O Dragão de Natal

My daughter and I recently watched A Christmas Dragon (2014) on Prime. The storyline revolves around a group of orphans unfamiliar with Christmas, who embark on a quest to reclaim its stolen magic, hoping to bring joy and hope to children everywhere.

Directed by John Lyde (Riot), the film stars Bailee Michelle Johnson (127 Hours), Paris Warner (Once I was a Beehive), Danny James (The Santa Box), Melanie Stone (Deadstream), and Heather Beers (Christmas for a Dollar).

The movie gives off a vibe reminiscent of a spinoff from the 90s Hercules/Xena series, with commendable settings, attire, and props that immerse you in the era. The magical elements depicted are entertaining, although the acting falls within the mediocre to bad spectrum. CGI dragons, fire, and explosions didn't quite meet expectations. The storyline, while okay, lacks a standout quality.

In conclusion, A Christmas Dragon serves as a passable family watch but doesn't offer anything remarkable. With a score of 3/10, I would suggest considering other holiday films and skipping this one.

There are certain indelicacies one must immediately accept before watching 'The Christmas dragon,' or there's no point in watching at all. It's a family-friendly fantasy movie, and a Christmas movie no less. Both these carry an inexorable expectation of indisputable kitsch and ham-handedness. That's before also considering the relatively low-budget approach, as it was crowdfunded; whatever else may be true of the special effects in particular, it will never meet the level of major studio pictures, so if you can't abide the step down in quality, don't bother pressing "play" in the first place. With that said - static computer-generated imagery looks fine, and when it comes to dynamic elements like fire, or the dragon, I think they're actually reasonably decent.

If you can overlook the inherent difficulties and nature of the feature, and accept it on its level - this is really rather good!

I genuinely appreciate the care for hair, makeup, prosthetics, costume design, props and weapons, set design and decoration, and filming locations, all of which work to build the medieval world where the film is set. Whatever the producers' budgetary limitations were in realizing the movie, the sound design is strong; the image is crisp, clear, and rich with color; and where employed, lighting is put to solid use. The fight choreography and general orchestration of scenes are as strong as in most any genre piece, and the music is unexceptional, but pleasing. Again, the special effects bear the mark of 'The Christmas dragon's' origins (at the climax most of all), but what else would one expect? John Lyde shows the practiced hand of an experienced director to tie it all together, and - honestly, from a technical standpoint, I think this is quite well done.

As is common to such pictures, the plot development tends to be a bit forced and inorganic, requiring substantial suspension of disbelief, to say nothing of no few tropes - and in a few instances, direct inspiration from well known fantasy blockbusters. Dialogue is on the common side, and characters are little more than set pieces to serve the story. Scenes are filled with cuteness and sometimes blunt performances that constantly teeter on overacting, especially in more robust instances. But let's face it, these are aspects that come with the territory in the genres that 'The Christmas dragon' plays with. And perhaps more to the point, it's all in fun - everyone clearly had a great time bringing this silly little tale to life, and that readily comes across in each passing moment.

Thin though characterizations may generally be, the cast enthusiastically leans into their roles to bring out every varying personality, every shift in emotion, and all the great heart the story has to offer. The many extras are suitable where they appear, and that goes for most of the prominent child actors, too. Young Paris Warner's part of Rosalynne is written with slightly more depth, and she matches it with fair range; Bailee Johnson is duly charming in the lead role of Ayden. The most visible adult actors are a bit more noteworthy, with Renny Grames putting on a gleeful show of hard-boiled spite as antagonistic Gazared. What especially catches my eye, though, is that 'The Christmas dragon' reunites Melanie Stone, Jake Stormoen, and Adam Johnson, who all also starred in the highly entertaining 'Mythica' series of fantasy films. In my opinion they've all previously proven their capabilities, and though here Stormoen gets the most time on screen of the three, this picture lets each steal the proverbial limelight in turn, while hanging loose compared to slightly more serious-minded fare.

Even keeping in mind the gaucheness, heavy-handedness, and rough edges, I rather like the writing broadly. The screenplay is filled with alternating light touches of comedy, drama, action, and suspense, appropriate for an all-ages story but modestly engaging nonetheless. There aren't any true surprises in the narrative, but it ably keeps our attention. I think the small touches that offer a different, fantastical take on "Father Christmas," as an integral part of the world-building, is an imaginative flourish. The title is perhaps slightly misleading, as the reptile is deemphasized for much of the runtime - but yes, rest assured, the dragon does play a pivotal part. This is less of an emphatic "Christmas movie" or "dragon movie" than it is a fantasy movie in which Christmas, and dragons, distinctly figure. Perhaps the actual, more even-handed tack also makes it more palatable for viewers who see "crowdfunded family-friendly fantasy Christmas movie" and balk.

