DragonHeart - Nostalgia Critic

Go to chime.com/nostalgia to take more control of your finances and say goodbye to monthly fees.
Sean Connery as a dragon? Yep, that was a thing, and it's about as 1996 fantasy as it can get. Nostalgia Critic gives his thoughts on DragonHeart.
Join our KZbin Members only - / @channelawesome
Watch last weeks NC - • The Land Before Time -...
Check out our store - channelawesome.myshopify.com/
Support this month's charity - www.kidscancersf.org/
Check out Doug on Cameo for Charity - www.cameo.com/nostalgiacritic
Dragonheart (stylized as DragonHeart) is a 1996 fantasy adventure film directed by Rob Cohen and written by Charles Edward Pogue, based on a story created by him and Patrick Read Johnson. The film stars Dennis Quaid, David Thewlis, Pete Postlethwaite, Dina Meyer, and Sean Connery as the voice of Draco.
Twitch - / channelawesome
Facebook: / channelawesome
Twitter: / channelawesome
Instagram: / channelawesome
Like Doug on Facebook: / 127127037353766
The ONLY Official KZbin channel for the Nostalgia Critic and Channel Awesome.
New Nostalgia Critic episodes every Wednesday at 5PM CST.
#dragonheart #nostalgiacritic #seanconnery

[@ChannelAwesome]

Sean Connery as a DRAGON! Anyone remember this movie? Join our KZbin Members only - kzbin.info/door/iH828EtgQjTyNIMH6YiOSwjoin Watch last weeks NC - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYaXhnqKmp2ajqc Check out our store - channelawesome.myshopify.com/

[@havdroid9769]

Pretty please, it is the day 213 waiting for the ,,G-force " movie review by the ,,Nostalgia Critic" himself! Please see this Doug!

[@havdroid9769]

Please give ,,G-force" a try!

[@havdroid9769]

It haves better cgi animals than the dragon itself!

[@ethanreynolds3522]

Critic, love your review. You should read the novelization of this movie. It is so much better.

[@ErikOwens99]

Of course I do I own every part

[@GarrettPDGA]

"The peasants, they're Revolting, my Lord!" "The peasants are always revolting"

[@louisduarte8763]

"You said it. They stink on ice." - King Louis XVI, "History of the WOrld, Part 1"

[@dastvan8002]

Finally something we agree on Mrs Tweedy

[@sonzillamariocraft]

"Sure they smell a bit, but they aren't revolting!"

[@ElAssoWipe-o]

YOU'RE TEARING ME APART, LISA!

[@tokubenanimations6506]

Don't say that. Sure they may smell back but I won't say they are revolting. -Oversimplified

[@bl3343]

The thing you need to remember about the "bad CGI" is this is 1996 and without movies like this, we don't get towards Gollum a few years later. People are going to say "Jurassic Park had better CGI!". No, the CGI was about the same, you just didn't notice because Spielberg was smart enough to use other special effects to compliment the CGI.

[@PikaLink91]

Doug has a bad habit of dunking on CGI.

[@HB-fq9nn]

@@PikaLink91 Only when it looks bad.

[@Ethan-Hensley]

No not even close. The CGI in Jurassic Park is a million times better. Because they based the CGI models off the mini animatronics they had. It’s called putting your heart into it. And they obviously didn’t foe this movie. The T Rex was in sunlight in a lot of shots in the movie and still looks beautiful

[@PikaLink91]

@@HB-fq9nn No, he always does. Always complains that because he is aware that the creatures aren’t really there he can’t stretch his disbelief I enough to imagine that they are. Like the turtles in the Michael Bay movies looked really good and still he said “I know they aren’t there so to me the actors are just talking to air”.

[@HB-fq9nn]

@@PikaLink91 Those turtles do not look good.

[@keaganwheeler-mccann8565]

This movie has a lot of heart. I don't know what you are talking about Doug. Drago and Bowen's redemptive journeys parallel beautifully. Bowen reclaims the ideals he held in his youth and saves the kingdom because of them. Draco must die because his gift he gave turned to a blight upon the land and its people. But tragically they both lose the friend that brought them out of their darkness. This will always be one of ky favorite movies.

[@JustChrisWillDoTa]

I've always really enjoyed it, and I know my daughter did when I watched it with her. It's just an enjoyable fantasy film that for me just has kind of good vibes, even if it's far from perfect. It's a nice story.

[@treyowen9213]

I've been watching this since I was very young. I remember having it on VHS.

[@keaganwheeler-mccann8565]

@@treyowen9213 Likewise.

[@androntaps6560]

Yeah, it seemed like he kind of hated this movie. It's not perfect, by any means, but it's a pretty heartfelt one involving the elements mentioned. Not sure where the scorn comes from.

[@shewolfsiren]

Your comment has made me genuinely curious about this movie now. Thank you, and I mean that sincerely

[@4Legacy]

Okay, the effects don't necessarily "hold up" by 2024 standards (though, let's be honest, we've seen worse than this in our current decade). But, the fact that you're referencing The Phantom Menace and PS2 graphics during a movie from 1996, shows that DragonHeart was ahead of its time. Also, it's kind of amazing that every other cgi dragon, from this point on, looks like they came from the design of this dragon.

[@Dargonhuman]

Yea, those criticisms were wildly unfair IMO - in 1996 Draco's model and animations were the definition of cutting edge and that's why they won awards for the CGI. It's easy to look back with jaded lenses and say "that looked like garbage compared to Gollum and Dobby" but for the time, all of our minds were blown as most CGI characters still looked like Toy Story, especially when put into a live action movie like this.

[@DarthBiomech]

@@Dargonhuman > "that looked like garbage compared to Gollum and Dobby" > "CGI in films that came 6 years after this one, at a time when computers and computer graphics were developing exponentially, was better" Whoah, who's that guy, with such immense wisdom?

