Fantasy isn't my favorite genre, but I thought this one was a lot of fun. LOTR or Willow it is not. I highly doubt it will stand the test of time because it lacks the depth and complexity of great fantasy movies. Even so, it was (for me, anyway) a nail-biter and a perfect low-investment, high-velocity movie for a night when you just want pure entertainment. There are a few missteps that made me roll my eyes a bit, such as Brown's overdone makeup, but I wasn't expecting great art. My only regret is that I watched it right before bedtime, because it was so exciting that I had a hard time falling asleep and sleeping deeply.
655 Reviews
Here's the problem....
marymcfarland-018669 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
You simply cannot make a whole fantasy dragon/princess epic experience and totally not develop the character's stories.
Good points... Cinematically, this thing was beautiful.
The CGI Was incredible. Netflix spent all our money on that part.
The actors acted the hell out of their parts....even the dragon.
Bad points.... Excuse me whilst I stew over the under utilization of both Angela Bassett and Robin Wright. Both of those characters had such potential....those actors should take someone to task at the utter waste of their potential in what could have been memorable roles.
Whoever wrote or edited the entire royals vs dragon back story needs to go back to school.
Millie was great as always, but even her character was drawn in such a way that I didn't have time to develop caring for her until she saved the dragons life.
This entire thing could have been 10s across the board. Shame on y'all for making this a 5.
I haven't been this annoyed at Netflix for awhile.
Good points... Cinematically, this thing was beautiful.
The CGI Was incredible. Netflix spent all our money on that part.
The actors acted the hell out of their parts....even the dragon.
Bad points.... Excuse me whilst I stew over the under utilization of both Angela Bassett and Robin Wright. Both of those characters had such potential....those actors should take someone to task at the utter waste of their potential in what could have been memorable roles.
Whoever wrote or edited the entire royals vs dragon back story needs to go back to school.
Millie was great as always, but even her character was drawn in such a way that I didn't have time to develop caring for her until she saved the dragons life.
This entire thing could have been 10s across the board. Shame on y'all for making this a 5.
I haven't been this annoyed at Netflix for awhile.
Good movie. That's it.
jonathancg-1288410 March 2024
I don't really understand why people expect masterpieces from every new movie release.
Damsel is fun, entertaining, special effects are really good, better than latest summer blockbusters with bigger budgets (despite what IGN says) and the plot delivers exactly what it sells. This is not an indie Oscar Winner movie and it doesn't pretend to be neither.
Stop trying to look for art in everything, like there are Bethoveen masterpieces and Tomorrowland EDM music to just jump around there are also movies to admire with all your senses and movies to enjoy on a Sunday evening.
The movie is good and it doesn't deserve to be bashed because people were looking for another Schindler's List on it.
Damsel is fun, entertaining, special effects are really good, better than latest summer blockbusters with bigger budgets (despite what IGN says) and the plot delivers exactly what it sells. This is not an indie Oscar Winner movie and it doesn't pretend to be neither.
Stop trying to look for art in everything, like there are Bethoveen masterpieces and Tomorrowland EDM music to just jump around there are also movies to admire with all your senses and movies to enjoy on a Sunday evening.
The movie is good and it doesn't deserve to be bashed because people were looking for another Schindler's List on it.
Good but not as smart as it thinks it is
masonsaul8 March 2024
Damsel really isn't as subversive as it thinks it is and takes way too long to get going, wasting the first 30 minutes on a twist so obvious the trailer didn't even bother to hide it. Once it actually gets to the central idea of cat and mouse between a Princess and a Dragon it's a lot stronger, powering through on the momentum of the endless chase.
Despite a few big names in the supporting cast, Millie Bobby Brown really carries this. There's some really clunky lines of dialogue here and she delivers them with enough conviction to make them work. Shohreh Aghdashloo voicing the Dragon is inspired casting that really helps it get going after the weak opening.
Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's direction does a lot to help this Netflix original come closer to looking like a real movie compared to a lot of what's come before. It essentially spends the entire run time alternating between some solid sets, locations and distractingly low quality CG with some good individual set pieces and ideas which remind you this is the director of 28 Weeks Later.