The likely average reaction to the very concept is one I quite understand; there was a time when I would have quickly turned away from such a feature. Yet over the years I've grown much more broad-minded when it comes to movies: There's a time and a place for just about everything, and sincerity goes a long way. View a picture like 'The Christmas dragon' with the same eyes that soak in film noir or high-minded drama, and of course it's nonsense by comparison. But, apples and oranges: this is a feature that has known from the time of its very conjuration what it is, and no one involved has any illusions about it, either. It's intended simply as a lighthearted, kid-appropriate, holiday-themed tall tale, nothing more than uncomplicated amusement - and in that aim, I think it roundly succeeds.

If I have any more concrete criticism to make, it's that the audience for 'The Christmas dragon' may be even more select than it supposes. It's too simplified and unsophisticated for the average adult audience. Yet while clearly geared for younger viewers - apart from the youthful protagonists, there's not anything here specifically designed to appeal to kids. The feature kind of exists in an odd space where the most accepting audience is one of adults who can unironically get on board with utmost PG material. Factor in limited availability across all the many streaming platforms, and the fan base is inherently restricted.

Still, that's all speculation. What I see more plainly is that the writing and direction are competent, the technical craft and behind-the-scenes work is unexpectedly sound and sturdy, and the acting is lively, eager, and a fittingly restrained show of deft ability. I began watching 'The Christmas dragon' with very mixed expectations, and find that I'm pleasantly surprised with how well it's made, and how very enjoyable it is. If anything about the premise is off-putting to you, don't even bother pointing your browser in this movie's direction. But for anyone receptive to the type of earnest, feel-good, uninvolved frivolous pursuit this represents, I think you'll find this as gratifying as I do. 'The Christmas dragon' is a charming, satisfying diversion - and sometimes that's all the more cinema needs to be.

THE Christmas DRAGON, by Lord of the Rings standards cost very little, but this made in Utah fantasy film comes to life with amazing special effects and a wonderful musical score as it brings to life a tale of orphan children and a young dragon attempting to rescue the fading memory of Christmas. John Lyde's screenplay and direction do a first rate job in providing an exciting adventure for children and adults to experience together. It might be a bit too frightening for the younger members of a family but should hold the interest of older children, teenagers and adults. The cinematography and editing are top notch as are the special effects - - they really do look quite professional and show that even a magical story like told here can be done on a non-Hollywood budget. A lot of love and care have gone into this production and it deserves to find a large audience. The film should have had a theatrical run but has been released direct to DVD. I only wish that it had been made available as a Blu-ray.

This is my new favorite Christmas Movie! Think "Santa Claus: The Movie" meets "How to Train Your Dragon" meets "Lord of the Rings" with a Sean Connery Santa Claus! Obviously the budget pales in comparison, so don't come expecting the best effects, but they aren't terrible either. Father Christmas is amazing and the story line is a fairly unique take on rescuing Christmas. My kids LOVE dragons so we decided to take a risk on this. Best decision ever. This movie is a new tradition for our family starting now!

Unlike the ordinary orphan based films, these orphans are friends and partners (for the most part) from the very beginning of the movie. They aren't fighting over the magical items in the film and trust is not a rare commodity. As a parent I thoroughly enjoyed watching this film with my children. Again, if you are expecting the effects of a big budget Hollywood film you will be disappointed. But if you are looking for an original Christmas movie (sure it's probably inspired by others) then it's worth a shot.

Ever from the Shadow Cabal film I have been watching Arrowstorm Entertainment productions with religiousness, but I've avoided Christmas Dragon because, well, it just seemed a children's film. And if that means it's more childish than orcs and elves and magic quests, that's really saying something.

Yet I was very pleasantly surprised. Some of the main cast from Mythica and a bunch of children who acted really well are going on a quest to save Christmas. The dragon (and really the entire adult cast) are really just props for the children's quest, but it was all very nice.

Not a perfect film, but a beautiful one. And less childish than expected, too. The ending is a bit contrived, but I had one hour and forty-five minutes of good entertainment. I am glad I watched it.