[@rock21611]

@@DarthBiomech That's... kind of the point he was making, my guy. That comparing it to those movies is an unfair standard. Did you not get that?

[@sebastianemond5313]

@DarthBiomech Yet, without the dragon design for Draco, it wouldn't have inspired later designs like the one they gave Smaug in the later Hobbit Trilogy.

[@scottneil1187]

​@@sebastianemond5313Totally ass backward, this dragon was based on the look of Smaug as most dragons are.

[@Pufstnutbrainofficial]

Fun Fact: During the development of spyro the dragon, they took inspiration from this movie when the tone of the game was going to be a lot dark and gritty. There’s one thing we can thank dragonheart for

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

The Design for Draco is great

[@sboinkthelegday3892]

Eh. Zelda is minimum 70% ripped off exactly from The Flight of Dragons. Shad from TP is literally Peter. And Sonic is silver surfer from the same year as the game released, 1991. They only recently caught on with nabbing the last thread of inspiration, as Surge has existential crisis over brainwashing like Galactus did to Norrin radd. Everything else is lifted from Dragonball or Felix the Cat movie, even Reuben hot dogs are mentioned by felix.

[@joserobertosolismerlin5527]

@@sboinkthelegday3892 Actually Zelda was inspired by Tom Cruise movie Legend

[@KANDEN3000]

So The Legend of Spyro games were the original concept of the series?

[@scottneil1187]

​It's blatantly obvious too.

[@FlawedCoil82]

“Dragonheart” is one of my favorite films, despite its flaws. And, ironically, it (as well as “How To Train Your Dragon”) are two of my all time favorite movie score soundtracks.

[@NarwhalEntertainment]

If you haven't seen the 4 sequels (yes, seriously), do yourself a favor... and keep it that way.

[@Gamer3427]

I think it's a lot more enjoyable than the Critic gives it credit for. It's not perfect by any stretch, but it's enjoyable.

[@chasehedges6775]

Not perfect by any stretch but it’s enjoyable. Sound about right

[@FlawedCoil82]

@@NarwhalEntertainment Yea, the sequels were no where near as good as the original.

[@FlawedCoil82]

@@Gamer3427 I agree, I posted my comment before he had gotten far into his review but he tore it apart more than I would have thought. Yet he oddly didn’t point out two flaws that always bothered me (both towards the end of the movie when Kara stabs Brock, there is no blood on her sword and then when Einon follows his mother into the darkness, you hear him stab her while you can very clearly see that he didn’t and he was still walking). 😅 And I do share his annoyance with the poet monk, but really none of those factors prevent it from being quite an endearing film.

[@sinisasub85]

My No. 1 most underrated fantasy/fable movie of all time. For me it still holds up, and reminds me of a time when movies allowed themselves to be fun, goofy, and not take themselves too seriously. I understand why many people hate it, but I genuinely enjoy it.

[@wolfwing1]

mine is ladyhawke, but this is a close second :>

[@scottneil1187]

Krull for me.

[@wolfwing1]

@@scottneil1187 krull is good, but even for 80's it's got terrible pacing hehe

[@KniazRus]

I don’t understand how you can hate this film and love modern soulless fantasy films

[@sinisasub85]

@@KniazRus I know, right?! 👍

[@leoc2174]

Y'know, it's kind of funny that Doug uses the fact JP used the stomp rumbling to indicate to people when the T-Rex is coming, but scientists are now saying that chances were the T-Rex had feet similar to an elephant (ever notice how you don't hear/feel them walking?) and moved incredibly quietly to the point that you wouldn't know it was near you until it was already too late...

[@michaelramsey1299]

Plus Draco can fly which means he can’t be as heavy as he looks combined the two and it’s plausible that he’s deceptively quite when he walks.

[@TheSchaef47]

Yeah but if you do that, the audience doesn't have time to chew on that growing dread. Stuff in movies need to make dramatically appropriate sounds. Like a helicopter that doesn't make any noise until it crests the top of a building or hilltop in an epic reveal scene.

[@Dargonhuman]

@@michaelramsey1299 Excellent point, though as big as he is, he should still be audibly rustling the grass.

[@michaelramsey1299]

@@Dargonhuman now that’s true and I’d also assume the hard scales of his legs and torso would make at least some sound as well.

[@ninjabluefyre3815]

So, I guess that's how they didn't notice it sneaking up on the raptors.

[@BETMARKonTube]

*Sean Connery* has a good voice, but in *Italy* we got lucky (for once) and had the equivalent of the voice actor of *Mufasa.* Such a deep and calm voice really enhanced the character.

[@martinsriber7760]

In Czechia as well. He is voiced by Pavel Rýnský, who has very deep voice.

[@kdusel1991]

I wish we got james earl jones

[@TheAlby87Project]

Ehm, wasn't it Gigi Proietti? You tought of Vittorio Gassman. The italian voice did the Genie from Aladdin. Still the part about the deep and calm voice sounds really true!

[@RedDeathShinigami]

In the german speaking countries we got Mario Adorf. Maybe he rings a bell with you:)

[@TheSchaef47]

Today, Idris Elba would be a dragon, and I would totally be here for it.

[@SJ_RANKS]

So Sean Connery chose to be a dragon instead of John Hammond then again he said no to the role of Morpheus in the matrix to be dressed as a teddy bear in the 1998 avengers movie so….

[@louisduarte8763]

And missed out on playing Gandalf in LotR for Alan Quartermain in LXG, his last role ever.

[@Raximus3000]

@@louisduarte8763 He made movies better though.

[@biguy617]

He also said no to Gandalf

[@JuntosXlaLibertadMileyBuIIrich]

​@@biguy617to be dressed like a cowboy version of borat

[@EliasuSan]

@@Raximus3000 no dear, that’s AMC

[@Haylitzo]

Randy Edelman’s ‘To The Stars’ has always stuck with me since I was a little girl. I’ll never stop loving it.