Despite a few big names in the supporting cast, Millie Bobby Brown really carries this. There's some really clunky lines of dialogue here and she delivers them with enough conviction to make them work. Shohreh Aghdashloo voicing the Dragon is inspired casting that really helps it get going after the weak opening.
Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's direction does a lot to help this Netflix original come closer to looking like a real movie compared to a lot of what's come before. It essentially spends the entire run time alternating between some solid sets, locations and distractingly low quality CG with some good individual set pieces and ideas which remind you this is the director of 28 Weeks Later.
Dragon slayer meets Princess Bride
michelermitchell10 March 2024
You get what's promised: a well produced movie centered on the struggle between a princess with a strong sense of honor and the dragon to whom she was to be sacrificed.
The timing and pace of the story is well balanced. A straight forward simple plot, basic dialogue, and surface-level only character development in keeping with the kind of fairy tale stories it is based with a little twist on the old tales in that the princess finds her own strength and makes her own choices.
Locations, sets, costuming and CGI were all well done and everyone delivered solid performances.
It's not "Reign of Fire", more like a "Snow White", so don't overthink it or expect anything groundbreaking and just watch an entertaining movie.
The timing and pace of the story is well balanced. A straight forward simple plot, basic dialogue, and surface-level only character development in keeping with the kind of fairy tale stories it is based with a little twist on the old tales in that the princess finds her own strength and makes her own choices.
Locations, sets, costuming and CGI were all well done and everyone delivered solid performances.
It's not "Reign of Fire", more like a "Snow White", so don't overthink it or expect anything groundbreaking and just watch an entertaining movie.
At least they did not destroy one of our beloved ip's
alexkzapf13 March 2024
Not sure why all the hate. Is it for everybody. No. But. For what it is and intends to be. It is quite good. Elodie is not a Mary Sue. She is not perfect. Not all knowing. And. She has an arc and growing pains in her story. I will be the first to admonish companies like Disney and the Ilk for interpreting beloved characters for modern audiences. This movie does none of that. It has created a heroin that has to use her wits and smarts to win and conquer her setbacks. In a good way there are cringe lines and
moments. But. For the most part. It's good writing and it serves the story. I know we have been fooled once too many times. But. This is not one of those. The acting is good for what the story needs. We need to be accepting of new takes on old stories. As long as they don't try to change a beloved story or character to push their message or what their beliefs are. Again. Not for everyone. It is enjoyable.
In the Belly of the Beast
lavatch22 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
In Elodie, there was a strong central character that held the film together. Unwittingly, in an arranged marriage, she becomes the sacrificial victim in a mysterious land with a creature holding the kingdom hostage.
There was good photography and special effects, along with a solid set of characters. A standout was the kind stepmother of Elodie. She was the first to recognize that Elodie was in danger, then followed up in the rescue attempt.
A shortcoming of the film was the overly protracted sequence in the cave where Elodie landed in the belly of the beast. The action was too repetitive and unpleasant.
There was a strong ending with a good twist that included a non-violent act on the part of Elodie. It turned out that this was no damsel in distress! She was Wonder Woman!
There was good photography and special effects, along with a solid set of characters. A standout was the kind stepmother of Elodie. She was the first to recognize that Elodie was in danger, then followed up in the rescue attempt.
A shortcoming of the film was the overly protracted sequence in the cave where Elodie landed in the belly of the beast. The action was too repetitive and unpleasant.
There was a strong ending with a good twist that included a non-violent act on the part of Elodie. It turned out that this was no damsel in distress! She was Wonder Woman!
A Good Cast Sacrificed on the Altar of Modernity
johnspringer-9544011 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Not 'modernity' in the sense of actually being current or modern, but rather as a term of art self-applied by lesser Hollywood talents to excuse bad storytelling. We all know the soundbite: "quality doesn't matter because this damsel can rescue herself and she don't need no man, etc." That sort of thing may have been subversive 40 years ago but now it's the default standard. And so we have the relatable charm of Millie Bobbi Brown, the icy grace of Robin Wright and the gruff charisma of Ray Winstone utterly wasted in a tedious, predictable knockoff of better movies that might as well be called How to Train Your Dragon To Smash The Patriarchy.
