Common Sense Media Review
Dragon fantasy falls flat, but kids won't care.
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Eragon
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 64 kid reviews
Kids say the movie adaptation fails to capture the essence and storyline of the beloved book series, often leaving key characters and plot points out entirely, resulting in widespread disappointment among fans. While some younger viewers may find enjoyment in the film's action sequences and fantasy elements, it is widely criticized for its poor execution and deviation from the source material.
- storyline deviation
- disappointing adaptation
- lack of character depth
- mixed reception
- suitable for young kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When Eragon (Edward Speleers) goes hunting in the forest, he discovers a glowing blue stone. Little does he know that it's a dragon egg, and that the beast about to hatch has selected him (and only him) to be her rider. He meets a wise former rider named Brom (Jeremy Irons) and helps regain the kingdom of Alagaesia from the gnarly, paranoid, seldom-seen King Galbatorix (John Malkovich).
Is It Any Good?
For a movie about flying dragons, ERAGON is disappointingly flatfooted. With plot points borrowed from a range of other movies -- whether great like Star Wars or dismal like Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker -- it tells the tale of an ordinary-seeming boy, Eragon, who's destined for great things.
It's hardly a good sign that much of the back story must be narrated (by Irons) before the movie really begins. The unnecessarily talky set-up names some of the different types of creatures in Alagaësia (bad Urgels and Ra'zac, mostly good humans), then goes on to describe Eragon's reactions and feelings, even when you can see them yourself. At 17, he's not exactly a child, but he still grows up quickly under the auspices of Obi-Wan-like Brom and flying, fire-breathing, cranky dragon Saphira (voiced somewhat stiffly by Rachel Weisz). Their approaches to his education are different, but both intend to get him ready to reintroduce the grandeur of the dragon riders back into current lore.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the movie differs from the book. What worked better in the book and what in the movie? Why?
Those who didn't read the story might talk about Eragon's response to being "chosen" by the dragon.
Why are dragons such fascinating creatures in fiction and legends?
Families can also talk about the movie's similarities to (and differences from) other fantasy and sci-fi classics, like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. What elements of Eragon's story are unique? Which ones have you seen before?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 14, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : March 20, 2007
- Cast : Edward Speelers , Jeremy Irons , Sienna Guillory
- Director : Stefan Fangmeier
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Book Characters
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : battle sequences and frightening moments
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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