[@1993seanmcg]

I really love the Randy Edelman score even though I’ve never seen this movie but whenever I would watch the Hercules VHS, the trailer for Mulan had the finale music from Dragonheart. For the longest time I just thought the music used in the teaser was just unused score for Mulan or early demo music. But then I also heard it in the trailer for The Young Black Stallion, which was a Disney film from 2004 I think, it was made back when Disney was marketing their movies for IMAX. I think I even heard the Dragonheart music play when I was walking through Disney’s California Adventure, along with the music from Angels in the Outfield, another Randy Edelman score.

[@derianardor]

It's a unappreciated classic

[@marissawilson9460]

That was my wedding theme when I walked down the aisle!! I love it so much

[@somerandofromoregon]

Fun fact: Randy Edelman also composed The Mask, Kindergarten Cop, and The Chipmunk Adventure (1987). Once I heard Critic mention Randy Edelman I think he was going mention this. Especially considering how he feels about the movie The Chipmunk Adventure

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

Another Fun Fact: According to the novelization, Bowen severs the middle talon of the dragons he kills and sews them onto a "trophy shield." On the night before the battle against Einon, Draco lets Bowen fly on his back and they destroy the shield.

[@ariadnefrolich7243]

I always thought those were dragon teeth, not talons.

[@darthstarkiller1912]

Awesome pick! Draco is still one of my all-time favorite dragons. Sean Connery's performance and the CGI were amazing for that time.

[@scottneil1187]

No it wasn't, it was panned at the time for looking crap and it looks a thousand times worse now.

[@Tylendal242]

I like that you included the little clip of how it would look on an older, lower-resolution screen. The effects really were impressive for their time, in their intended medium.

[@CronoXpono]

This. Absolutely this. It even happens now. High def is the death rattle of effects.

[@phaolo6]

Their intended medium was the cinema screen first, tho..

[@TheChaindragon]

This movie will forever be in my heart because it was the first dragon I had ever seen and I have loved dragons ever since.

[@nsasupporter7557]

Did you see Reign of Fire with Matthew McConahay and Christian Bale?

[@TheChaindragon]

@@nsasupporter7557 No I have not

[@KniazRus]

@@nsasupporter7557 Dragons are just killing machines there.

[@nsasupporter7557]

@@KniazRus I actually didn’t care for that movie

[@TheMitman10]

This movie is genuinely in my top 20. I know it's got issues, but this was my childhood. I'd watch it on tv every time they'd rerun it. Draco's death always brings tears to my eyes, and dear god, David Thewlis is just phenomenal.

[@KniazRus]

The entire review is pure nitpicking and antics. the film is good, especially for 1996. It has soul.

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

Thewlis is a great actor.

[@Omar-wq9dz]

If this movie was remade, I’d like to see this film’s original script made. It’s online and really good, much darker and more serious than the film with better character arcs

[@AshParth560]

As someone who's never seen it, wouldn't mind that.

[@jmoney228]

Someone including Doug doesn't realize there have been 5 of these

[@AshParth560]

@@jmoney228 as in 4 sequels of DragonHeart? 🤨

[@Rgoid]

@@AshParth560Yes.

[@AshParth560]

@Rgoid I guess I can consider myself lucky that never knew about all that, if they were bad as sequels trends go. 😅 (Though feel free to tell if some were good or not.)

[@heavymetalsalsa9003]

This movie's soundtrack is probably why I fell in love with orchestra, and I will die on the hill that it still holds up.

[@bl3343]

Absolutely! Still, I know what Doug is talking about when he said that the theme was overplayed in trailers for other movies.

[@1993seanmcg]

I’ve never seen this movie but whenever I would watch the Hercules VHS, the trailer for Mulan had the finale music from Dragonheart. For the longest time I just thought the music used in the teaser was just unused score for Mulan or early demo music. But then I also heard it in the trailer for The Young Black Stallion, which was a Disney film from 2004 I think, it was made back when Disney was marketing their movies for IMAX. I think I even heard the Dragonheart music play when I was walking through Disney’s California Adventure, along with the music from Angels in the Outfield, another Randy Edelman score.

[@IQSim]

"To the stars" is still incredible and I know several people who instantly tear up whenever they hear it.

[@RaptorNX01]

@@IQSim i'm one of them

[@robo-nidai4236]

I think the most baffling thing about this movie is the legacy it had. It had a direct-to-video sequel released in 2000 called Dragonheart: A New Beginning. I remember seeing that movie once, but I have forgotten what exactly happened in that film. And yet the more baffling part is that from 2015 to 2020, there were THREE direct-to-video prequels made.

[@junco88]

Being a die-hard dragon fan, I remember all three XD They were some of my favorites growing up haha

[@Tam4iAngel]

WHAT?! Why did i never know this?! Now i have to find these movies and watch them. Dragonheart was one of my favorite movies when I was a kid

[@vanzetti7]

Watched it again recently and there's a lot of decent depth and details that make it stand out compared to a lot of action/adventure movies. Some great detail to the performance of Dennis Quaid particularly at the end where he doesn't want to kill the dragon, his friend. He feels shame and guilt for what he's done to them, almost like a hunter being ashamed of killing. The mother being ashamed of what her son has become. The incredible performance of the main villain - just amazing all round. And the music was just sublime - just puts you to tears.

[@nathancrawshaw2708]

This is my all-time favourite film. Grew up with this religiously and watched it a million times. This was what got me into the fantasy genre and movies and couldn't be happier it's on Nostalgia Critic, I look forward to you ripping it apart.

[@spencercarroll6363]

That opening with Rob doing Jeff Goldblum as the dragon was gold! Love it when Rob does his Jeff Goldblum impression.

[@LucyLioness100]

His Jeff Goldblum is easily the best impression 😂😂😂

[@darthstarkiller1912]

Imagine if it was his Christopher Walken voice. 😂

[@kdusel1991]

Rob's Goldblum is probably better than Doug's.