To give you a sense of just how silly all this gets, by the end Millie becomes friends with the dragon because it was also wronged by the colonialist power structure ... after the dragon slaughtered Millie's dad. One might think that would be the sort of thing Millie would have a tough time getting over; but her dad was a rich dumb man, so who cares?
To give you a sense of just how silly all this gets, by the end Millie becomes friends with the dragon because it was also wronged by the colonialist power structure ... after the dragon slaughtered Millie's dad. One might think that would be the sort of thing Millie would have a tough time getting over; but her dad was a rich dumb man, so who cares?
Good Fantasy movie.
deloudelouvain10 March 2024
If you don't like Fantasy movies this one isn't one for you but if you're easily entertained by dragons and such Damsel is worth a watch. I like that kind of stuff so I was entertained. Millie Bobby Brown is still a young actress and since the excellent series Stranger Things it's obvious she will get a lot of roles in the future. She's definitely eye candy and isn't a bad actress. The movie is mostly about her so she has a lot of screen time. The special effects and CGI's were of good quality. The story is simple and easy to follow. You just have to be a fan of the Fantasy genre otherwise you won't like this movie. It's fun to watch in my opinion.
Dull, predictable and cringe
WheresMySkin9 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The premise is good, but the execution falls flat in so many places. Lead-up to the whole dragon situation takes way too long and it doesn't matter much for the rest of the plot. You could cut out first 20 minutes of the film and jump right into her being thrown into the pit after the wedding ceremony. At least you'd have some mystery to unravel while watching. Instead, by that time, you're one-third into the runtime it's obvious who's good, who's bad, who's gonna be punished in the end. What is left is the "dragon part" of the movie.
Said dragon magically changes size several times throughout the viewing experience. In one scene it fills the whole cave, in another it's a size of the elephans, in another it looms over half a castle. A little indicator that they didn't care enough to make even obvious things consistent.
Dragon itself is not even inteligent or interesting enough. It's just angry and a bit dangerous. When it almost has its prey in its grasp it decides to go away for one reason or another, giving Elodie room to progress with the plot. Dragon is not defeated, outsmarted or subdued. It doesn't make sense. Whole conclusion to the story is lackluster at best. Some of the dialogues are cringe instead of emotional and inspiring. Watched it with my wife last night and this movie had our eyes rolling on more than one occassion. We really couldn't wait for it to finish so we can watch something else.
I think it might be targetted to a younger audience, but then there's a scene where a flock of birds is basically burned alive while flying away from the dragon, which is unnecessarily cruel for a kids movie.
If you're an adult with half a brain you should probably skip this one.
Said dragon magically changes size several times throughout the viewing experience. In one scene it fills the whole cave, in another it's a size of the elephans, in another it looms over half a castle. A little indicator that they didn't care enough to make even obvious things consistent.
Dragon itself is not even inteligent or interesting enough. It's just angry and a bit dangerous. When it almost has its prey in its grasp it decides to go away for one reason or another, giving Elodie room to progress with the plot. Dragon is not defeated, outsmarted or subdued. It doesn't make sense. Whole conclusion to the story is lackluster at best. Some of the dialogues are cringe instead of emotional and inspiring. Watched it with my wife last night and this movie had our eyes rolling on more than one occassion. We really couldn't wait for it to finish so we can watch something else.
I think it might be targetted to a younger audience, but then there's a scene where a flock of birds is basically burned alive while flying away from the dragon, which is unnecessarily cruel for a kids movie.
If you're an adult with half a brain you should probably skip this one.
Amazed to be honest
drums-5655531 March 2024
The film was incredibly enjoyable on a big screen with big sound. Felt like I was taken off to a mythical land. Maybe the plot wasn't a 10/10, but was thoroughly enjoyable nevertheless! The dragons voice sent shivers through my spine and I found the acting to be on point for such a film
I really hope Netflix invest more into these type of movies. I don't really understand the hate in other reviews, not every movie has to have the world's best story to be enjoyable. Incredible imagery, sound and acting can be enough for your casual Friday night movie. Ignore the hate and go for it I say! Have an open mind and enjoy!
