Script

Producers
Jason Faller ... executive producer
Timothy Gutierrez ... line producer
Maclain Nelson ... executive producer
Jake Sorensen ... producer

Cast - in credits order
Kelly Stables ... Raya
Brad Johnson ... Hunter
Newell Alexander ... Aaron
Erik Denton ... Darius
Slate Holmgren ... Rolland
Adam Johnson ... Malnik
Brian King ... Shokdor the Orc
David Morgan ... Oswin
Maclain Nelson ... Kendrick
Jason Purdie ... Henry
Orlando Seale ... Nathan
Derrik Shakespear ... Braedpytt the Orc
Isaac C. Singleton Jr. ... Olick
Jake Suazo ... Shadron

Orphaned as a baby when his parents were killed in a vicious orc attack, Kendrick of Elwood was raised by his elder brother, Darius. Though only nine at the time, Darius devoted his life to Kendrick's care and to purging orcs from their land. As Darius grew into a great warrior, he sheltered Kendrick from all possible harm. Now, after years of absence, a new danger emerges, more lethal than the threat of orcs or men. Reports of dragon attacks spread like wildfire through the panicked land. In memory of his mother's prophesies of a mighty Dragon Hunter in their bloodline, Darius leads Kendrick on a perilous journey to the castle of Ocard - the Dragon Hunter training grounds. As they battle through evil men and orc-infested lands, they align with a band of rogue warriors who swear their allegiance in this hazardous quest. The Brothers of Elwood, joined by Raya, an elven princess, Olick, a mute Berserker, and five human mercenaries must escape orc ambushes and dragon attacks to reach the fortress at Ocard. Will dragons completely decimate the countryside? Only the Dragon Hunter will decide!

Where to begin. This is a film that was made exclusively to capitalize on the current craze for fantasy and dragons and for families hungry for something new to rent for the kids. It is remarkably poor in many ways. Not the least of which is the writing and acting. The computer graphics are acceptable and the story line is bland at best. I cannot recommend seeing it if you over the age of eleven. That said, girls and boys under twelve will probably like it at least long enough to be occupied for ninety minutes. A throwaway piece of filmmaking. Rent it, don’t buy it. Two stars.