[@kdusel1991]

​@@darthstarkiller1912 that should've been part of the bit! 😂😂😂

[@louisduarte8763]

My Goldblum "Uh"-larm went off!

[@erynsimons855]

Listen, as a little girl who LOVED dragons this was kind of as good as it got in the 90s. I loved this movie as a kid and it will always have a soft spot for me. I also loved dinotopia, so when David Thewlis showed up as a good guy in HP I was like “wait I’m supposed to trust and like this guy now??” Haha

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

Another Fun Fact: Lord Felton gets his hand cut off by Hewe in an archery training scene that takes place in a forest clearing in the novelization. Afterwards, Felton wears a jeweled leather cuff over his stump.

[@deshawnedwards6412]

Review Megamind please.

[@DaveysWonderfulWorld]

Yes plus MegaMan versus the Doom syndicated the only reason why I want him to review it is just to see him rip it apart

[@kdusel1991]

​@@DaveysWonderfulWorld Schaffrillas has a great review/rant about that... heinous atrocity.

[@DiegoHernandez-xt2su]

@@DaveysWonderfulWorld Megamind: (2010) *a very good and funny animated film* Megamind vs The Doom Syndicate: *WE WAITED 14 YEARS FOR A SEQUEL AND THIS IS WHAT WE GOT????*

[@sdacommander4351]

And The Doom Syndicate

[@DiamondWisps]

It's funny to think that Megamind actually feels nostalgic at this point

[@claytonrios1]

"Sign me up for Dragonheart!" Sean Connery could have been in Jurassic Park instead of this!

[@cosmicking5024]

I literally was just watching that review before this aired

[@LucyLioness100]

I think he had enough “f**k you” $$$ he didn’t really care what project he took. Sir Richard Attenborough was good as John Hammond even though Connery would’ve been a treat

[@claytonrios1]

@@cosmicking5024 I can't believe Sean made so many odd choices late in his career.

[@kdusel1991]

He could've been in the lord of the rings trilogy as gandalf. Or in the matrix trilogy as morpheus lol

[@kdusel1991]

​@@cosmicking5024 that's a great review!

[@SkySpiderGirl]

The original Dragonheart will always live rent free in MY heart, I love this film and I don't think there are enough films with Dragons in them

[@frederickburton3440]

The depressing thing is apparently the original script for Dragonheart was so good it left several people who read it in tears...and then years of production hell we have this version of it...

[@Omar-wq9dz]

The writer of the movie goes into a lot of detail of what happened behind the scenes of the movie, In several interviews blaming Rob Cohen

[@JHParee]

Rightly so.

[@chasehedges6775]

Interesting

[@DyadyushkaMalferonDrevnich]

No, he was there more angry and arguing with Raffaella De Laurentiis (producer this is movie), daughter of Dino De Laurentiis, finally breaking up in 1997 after the film Kull the Conqueror.

[@johnnysparkle]

Co-writer, Patrick Read Johnson expressed regret over the casting for Bowen and Kara: ...I love Dennis Quaid; I love everything he's done. I just didn't think he should be in 10th century England, any more than Kevin Costner should be in Sherwood Forest. Not that they weren't enjoyable in their roles. Frankly, I think Dennis Quaid saved the movie, as much as it could have been saved...Dennis Quaid just wasn't the right man for the role; Liam Neeson was the right man for the role... And Dina Meyer...again...10th century England?! Beverly Hills 100 A.D.? Bless her heart, she tried. It didn't help that they stuck her in that funny red wig that was constantly changing shape and size. The whole thing just flabbergasted me."

[@Gambit771]

Just like Peter macnicol in dragonslayer was not believable as someone from there. Still, all are more believable than whatever accent critic does for someone English. At least have it be an accent from that country.

[@dredgevine]

This is still a classic to me. I grew up with this and it's still a favorite. I think though it's a good kid film. They won't care to much for the cgi and other things i know i did. It did help me learn good lesson and I still remember the knights code. I'm in my late 20s and it's still one of my favorites

[@UltimateGamerCC]

12:00 - to be fair, Bowen had only met that Dragon once, and therefore only heard his voice that one time, it wasnt until Years Later as you stated before he encountered the Dragon he held Ire for. if you had heard a voice one time, you wouldnt be so quick to remember it after 5 years.

[@redith137]

Dude Sean Connery being Draco is probably the best part of this whole goddamn movie. The movie is mid and is not what I would call the greatest but holy cow Sean Connery as a goddamn dragon? Yeah that elevates it to excellent

[@alaynayoung85]

Agreed!

[@micshork]

The OG Eragon. Also Bowen was originally going to be played by Liam Neeson but he wasn’t seen as big of a draw back then. Ironic given how popular he is now and how little we see Dennis Quaid now.

[@KTKomedy2813]

Liam Neeson as Bowen would have been interesting, but right now I’m wondering what the film would have been like if he were played by Robin Williams. Not even kidding, he was offered the lead role but was more interested in playing the dragon.

[@vocalliterature2242]

I don't know if he is going to hate on this movie as of this moment, but for the record, I loved this movie growing up.

[@godzy323]

Didnt know people didn't like this movie. I loved it as a kid and it honestly got me interesting in studying mythical creatures. I still prefer seeing dragons in this style where they are living, thinking, conscious animals instead of "evil dragon, must slay" or exotic animal with dog personality. Not to discredit the other versions. I love HTTYD series, but I love his Draco was another person than another animal

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

Fun Fact: According to an interview on IGN, the producers originally cast Liam Neeson in the role of Bowen, but at those time the studio didn't think audiences would buy him as an action hero. Ironically, Neeson starred Taken, which relaunched his career as an action hero from this movie ahead.

[@kdusel1991]

Taken's awesome! The sequels suck but the first one is great!