I really hope Netflix invest more into these type of movies. I don't really understand the hate in other reviews, not every movie has to have the world's best story to be enjoyable. Incredible imagery, sound and acting can be enough for your casual Friday night movie. Ignore the hate and go for it I say! Have an open mind and enjoy!
A Twist on an Old Trope
Eric26625 March 2024
I'm an avid watcher of the YouTube channel The Critical Drinker. He's a film critic who gives his reviews while pretending (I think) to be drunk. He absolutely eviscerated this movie.
However, I quite enjoyed it. It took a basic principle of the damsel in distress and added a new twist. Millie Bobbie Brown is the damsel of the title, named Elodie. She is the oldest daughter of the King Bayford (Ray Winstone). Elodie has a younger sister, Floria (Brooke Carter) and her stepmother is Lady Bayford (Angela Bassett). Their kingdom is very poor, so King Bayford betroths Elodie to Prince Henry (Nick Robinson) from a rich kingdom run by Queen Isabelle (Robin Wright). The problem is, Queen Isabelle's ancestors tangled with a nearby dragon (Persian actress Shohreh Aghdashloo provides the delicious voice of the dragon) and are forced to offer a sacrifice to the dragon in the form of a princess. By having Prince Henry marry someone from another kingdom, they can sacrifice that poor girl instead of one of their own. So, naturally, Elodie gets hurled into the dragon's lair after her wedding.
However, Elodie is not your typical damsel. She is smart, resilient and resourceful. She plays a cat and mouse game with the dragon trying to stay alive. Along the way, she discovers the truth about the dragon's history.
Ms. Brown is very good as Elodie. She does not come off as a girl boss. She is determined, scared, brave and vulnerable. Angela Bassett also has a nice turn as the stepmother who is anything but evil. Another trope twisted, as she is a fierce ally. Robin Wright is elegant and vile as Queen Isabelle who is willing to offer up innocent girls to save her kingdom.
The sets are beautiful and the action is well directed. The story moves along and is very compact so we learn everything without having to have it explained to us via exposition (a very common thing with today's writers). There is no fluff in this movie and its runtime of 110 minutes moves along quickly. The one negative in this movie is the dialogue. Its not terrible, but its not great either. Some of it is corny and some of it comes off as copied from an old folk tale. It doesn't ruin the movie, but it does make you chuckle for the wrong reasons.
I gave it a 7 because of the dialogue and some of the scenes are so dark you can't tell what's happening.
However, I quite enjoyed it. It took a basic principle of the damsel in distress and added a new twist. Millie Bobbie Brown is the damsel of the title, named Elodie. She is the oldest daughter of the King Bayford (Ray Winstone). Elodie has a younger sister, Floria (Brooke Carter) and her stepmother is Lady Bayford (Angela Bassett). Their kingdom is very poor, so King Bayford betroths Elodie to Prince Henry (Nick Robinson) from a rich kingdom run by Queen Isabelle (Robin Wright). The problem is, Queen Isabelle's ancestors tangled with a nearby dragon (Persian actress Shohreh Aghdashloo provides the delicious voice of the dragon) and are forced to offer a sacrifice to the dragon in the form of a princess. By having Prince Henry marry someone from another kingdom, they can sacrifice that poor girl instead of one of their own. So, naturally, Elodie gets hurled into the dragon's lair after her wedding.
However, Elodie is not your typical damsel. She is smart, resilient and resourceful. She plays a cat and mouse game with the dragon trying to stay alive. Along the way, she discovers the truth about the dragon's history.
Ms. Brown is very good as Elodie. She does not come off as a girl boss. She is determined, scared, brave and vulnerable. Angela Bassett also has a nice turn as the stepmother who is anything but evil. Another trope twisted, as she is a fierce ally. Robin Wright is elegant and vile as Queen Isabelle who is willing to offer up innocent girls to save her kingdom.
