If Alien wasn’t proof enough that cameraman Derek Vanlint was one to watch, then Dragonslayer makes it official. Some shots appear so evocative it makes you think about the hours, days and weeks of planning involved. Likewise, composer Alex North creates a worthy accompaniment for such images. He’s taken flak for what some are calling a complex approach, yet it’s easy to recognise quality, ambiguous or not. I love the score for Dragonslayer.

Better than expected although far from definitive, Dragonslayer pitches a David vs. Goliath tale at the strangest pace. There’s plenty of smoke and mirrors surrounding Vermithrax Pejorative, the dragon plaguing a local kingdom. With regular sacrifices held to appease the monster, King Casiodorus Rex (Peter Eyre) soon changes his tune when the princess’ name is chosen during the lottery. Only sorcerer’s apprentice Galen (Peter MacNicol) can enter this scary domain and save the kingdom.

Hard as it may seem, the finale rips through any prior goodwill. In the long run, MacNicol won’t be remembered for heroism… only uncertainty. Perhaps someone like Christopher Lee could have raised Dragonslayer out of the fiery depths and surpassed my expectations. (Capsule review) 

(Released by Paramount Pictures and rated "PG" by MPAA.)