[@tarzangief]

you skipped over that he was also Quin Gon Jin and Ras Al Gaul which are both action movie characters

[@sboinkthelegday3892]

Nope, can't make a connection why Liam Neeson would be delightful in this role of a dragon hunter.

[@SpicyRikers]

liam was good in a movie called Rob Roy from 1995, alot of action in that

[@jesusromanpadro3853]

Maybe is was best that he didn't.

[@DanGamingFan2846]

First, that opening bit was hilarious. Rob does an amazing Goldblum impression. Second, Sean Connery voicing a dragon sounds like it should be the coolest thing ever. Too bad it was in this movie. Honestly, the ironic goofiness of Draco did kinda saved the film for me.

[@watershipup7101]

Same here.

[@kennethsatria6607]

I have a soft spot for this movie, I really like that the dragon can talk intelligently and have a personality of his own, goofy sometimes but also really heartfelt and serious, and also the whole conflict with Bowen and the price he raised who became a cruel king, that was really cool to see and emotional for the actual protagonist to deal with. Makes me wonder if there's any relation between this and the Star Wars prequels, cause I watched this on Hallmark with my grandma in the 2000s, and first thought was it reminded me a lot of Obi Wan and Anakin's fight in Revenge of the Sith Man I hope this review won't be too bashing.

[@actionhero2328]

I tend to remember this movie very fondly when I watched it as a kid, More so for the concept than the final result. A kind dragon giving his heart to an evil king, a misguided knight unable to accept the truth of the situation, the knight and the dragon forming a bond over pretending to ransack villagers to eventually fight the king On paper and in memory these are fun and interesting ideas

[@MidnightSonnet]

I will always love this movie. It's not great, but it's definitely good. The casting, in my opinion, was great. The lines were never read in a half assed way. I believed the emotions behind them. The graphics are definitely dated, but still pretty good. I love Draco's expressions and movements. They're smooth and give him life. The end will always make me cry. The friendship between the two leads is so believable because it was given time to form. They talked and got to know each other. So the eerie near silence of the scene where Bowen has to decide if he has the heart to kill his new friend is gut wrenching. It makes it especially tense because his life was on the line as Einan was coming in for another attack. There was a time limit and every second was torture for Bowen, which the audience experienced with him. We didn't want to see Draco die, but we knew it was for the greater good. I do kinda wish Bowen had shed a tear or two, though. The score will always give me goosebumps, especially the finale. It's stunning. I know you don't like Gilbert, but the actor made him a likeable character in my eyes. He didn't overstay his welcome. He looked up to Bowen and wanted to help boost his reputation. Even after he realized his idol was a con artist, he stuck around after getting to know Draco, Bowen, and Kara better. Also, him making such a tough decision to attempt to kill Einan was a good character building moment. Him reciting the line "thou shalt not kill" was him going through his inner turmoil of going against his religious beliefs. It was a powerful moment. I could go on and on about this movie. Even though it was in production hell for so long, the crew managed to put something pretty good together. Production hell tends to screw up a film (Justice League, anyone?), but Dragonheart seemed to manage, which is impressive.

[@seanbinkley7363]

For me it’s pretty cool that they didn’t try to retcon Draco’s death in some way at the end. It makes the ending bittersweet but it’s all the better and more memorable for it.

[@nathanielabraham2075]

Fun fact: the movie was filmed in Slovakia, specifically in the Šariš region. Which, as a Slovak myself, I find quite an honor in. Slovakia isn't exactly the kind of country used for filming Hollywood movies.😊

[@Bulls3ye86]

Another Fun Fact: A decade after this, Eragon--another movie about a CGI Dragon--was _also_ shot in and around Slovakia, even reusing some of the same locations.

[@nathanielabraham2075]

@@Bulls3ye86 Okay, I certainly didn't know THAT about Eragon. Thank you.😊

[@DyadyushkaMalferonDrevnich]

Hello, Slovakia! Glad to see this comment! I remember when I learnt this fact in the late 10s of the 21st century, I was so stunned that I thought about going to the filming locations personally and filming it all live, but Schengen got in the way, then the coronavirus, and then 2022. And in the spring of 2023 and until February 2024 communicated in VK with a Slovak old-timer born in 84, that a little told about Slovakia in the 90s, and that he had a classmate starred in the cast of this masterpiece, and how pleasant it was for him to realise the fact of shooting this film in Slovakia. But alas, he blocked me afterwards without explanation and we don't communicate like that anymore. And please tell me, how was this film received in Slovakia in the 90s and was it shown in cinemas?

[@DyadyushkaMalferonDrevnich]

@@Bulls3ye86 Yes, and this is the last film Hollywood has made on location on this subject so far. In fact, I wonder why films of this subject have been shot there twice. Although the country supposedly does not spoil attention and love of dragons in the cultural plan.

[@nathanielabraham2075]

@@DyadyushkaMalferonDrevnich Probably because our country has so much medieval style terrain and ESPECIALLY so many castles and castle ruins. But yeah, we don't exactly give that much info to the rest of the world. I mean, some people in America might still think that we're still Czechoslovakia. But we haven't been ever since 1993.

[@Knucells]

I remember this film being re-released as a one time only thing at the local cinema and I was desperate to go see it (I was too young to see it when it first came out so definitely must have been a re-run or something). This was at a time in my life where I was just about old enough to go out all day and hang with my friends at the park, but also had to be home by the time the street lights came on and my parents being strict about it. I remember my parents saying we could go see it, on the condition I got back in time. I rushed home just in time and my parents said it was my fault for being late and we wouldn't go after all. I was so angry about it - and I still am some roughly 15/20 years later - that I can't watch this film without getting so pissed off. Anyway thank you for reading my therapy notes. Have a good day 😅

[@alleywaytc2696]

This was one of my favorite movies as a kid. Even if the effects don't hold up, I still love how Draco looks and moves. And I'd have to disagree: Sean Connery's voice fits Draco wonderfully.

