Curse of the Dragon Slayer

Eager for some new low-budget high fantasy, I ordered a Blu-ray version from Amazon's UK site for dirt cheap. Chagrintastically, I then discovered this film already in my collection under a different name, so...As a public service announcement, let's clear up any confusion right here:(original title) -- SAGA: Curse of the ShadowUK (English title) (DVD box title) -- Rise of the Shadow WarriorUSA (alternative title) (English title) -- Curse of the Dragon SlayerUSA (alternative title) (English title) -- Dragon Lore: Curse of the ShadowUSA (English title) (new title) -- SAGA: Curse of the ShadowWorld-wide (alternative title) (English title) -- SAGA: The Shadow CabalIf I were feeling cynical this evening I would say a crafty filmmaker changed the name around to cause absentminded geeks like me to purchase the same flick twice. Maybe it was changed to have "dragon" in the title because "dragon" is a choice marketing term for this genre, but then they got sued by somebody and changed the name back to something about shadows?Below, I'm just going to refer to it as "Curse" (short for "SAGA: Curse of the Dragon Lore Slayer Shadow Cabal," or alternatively, "Curse of the Many-named Movie").So is it worth watching? That depends on your viewing needs. Here are some details:*Cinematography*OUTSTANDING. Somebody cut their teeth with Curse, and Hollywood may take notice and scoop up the talent involved. Granted, Utah is intrinsically beautiful, but it still takes talent to scout out the perfect spot and to use camera angles that will make the most of natural splendor. The topography caught on film is lavishly varied, with forests, wetlands, and plenty of mountainous terrain. Going above and beyond the call of duty for a B movie, they even bothered to do some underwater scenes (featuring mermaids who curiously wear bikini tops made of synthetic material). On top of this, serious color grading during postproduction resulted in saturated landscapes and artificial darkness to provide for an otherworldly vibe.*Actors*"They cursed the wrong elf, and they're going to regret it," says Nemyt Akaia. Because she is just so damn telegenic that I don't want to imagine this flick without her, I'm reluctant to admit that Danielle Chuchran as the elf named Nemyt was perhaps miscast. According to IMDb, Danielle was "born in Upland, California but moved to Utah shortly after." Upland is dangerously close to actual Valley Girl territory, and at times you can't help but think of Nemyt Akaia as being a California elf. Anyway, she was competent in her scenes, and there's something oddly alluring about a girl like that who can spit so well (her elf spits at whomever she's currently disgusted with, which changes frequently). According to the final credits she had a body double, but humorously she also served as a "Booty Double" for the treacherous mermaids.I will be seeking out Danielle Chuchran in leading roles elsewhere, and I selfishly hope that she doesn't gain fame and leave the B movie circuit.Curse was Richard McWilliams' screen debut, and Richard did very well indeed as the protagonist Keltus the Wanderer.Paul D. Hunt, who already had experience on the screen, also brings life to Curse as the frenemy orc Kullimon the Black, and he deserves extra credit for wearing what must have been uncomfortable facial prosthetics.The stunning Bailee MyKell Cowperthwaite (she'll need to change her name if she wants to be a starlet) plays the prophetess, although by "plays" I mean she stands there looking solemn (nice work if you can get it) while another woman does her telepathic voice. Come to think of it, Bailee looks more like she belongs on the cover of Vogue than in a movie overflowing with orcs.*Plot / Script*Not mind-bending in the least, but if we're going to be charitable we can say it goes beyond simplistic and keeps the audience engaged. I'm just glad there was no actual ring involved, keeping Curse from being The Frenemies of the Ring (since it borrows so much from FotR already). The dialogue was written by two dudes who make it abundantly clear that Curse is concerned with genre and cinematography over launching the career of a screenwriter.*Soundtrack*A bit grandiloquent for a B movie, but I'd rather hear ambition than afterthought. Well done.*Special Effects / CGI*Hit or miss, but mostly adds to the credibility of Curse rather than detracting from it. There was a big fail in attempting to portray an undead minotaur (or demon or something) that had papier-mâché hands, but that was the only disaster.Family friendly? Well, if you are fine with your kid witnessing multiple decapitations but can't abide bare breasts on mermaids, then you've come to the right place. The mermaids are fully clothed and there are plenty of melee scenes that end with heads flying off.Final thoughts: Somewhat superior to the Mythica film series, Curse is amusing if you're willing to overlook obvious but expected low-budget flaws... would have been a lot less fun without Danielle Chuchran as the valley girl elf.

Seriously, this is the best D&D movie I have ever seen. It is far better than it has any right to be. I highly suggest it to any fan of D&D, or fantasy in general.

This is a guilty pleasure, a low budget semi sequel to “Dawn of the Dragonslayer” the lead is like a young Russel Crowe. This is just one monster after another with hardly any use of CGI. I love this film.

This was a delightful surprise for me. The three main characters, the Orc, the elf, and Keltus made a great team. The story line was good and the special effects were very well done for a low budget movie. The characters are likeable, the Southern Utah scenery was spectacular. I recognized Goblin Valley, Zion area, and upper American Fork Canyon. Danielle Chuchran as the sword swinging, arrow slinging elf was really fun, even if the supply of arrows in her quiver mysteriously increased as she needed them. Watch the extras to see how they trained.

A low budget film, but it is unique in the fact that you have a Orc, a Elf and a human all working together to solve a common goal. I like to mention one of the main characters in this movie that keeps it moving, Danielle Chuchran. Oh my god, is she the hottest Elf I have ever seen. She was very well type cast for her part. The story is your basic three on the evil doers and thwarting their plans to take over their world. I thought it was really brilliant how the three meet and work towards their common goal.

Can't put my finger on why but this is one of my favorite fantasy films. Somehow it all just works despite the scyfy channel budget.

i just watched this movie again it was kind of corny but entertaining

no comment

Returned as not wanted

I must have blinked and missed the dragon on the cover. A movie about dragons, this ain't. This really strikes me as a movie made by a bunch of nobodies with no money doing their absolute best to make a serious film. Imagine a bunch of serious cos/play people getting a chance to make a serious movie... this is it. And I must say it's much better then it deserves to be if not for the misleading title about dragons...

Très rare film, pas très connu, mais pour un fan de ce genre fantastique, je suis tout à fait comblé.