Dragonheart MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: +1/2

In this mythological fairy tale, a knight of the honorable Old Code, Bowen (Dennis Quaid) is sworn to uphold truth, justice and fairness. Unfortunately, his king is a harsh tyrant bent on oppressing the peasants in 10th century England. However, Bowen remains loyal and tries to raise the king's son, Einon (David Thewlis), in the ways of the Old Code. When the king is killed and Einon mortally wounded in a peasant revolt, Einon's mother, Aislinn (Julie Christie), calls upon Draco, a kind dragon, to save her son. Draco (voice of Sean Connery) gives half his heart to the boy, thus miraculously preserving his life. When Einon grows up to be even more evil than his father, Bowen vows to kill all the dragons, until he meets the wise Draco. Together they start a rebellion to overthrow the evil Einon, which leads to ferocious battles. Through magnificent special effects the huge Draco flies, fights and talks. DRAGONHEART is an exciting, unique adventure laced with humor and pathos.

Upholding the Old Code of loyalty, virtue and telling the truth is the central theme of DRAGONHEART. Draco the dragon says he has a soul and is worried about earning his way into dragon heaven, which could mislead youngsters. Good does triumph over evil, but not before many are killed in battle and some vicious behavior on the part of the evil boy/king. Though the battles are intense, there is very little blood or gore. Off-screen, the evil Einon kills his mother, and an elderly man is killed by an arrow at close range after his eyes are put out. Einon tries to seduce a maiden in his bedroom, but the film has no sex or nudity. Overall, DRAGONHEART stresses some very positive values; however, keep in mind it has intense fighting and a mythological idea that one must earn his way to heaven. DRAGONHEART can be recommended for older teenagers and adults.

Preview Reviewer: Greg Wilson
Distributor: Universal Pictures, 100 Universal Blvd., Universal City, CA 91608