[@venom890]

You made me remember how much I love Two brothers, that's not an invitation to review it, I'm happy leaving my nostalgia make the work for me, I don't need anyone pointing out the flaws in it

[@austinmiller2170]

I always loved this movie, and not just 'cause I'm a nerd for anything with dragons. Cheesy as the movie is, I love the narrative of redemption. "To the stars" is also probably my all-time favorite movie score. I'm glad I didn't get it ruined for me with advertising.

[@_lost_paradise5089]

"To the stars, boy... To The Stars." This was the very first movie I ever cried over... I love it:)

[@alaynayoung85]

OMG saaame. I won't hear a bad word about this movie, even while acknowledging it's flaws.

[@marvingro7959]

One thing this movie did: When I first saw it at the age of six in 1999, it introduced me to the late, great Pete Postlethwaite. I don't know why exactly, but his performance as Brother Gilbert always stayed with me and made me a general fan of him. May he rest in peace. 🕯 So I must disagree with you. 😁

[@walkerlocker6126]

I actually found the intimidating nature of Draco to be endearing as a child. I always saw him as this sort of older, retired dragon, who was kinda over all the dragoning. It seemed sweet

[@walkerlocker6126]

Non-intimidating** maybe not a word but ya know

[@JohnKim-wx6vt]

That "I am too old to be a Smaug or Alduin shit" vibe

[@Dragonheart2549]

This was one of my favorite movies growing up, and is probably singlehandedly responsible for my obsession with dragons to this day! I love that it portrays dragons as wise, old, noble creatures. Ending always makes me cry. Never saw the sequels and didn't even know there was any until i read the comments here 😂

[@tereziamarkova2822]

I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but this shit was my Princess Bride. No, really - when I was like six, I knew it word for word, and the ending always made me cry.

[@dionettaeon]

Well _this_ review was far harsher than I expected. DragonHeart is one of my favorite movie franchises with some of my favorite hexapod movie dragon. Their ability to share their heart is unique and intriguing, and I like how on Draco and Drake, the spade on the end of their tail can open like a switchblade. I also liked the unique touch that Draco breaths fire exclusively through his nostrils. And Sean Connery was an excellent voice for him.

[@AshParth560]

I never heard of this, but I will say the only thing I remember involving this would be a TV show called Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog.

[@Myuutsuu85]

The german dub's intro of Mystic Knights was amazing. At least as far as I am concerned. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4a1g5qJmZmYma8

[@BugsyFoga]

That wacky time Sean Connery as a wacky cgi dragon.

[@nsasupporter7557]

This movie was corny, that’s for sure. But it was still entertaining none the less

[@eternyti]

This is a childhood favorite that I'd watch again and again, same with its sequel (but nothing after that because oof). For '96 I think the effects honestly hold up pretty well, especially in the facial expressions / animation department. Its more than the sum of its parts, for all the flaws they might have, the entertainment value outweighs all of it imo. Its a fun watch and a warm, fairly unique story with unique lore, and I'll always love it.

[@MegaPlayerXxX]

I usually find myself agreeing with Doug here, but... not on this one. I freaking love this movie. It brought my love for dragons and ancient lore and myths. The concept of a great dragon sharing its heart with a dying boy in hopes for better future was mesmerising for me. The fact that the dragon was willing to risk its very soul for that hope was tugging my heart. Though... I gotta admit, after hearing the original english dub... our dubbing had done a lot. Dragon sounded ancient, tough yet kind, the reverb and deepness of that voice was yelling "fuck around and find out". I couldn't quite put my finger on it... until I checked the dubber. In our dubbing, this guy was in almost every action movie and... he was a dedicated dubber for Samuel L Jackson and Silvester Stalone. So while you guys had Connery as a dragon, we had freaking Mace Windu and Rambo. XD

[@joshuawells835]

This is a film I enjoyed as a kid and still think fondly of. I have memorized the Code of Arthur and when Sean Connery died, the first clip of his I looked up was the ending of this film and his line, "To the stars, ... to the stars!"

[@ShadyDoorags]

19:43 I geeked out so hard seeing Gauntlet Legends. My brother and I always lost it when we saw this at an arcade.

[@kdusel1991]

I remember the N64 Gauntlet! My friends and I used to play that all the time at their house!

[@DangerVille]

I LOVED this film as a kid, watched it on repeat on VHS. There’s a bunch of sequels as well with varying quality, but this will always hold a special place in my heart! Also fun fact, the Dragon is a modified Jurassic Park T. Rex model!

[@HurricaneDDragon]

My childhood nostalgia remembers this movie’s iconic poster and soundtrack more than the movie itself.

[@ekmalsukarno2302]

Doug, it would mean a lot to me if you reviewed these following movies: - Wild Thornberrys Movie (starring Tim Curry and Lacey Chabert) - Blast from the Past (starring Brendan Fraser and Christopher Walken) - Undercover Brother (starring Neil Patrick Harris and Dave Chappelle) - Igor (an animated film starring John Cusack and Steve Buscemi) - Spiderwick Chronicles (starring Freddie Highmore and Seth Rogen) - Penelope (starring Christina Ricci and James McAvoy) - Aliens in the Attic (starring Kevin Nealon and Doris Roberts) - The 10th Kingdom (a miniseries starring John Larroquette and Dianne Wiest) Thank you very much and please accept my requests.

[@chasehedges6775]

Spider wick Chronicles is a classic

[@LadyOnikara]

I would LOVE to see him do Undercover Brother. I really like that movie!

[@whitelioness87]

10th Kingdom definitely gets my vote…especially if he watches Once Upon A Time afterwards to do a side-by-side comparison!!! That would make my year!

[@Feesh322]

The Randy Edelman music trailer montage at the beginning of the review blew my mind. I never realized that was from Dragonheart! And didn't one of Mulan's trailers use it too?

[@kdusel1991]

I think it did!