The sets are beautiful and the action is well directed. The story moves along and is very compact so we learn everything without having to have it explained to us via exposition (a very common thing with today's writers). There is no fluff in this movie and its runtime of 110 minutes moves along quickly. The one negative in this movie is the dialogue. Its not terrible, but its not great either. Some of it is corny and some of it comes off as copied from an old folk tale. It doesn't ruin the movie, but it does make you chuckle for the wrong reasons.
I gave it a 7 because of the dialogue and some of the scenes are so dark you can't tell what's happening.
Lame
Tweetienator9 March 2024
Watching any episode of Xena: Warrior Princess is more entertaining and fun than this - a most stupid plot that is nothing but a melting pot of well-known ideas with twists one sees miles ahead. This is truly a most mediocre movie, a more or less soulless rehash of well-known and overused stories, woven together without much skill and intelligence, creativity. Anyway, Damsel is like too many movies these days - produced, directed, and written by people without any heart for the art of movie-making. It's no more art but work. What else? Production and acting are sufficient, special effects meandering between solid and rather bad computer game cinematic. Final words, Damsel is boring, redundant, generic, and as plastic as it gets - not one character one really cares about, because, well, they are all just a copy of a copy of a copy. And the revelation or twist in the end is so predictable, that it is really just lame: a couple of days ago I put Krull again on my plate - it's (almost) Citizen Kane compared to Damsel. Exact rate: 3.5.
And thus a Targaryen was born
nguyentd-8837717 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Just came here to say
...And thus a Targaryen was born.
Was pretty decent. The intro was quite slow, I think most of it could have been cut out and still made the point, allowing us to get to the fun and saving some budget along the way.
The rest of this is pointless, I am just trying to hit 600 lines so I can say what I wanted to say...that title lol.
Anyone else felt like some of the cave scenes were as dark as that expensive scene in GoT as well? Shesh! Still have 120 chars what is this. Who makes this limit so high. Pie up in the sky.
Anyone still reading this? I said this is pointless, why are you still here? Good night.
...And thus a Targaryen was born.
Was pretty decent. The intro was quite slow, I think most of it could have been cut out and still made the point, allowing us to get to the fun and saving some budget along the way.
The rest of this is pointless, I am just trying to hit 600 lines so I can say what I wanted to say...that title lol.
Anyone else felt like some of the cave scenes were as dark as that expensive scene in GoT as well? Shesh! Still have 120 chars what is this. Who makes this limit so high. Pie up in the sky.
Anyone still reading this? I said this is pointless, why are you still here? Good night.
Loved It!
slimtonone16 March 2024
I didn't expect much from this movie, but wow, was I pleasantly surprised. Granted, the sorry is fairly simple and somewhat shallow, but the action is incredible. The cinematography is fantastic and the special effects are phenomenal. Everything is seemless. Director Fresnadillo did a masterful job. I fell in love with both Elodie and the Dragon. (Millie Bobby Brown is much better here than in that lame role as Eleven in Stranger Things!) And if you find yourself rooting for the Dragon, don't give up! Not sure I like the very end, but I can't come up with a better ending myself, so I'm quite satisfied.
I don't recommend watching this with very young children.
I don't recommend watching this with very young children.
Enjoyable fantasy film with some flaws
authorjbnorth9 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Is it just me, or is it difficult to find fantasy movies that are any good? This film, though flawed, was one of the good ones. I appreciated the soft world-building (I don't need to know everything to enjoy a fantasy world), the beautiful setting, the costuming, and the CGI and design of the dragon.
One of the problems I had with the film was that there was so. Much. Screaming. In a film that highlights the strength of a woman, I couldn't help thinking how stupid the MC was at times for screaming so much when she's supposed to be HIDING. The screaming tells the dragon exactly where she is! Stop with the screaming! It would have been much more powerful and realistic had they shown close-ups of bit-back emotion and the fight to hold in the cries of pain. Millie Bobby Brown is an amazing actress and is no doubt capable of subtle acting. I wish there had been more of that featured here.
Another criticism I have--the last battle was unrealistic. The dragon could have just roasted her or crushed her so many times. Why didn't she? There wasn't enough to hold her back from doing so. Because of the lack of realism (which is very important to keep fantasy immersive), it flat for me, though I did enjoy the outcome.
