This is an original concept and that is a big draw to this film. Set in medieval times (land unknown) this story pretty much gives us the traditional Father Christmas and not the "Coke Cola" money-making man of today.
Even in those times, where life is tough, people are forgetting about the spirit of Christmas. This is having a disturbing effect on Father Christmas, as well as the elves. It's up to a group of orphan kids to conjure a little magic and save Christmastime.
The plus side to the film is the originality of the story and the strength of the acting, as well as pretty decent direction.
The negative sides are the faux English accents, which are bad enough, but when real English accents are heard, it only makes the fake ones more absurd and difficult to listen too. However, this film is for the kids, primarily, and they probably won't notice a thing - adults beware, though.
The CGI effects are not too brilliant. At the start of the movie they're fine and the adult dragon is passable. They must have spent most of the budget by the time we get the orphan dragon as this is where the CGI looks quite a bit cheaper.
It also seems to be a tad too long, since it's for the children, and there are times where your attention drifts off. If they'd cut it a little tighter it would've made it more enthralling for the kids.
I would recommend this for Snow Day viewing, if your kids are tired of snow fights and building snow castles.
Even in those times, where life is tough, people are forgetting about the spirit of Christmas. This is having a disturbing effect on Father Christmas, as well as the elves. It's up to a group of orphan kids to conjure a little magic and save Christmastime.
The plus side to the film is the originality of the story and the strength of the acting, as well as pretty decent direction.
The negative sides are the faux English accents, which are bad enough, but when real English accents are heard, it only makes the fake ones more absurd and difficult to listen too. However, this film is for the kids, primarily, and they probably won't notice a thing - adults beware, though.
The CGI effects are not too brilliant. At the start of the movie they're fine and the adult dragon is passable. They must have spent most of the budget by the time we get the orphan dragon as this is where the CGI looks quite a bit cheaper.
It also seems to be a tad too long, since it's for the children, and there are times where your attention drifts off. If they'd cut it a little tighter it would've made it more enthralling for the kids.
I would recommend this for Snow Day viewing, if your kids are tired of snow fights and building snow castles.