[@BioGoji-zm5ph]

"Draco... without you... where do we turn?" "To the shtars, Bowen. To the shtars."

[@junco88]

I first saw this movie as a kid when I was sick. Didn't fully understand, but loved it to death for my love of dragons and continued to rewatch whenever I got sick, thus becoming a comfort movie 😅

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

To quote the late Great Norm Macdonald and something i'm sure Sean Connery might be thinking about right now is "I don’t do much. I’m too lazy. That’s my problem. Hang around my couch, watching the TV. Just too lazy. I realized this the other day, I get hit my a truck tomorrow - a big truck could hit me - paralyze me from the neck down. Wouldn’t affect my lifestyle a bit really."

[@lumpyduckling3522]

You know Sean Connery is dead right

[@Herowebcomics]

​@@lumpyduckling3522Well,he could be saying that in Heaven or something.🤔

[@lumpyduckling3522]

@@Herowebcomics he can’t get hit by a truck in heaven

[@Markimark151]

I like Sean Connery as the dragon! This movie was meant to satire medieval fantasy movies like Braveheart, I wish we Disney made more original medieval fantasy movies instead of superhero movies!

[@22espec]

I don't think so, they took the movie seriously

[@motor4X4kombat]

I don't think braveheart was ment to be a satire or a fantasy movie.

[@orangeslash1667]

@@motor4X4kombat Fun Fact: This film was the biggest inspiration for Spyro the Dragon.

[@kdusel1991]

​@@motor4X4kombat braveheart wasn't a satire at all. It was a historical epic drama

[@motor4X4kombat]

@@kdusel1991 well historial "fiction" but like you said not fantasy at all. I don't know what the hell this guy smokes.

[@DavidMartinez-wf5jg]

Honestly this is still even with all of its issues one of my favorite movies of all time. It came out at the time when I was reading a lot of fantasy novels and just fell in love with it. It’s flawed but the nostalgia it gives is still amazing

[@Heather_no_numbers]

DragonHeart was my favorite movie and I think my introduction to Sean Connery. Dragons are usually just weird looking in movies but in all the movies ive see, Draco is my favorite design. DragonHeart 2 Drake is cute too though, especially when he tries to breath ice and ends up drooling all over the monk.

[@user-dr2yz8um3d]

You missed the 25th anniversary 2 years ago Never saw it in theaters but I saw the trailer for the sequel all the time growing up Has one of the most memorable scores ever This feels like good old fashioned fantasy storytelling Love Connery as the dragon even if the effects are noticeable and Quaid is really good too The story is not the greatest thing ever written but it had enough elements to still work and thankfully the movie still has enough devoted fans for it to have a lasting impact

[@MforMovesets]

"Most erotic mainstream movie ever made." - The internet

[@chasehedges6775]

😂😂😂😂

[@AshParth560]

Yup, in more ways than one way.

[@orangeslash1667]

@@chasehedges6775 Fun Fact: This film was the biggest inspiration for Spyro the Dragon.

[@kdusel1991]

​@@chasehedges6775 "sign me up for Dragonheart!"

[@dromalloma2651]

So it's like Drakengard w/o the horror?

[@jakemetzgar]

I love how dramatic the Randy Edelman score is and putting it in a trailer to The Room was freaking fantastic!!!!

[@Zeithri]

*Before watching:* Dragonheart is one of my favorite movies of all time. No it isn't the best fantasy movie out there, but this one has a special place in my heart. I always rewatch it every year on my birthday, usually alongside Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and as of late, Dragon Quest: Your Story. all movies that brng a lot of joy to me. But Dragonheart... It's just the most special one. Draco is adorable, the voice of Connery is perfect, the movie is simple yet rather forward thinking. The villain wears *white*, the hero wears *black* . Just tell me how many fantasy movies do that aside from Saruman in Lord of the Rings. They didn't do it for Lord Rahl in Legend of the Seeker, that guy is suppose to be blonde with white clothing but in the show he ended up with dark hair and dark clothing because *EVUUUUULLL* . And let's not Dina Meyer too! A woman who really isn't the love interest, and she can fight. The ending makes me cry. _To the Shtarsh Bowen, to the Shtarsh._ Love it. Absolutely love it unconditionally. All these years later and Bowen is still my favorite Knight

[@angelofmusic1992]

I don't care that this movie is cheesy and flawed, it's one of my favorites. I watched it all the time as a kid and I love how 90's it feels. I even ended up checking out the 90s Robin Hood because a reviewer said it had the same energy as this movie. and I consider that a big plus.

[@thesapphireone]

I agree, I love Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves! While it can be corny in places, it’s still a hugely entertaining film, with a good story, likeable characters, fun action, and I actually LIKE Kevin Costner’s take on Robin Hood, lack of english accent or not, he’s a dedicated, serious leader, but still brings a believable humanity and heart to the role, and has great chemistry with Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio’s Marian, making their romance very sweet and affectionate.

[@alterac22]

Dragonheart is one my fav films of all time. I love the bond that Bowen and him share its done really well When Draco forces his best friend to kill him I always cry and that whole sequence of him becoming Draco the constellation is awesome and that prince is so dam evil you want to see him get his comeuppance and that soundtrack is amazing I always get chills when I hear that song

[@tinchick2]

I love this movie! Yeah, the effects are terrible but I don't care. And I like Sean Connery as the dragon; I think his voice fits. Mostly though, it reminds me of my dad because he really loved it. So it has a special place in my heart.

[@yevaud6]

In defense of the CG, it didn't know how it would look as technology progressed and was converted for a higher resolution. As you showed, it blended well in it's original format and should be judged in that format since that is the film the original crew crafted. This entire video I was wondering if we were just that delusional as to what look convincingly realist till you showed those brief clips of it's original. I appreciate you adding that.

[@RussianJackal]

There used to be a knockoff of Doug called “the nostalgia chick” who did a good review of this film. Sadly, her content more or less disappeared.