Lastly, I'm annoyed that the trailer showed so much of what happens in the movie. Why would they do that?? I would have had a much better viewing experience if they had kept the "sacrifice" part of the story hidden. There were absolutely no surprises besides the very end, when she befriends the dragon, and even that is somewhat predictable.
Overall, I was still happy to watch the film and wish there were even more fantasy stories in Hollywood that weren't just based on books. Be original! Be smart! Be realistic! Use subtle emotion! If those had been utilized, the film would have gotten top scores from me.
One of the problems I had with the film was that there was so. Much. Screaming. In a film that highlights the strength of a woman, I couldn't help thinking how stupid the MC was at times for screaming so much when she's supposed to be HIDING. The screaming tells the dragon exactly where she is! Stop with the screaming! It would have been much more powerful and realistic had they shown close-ups of bit-back emotion and the fight to hold in the cries of pain. Millie Bobby Brown is an amazing actress and is no doubt capable of subtle acting. I wish there had been more of that featured here.
Another criticism I have--the last battle was unrealistic. The dragon could have just roasted her or crushed her so many times. Why didn't she? There wasn't enough to hold her back from doing so. Because of the lack of realism (which is very important to keep fantasy immersive), it flat for me, though I did enjoy the outcome.
Lastly, I'm annoyed that the trailer showed so much of what happens in the movie. Why would they do that?? I would have had a much better viewing experience if they had kept the "sacrifice" part of the story hidden. There were absolutely no surprises besides the very end, when she befriends the dragon, and even that is somewhat predictable.
Overall, I was still happy to watch the film and wish there were even more fantasy stories in Hollywood that weren't just based on books. Be original! Be smart! Be realistic! Use subtle emotion! If those had been utilized, the film would have gotten top scores from me.
Enjoyable
nathan-ramthun10 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is overall a nice movie to watch and a fun tale! Towards the end tho, from when Elodie is in the cave and then to the castle, her burn scar on her chest switches sides. If they saw that, they could have just reversed the image. My one big criticism. Other than that, CGI was great, dragon looked amazing. The voice of the dragon was a perfect match.
Other than being a little predictable, it's pretty good. Now I'm at the point where I need to keep writing in order to leave this review. Well, blah blah, movie is fun and keeps your attention... blah blah blah. 35 more characters... blah blah blah blah.
Other than being a little predictable, it's pretty good. Now I'm at the point where I need to keep writing in order to leave this review. Well, blah blah, movie is fun and keeps your attention... blah blah blah. 35 more characters... blah blah blah blah.
Predictable and badly written
Zielke915 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was extremely predictable. As soon as I heard the dragon was female, I already knew they would team up at the end. But it didn't start there. It was predictable from the start. It was obvious the marriage was a sham and of course the prince would betray her, he's a straight white male. I was a little surprised they killed a black knight,but he was a man so I wasn't too surprised.
They wrote the dragon trying to be exactly like smaug, except stupid since she could have killed the girl a few different times. The message of underestimating women was very clear although I'm sure the writers thought they were being clever and subtle.
The acting was terrible and over the top. The only actress that was convincing at all was the evil queen and the girls father, although there roles were so small that maybe they only seemed ok because they didn't have enough screen time to mess it up.
The only thing this movie had going for it was that the main character didn't just breeze through. She did have to struggle a couple of times and she did get hurt even though it was only slightly compared to what had actually happened to her.
Poor acting Poor writing Predictable Unoriginal.
They wrote the dragon trying to be exactly like smaug, except stupid since she could have killed the girl a few different times. The message of underestimating women was very clear although I'm sure the writers thought they were being clever and subtle.
The acting was terrible and over the top. The only actress that was convincing at all was the evil queen and the girls father, although there roles were so small that maybe they only seemed ok because they didn't have enough screen time to mess it up.
The only thing this movie had going for it was that the main character didn't just breeze through. She did have to struggle a couple of times and she did get hurt even though it was only slightly compared to what had actually happened to her.
Poor acting Poor writing Predictable Unoriginal.
Decent!
Lewis_Heather7879 March 2024
I'll be honest I am not the target audience of this film whatsoever. I only ended up giving it a chance, was due to its relatively good trailer that made me very intrigued.
