Retro Film Review: George and the Dragon (2004)
Hollywood has frequently faced criticism for perpetuating oversimplified and inaccurate historical narratives to global audiences. This contention is evident in various facets of contemporary popular culture, with some European filmmakers accused of aligning their portrayals of European history and culture with Hollywood conventions. An illustrative case is George and the Dragon, a 2004 medieval fantasy comedy penned and helmed by Tom Reeves in Luxembourg.
The narrative unfolds post-First Crusade, as numerous European knights return home, including George (portrayed by James Purefoy), who parts ways with his former Muslim adversary Tarik (played by Michael Clarke Duncan) to secure a parcel of land from King Edgar (enacted by Simon Callow) in England. King Edgar faces additional challenges when his daughter Princess Lunna (embodied by Piper Perabo), betrothed to the formidable warlord Garth (played by Patrick Swayze), vanishes, purportedly taken by the Earth's final dragon.
Reeve and Tom Burke's storyline swiftly abandons historical accuracy, blending elements of the ancient Christian legend of St. George and the Dragon with a simplified, politically correct rendition of the Crusades, interspersed with contemporary New Age environmentalism. This departure from historical fidelity allows Continental European settings to masquerade as England or a generic Western European locale, while crafting characters that are both straightforward and plausible.
The uncomplicated nature of the characters and plot renders George and the Dragon a rare action spectacle suitable for younger audiences. Viewers seeking more than simplistic narratives can appreciate the unconventional performances from the laid-back actors who evidently relished their roles during filming. James Purefoy, a British actor once touted as a potential James Bond, delivers an engaging semi-comedic portrayal of the archetypal hero, while Patrick Swayze elicits unintended amusement in an atypical villainous role. The CGI dragon, however, falls short of expectations, echoing other aspects of the production. Nonetheless, George and the Dragon could be deemed acceptable entertainment for those with modest expectations.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
(Note: Original version of the review is available here.)
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