Reviews

I watched this last night, taped it off a TCM showing. This film is a lot better than reviewers said. I'd say it's a must-see for Elizabeth Taylor fans. She obviously enjoyed her roles. Patsy Kensit is simply adorable in this. The film has deep, yet surreally portrayed concepts involving life and death, sin and love. Certainly perfect for young children with a strong moral philosophy. The story is fantasy, some sets are better than others, it's all very colorful and has an early 19th century feel. If you are a student of set construction, choreography, ballet in film, or escapes to alternate realities, you will enjoy this perhaps more than you think you should.

I'm giving this film high marks because I enjoyed the scenery, screenplay and acting. There are gripping moments to this story, and the violence which occurs is suspenseful. Sure, it's somewhat episodic, and the direction is choppy at times, but I am a fan of films without "filler", especially when they take place in the wilderness, where attempts to create distractions can pervert the experience of true setting. This is a story about a stepsister and stepbrother lost in the wilderness and learning some lessons about hardships and personal bonds. It is not for the attention-span deficient. The action which takes place is satisfying, and I enjoyed the casual pace of the story leading up to the denouement. Acting is strong, and there are good morals to the story also.

I'm used to seeing Syfy originals with fluffy script, pedantic acting, unimaginative imagery, and plastic feel. Age of the Dragons, in my opinion, is in the top tier, and arguably the best Syfy original I've ever seen. Plot lines and character development are mature. The script is intellectual, most of the acting matches feature-film levels, and the CG effects are solidly believable. Danny Glover is excellent. Sofia Pernas is eye-grabbing. Atmosphere flows convincingly. Morphing Moby Dick into a dragon hunt really worked for me. The only thing which wasn't explained is how the land boat was powered. Still, that's a small complaint. I enjoyed this fantasy film, it was worth my time.

There are positives in this unremembered film. First, you will see 100% authentic footage of the Colombian countryside, farmers, suburban train rails, and most of all, Bogota as it existed in the mid-70's. If it's overdubbed in English, I couldn't tell. The music is mostly orchestral and some rock/funk ala 70's crime dramas. Solid acting. Moral, authentic growing-of-age story about a country peasant boy drawn into the world of petty crime in Bogota which the movie portrays as the normal state of affairs for orphaned boys. Perhaps the only caveat is that the overall visual quality doesn't stand the test of time very well. "Paco" is included in the Mill Creek 50 Suspense Classics box set.