It's not bad, really. A lot of the bad reviews are from people who have read and loved the book. I can understand their upset, as much of the book's original storyline and prominent characters missing, but the movie in and of itself was enjoyable. Some of the acting was campy, specifically the dramatic flair surrounding the evil mage, but oh well.
Fact is, the movie was fun to watch if you watch it as a movie, and not an animated version of the book (and by animated I don't mean cartoon). Edward Speeler's acting won't win any awards but frankly I think he did a better job of his ~first~ acting role than some actors who have been working for years, some of which were in this movie. The special effects were a joy, and this is most definitely a movie that an entire family can watch; it is neither kiddied up nor dressed-down.
People seem to enjoy comparing Eragon to movies like Lord of the Rings. No movie will be like Lord of the Rings because no movie ~is~ Lord of the Rings. Comparing movies to one another leads to generic movie traits; enjoy movies for what they are and stop comparing them to each other. Why would you want movies to be similar in the first place? What a bore that would be.
If you're a parent and want a fun fantasy movie both you and your kids can enjoy, kind of like Neverending Story but with updated special effects, rent Eragon. If nothing else, it's fun hour and a half with your family.
Fact is, the movie was fun to watch if you watch it as a movie, and not an animated version of the book (and by animated I don't mean cartoon). Edward Speeler's acting won't win any awards but frankly I think he did a better job of his ~first~ acting role than some actors who have been working for years, some of which were in this movie. The special effects were a joy, and this is most definitely a movie that an entire family can watch; it is neither kiddied up nor dressed-down.
People seem to enjoy comparing Eragon to movies like Lord of the Rings. No movie will be like Lord of the Rings because no movie ~is~ Lord of the Rings. Comparing movies to one another leads to generic movie traits; enjoy movies for what they are and stop comparing them to each other. Why would you want movies to be similar in the first place? What a bore that would be.
If you're a parent and want a fun fantasy movie both you and your kids can enjoy, kind of like Neverending Story but with updated special effects, rent Eragon. If nothing else, it's fun hour and a half with your family.