[@kdusel1991]

She left with a lot of other creators after the whole change the channel thing happened.

[@TheSchaef47]

Pretty sure she's just making content under her real name, Lindsay Ellis

[@DSzaks]

Damn, did this movie kill Doug's dog or something. It's not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination but it's not that bad. Sure the effects are dated, but for the time this looked pretty great. And the acting and story is still better than 90% of the movies we get now.

[@allananderson6343]

If this movie had updated effects, some better casting, and a little more art direction, it would actually be BETTER than many movies released today. I feel Doug missed a lot of the nuance given the movie's 30 years old. It's not like animated films, where the artistry and style can be judged 'as is'. They went for realism in 1996, and yes, the dragon looks cheesy by today's standards, but it was by far one of the best CGI dragons back then. Also, the music was amazing if you're listening to it for the first time. Reusing said music in other trailers ruined it for an entire generation, as he said, but that theme song still holds a special place in my heart. Unfortunately, if Doug wants to do Dragon Heart 2, he can rip that one to pieces.

[@Terallis]

For me, this movie was a classic of my childhood. Watched it many times. I enjoyed it for what it was, and much of my love for it now is likely still more rooted in nostalgia. Buuuut... at least it's not nearly as bad as its SEQUEL

[@josemiguelfernandez8103]

As a kid this was my favorite movie. It's so interesting to see it all this years later

[@raze3297]

TIL there are soulless husks of human beings out there who don't love Dragonheart.

[@victorpurificacao2855]

I do have a soft spot for this movie. The effects were good for its time, the score was memorable, the medieval setting was good also, always liked how "dirty" it is and I like the redemption journey of the main characters throughout the movie. I know its not good, but I cant really dislike it

[@ManicWolf]

This film may be corny, but I loved it as a kid, and it has remained one of my favourite nostalgic comfort films. I've seen it dozens of times. In fact, this video has just reminded me that it's been too long since I last watched it, and I'm in need of some comfort right now. As a side note: I remember being amazed by the CGI of Draco back in the day. Sure it doesn't hold up to modern CGI standards, especially with 4k quality media, but it was pretty fucking impressive for the time.

[@SaiOkami777]

Fun fact: *Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams were both considered for the voice of Draco*

[@thesapphireone]

What would that have looked like? Can you imagine Robin Williams, while although good at drama, playing Draco up more for comedy, with goofy jokes and one-liners non-stop? Bowen, Gilbert, Kara, and the rebels witness Draco’s constellation in the night sky, looks of awe, shock, and amazement on their faces, seeing their friend accomplish his dream, as the score swells majestically. Then they hear Draco’s voice… “Is it just me, or is it freezing out here?” “Hey Bowen, why are you so sad, you look like you’ve seen a ghost?!” “Soooo…. What’s gonna happen now? I’m just DYING to know the details! AHAHAHAHA!” Everyone all groans in exasperation, since even in death, Draco’s jokes and chitter-chatter are going to leave them with a LOT of work to do. The end!

[@SaiOkami777]

@@thesapphireone Robin Williams would've made the movie a lot more fun

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

Another Fun Fact: David Thewlis (King Einon) and Pete Postlethwaite (Gilbert) had appeared in James and the Giant Peach (1996) as the voice of Earthworm and the Old Man, respectively. Both films were released a month apart in 1996.

[@Kinglaugh451]

Quaid’s accent is an American touring the British Isles trying to fit in everywhere he goes.

[@Gambit771]

And much better than whatever critic attempts. Does the phrase 'pot and kettle ' not exist in murica?

[@allaboutzii9305]

My Granny would watch this with me all the time when I was little alongside Jurassic Park, Deep Blue Sea, Lake Placid and Deep Rising. Corny as it is, I still cry watching it

[@ShiawaseNoIro]

Dang, I loved this movie growing up

[@JordanFountain003]

Can't believe he said no to Jurassic Park to be in this instead.

[@nsasupporter7557]

I never heard that he was offered a role in Jurassic Park, or the Matrix

[@Myuutsuu85]

I don't understand what the poblem is.Even with the benefit of hindsight, I would rather play a role in Dragonheart than in Jurassic Park.

[@DarkShadow84]

"Hey, you wanna play some old guy in your next movie, or a dragon?" Guess what most people would pick without being able to look into the future about how those movies will turn out.

[@Pantherazure]

In Jurassic Park he'd' be chased by some giant lizard. Whereas in this film, he himself is the flying giant lizard.

[@LuckyVine]

I used to really love this movie back in the day, and I still think the dragon looks incredible. True, there are moments where the CGI looks dated, but by and large, I think it holds up amazingly well.

[@jackwimmer2249]

To be honest, while the CGI didn’t age well, I really like the design of Draco. I wouldn’t mind at all if more dragons looked like him-so long as they look like they’re really there.

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

One Last Fun Fact: Despite the fact that this was filmed in Panavision (anamorphic), "Filmed with Panavision Cameras and Lenses" is listed in the end credits.

[@blackvial]

I loved this movie as a kid

[@aldwyck7177]

Still like it. Good movie. "His blade defends the helpless. His might upholds the weak. His wrath undoes the wicked." I get the sense that he really did try. But the odds were overwhelming. When in survival mode "His word speaks only truth" becomes a bit blurry.

[@marissawilson9460]

I can’t help it. This movie is such a guilty pleasure and I love the music. I walked down the aisle to “To the Stars” ✨ It was a beautiful moment

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

Another Fun Fact: Instead of a plateau, as seen in the movie, the waterfall serves as Bowen and Draco's base during their partnership, in the novelization. It's also where the scene in which Bowen gives Draco his new name takes place.

[@treyowen9213]

My favorite part will always be them spending some time on the island of Avalon. I would give anything in the world to witness that place myself.

[@ryansalter2325]

The theme music was also used for the teaser trailer for Disney's animated Mulan and for Universal's 100th Anniversary promo.