I didn't have any expectations going in, hope for the best but expect the worst. Overall this film is decent. It's not splitting the atom and not gonna redefine cinema in anyway however it does its job. Good acting, easy story to follow, great CGI and production design plus finishes in under 2 hours.
Off topic but if this isn't an audition for playing Wonder Woman in the future, I don't know what is. I thought Millie Bobby Brown was very comfortable and believable in this lead role. More action centric roles in the future?
60% out of 100, its not just Netflix trying to be Disney, there is a bit more to it. With the correct target audience this film will blow up probably. Not every film needs to be pushing the boundaries. This one certainly stays in it's lane and delivers a solid product.
I didn't have any expectations going in, hope for the best but expect the worst. Overall this film is decent. It's not splitting the atom and not gonna redefine cinema in anyway however it does its job. Good acting, easy story to follow, great CGI and production design plus finishes in under 2 hours.
Off topic but if this isn't an audition for playing Wonder Woman in the future, I don't know what is. I thought Millie Bobby Brown was very comfortable and believable in this lead role. More action centric roles in the future?
60% out of 100, its not just Netflix trying to be Disney, there is a bit more to it. With the correct target audience this film will blow up probably. Not every film needs to be pushing the boundaries. This one certainly stays in it's lane and delivers a solid product.
"I think I had a limited definition of wealthy"
daisukereds9 March 2024
A fairy-tale setup makes for an interesting premise.. sadly, it feels as dense as a page.
The over abundance of groaning and walking, and not much else for a large portion of the script.. plus a noticeable lack of engrossing dialogue, interactions and wit, make for quite a dull film. It is as predictable as it is slow to get going, but I at least enjoyed the production and visuals throughout! The cast is okay, and nothing else. This would make for an excellent short, where many elements are trimmed (the "Augur of Ebrietas" slugs).. as most characters are as simplistic and shallow as shown immediately after their quick introductions, so the rest of the story would remain intact.
Personally, I don't appreciate movies that have little to nothing to say.
The over abundance of groaning and walking, and not much else for a large portion of the script.. plus a noticeable lack of engrossing dialogue, interactions and wit, make for quite a dull film. It is as predictable as it is slow to get going, but I at least enjoyed the production and visuals throughout! The cast is okay, and nothing else. This would make for an excellent short, where many elements are trimmed (the "Augur of Ebrietas" slugs).. as most characters are as simplistic and shallow as shown immediately after their quick introductions, so the rest of the story would remain intact.
Personally, I don't appreciate movies that have little to nothing to say.
Enjoyable fantasy flick with a cool dragon and kick ass heroine
KatOfJelly21 March 2024
You know what. I liked it. Was it a masterpiece? Nope not at all. But not every movie needs to be. Some days you just want to be entertained and this movie does the trick. Sure it was corny and predictable, but sometimes you want that in a film.
But it also held my attention for the entire run time - which is kinda impressive considering my short attention span (normally I'd be on my phone after the first 30mins or so).
Plus the dragon was brilliant. I loved everything about it. It's design and animation was cool and Shohreh Aghdashloo's voice was perfect fit for the dragon - Gravelly, but still matronly and feminine.
If you like female heroines kicking butt, dragons, fantasy and pretty special effects and just want some mindless entertainment - give it a try.
But it also held my attention for the entire run time - which is kinda impressive considering my short attention span (normally I'd be on my phone after the first 30mins or so).
Plus the dragon was brilliant. I loved everything about it. It's design and animation was cool and Shohreh Aghdashloo's voice was perfect fit for the dragon - Gravelly, but still matronly and feminine.
If you like female heroines kicking butt, dragons, fantasy and pretty special effects and just want some mindless entertainment - give it a try.
Dark Fairytale
dark-shadow-958 March 2024
A movie with a princess and a dragon. A really simple story, so i had low expectations, but they were exceeded at almost every aspect.
First of all, the dragon. My god, the dragon was pure perfection. Best design and CGI i have seen for a dragon, and that includes GoT. Amazing.
The atmosphere was also spot on. Especially with how the backstory worked out to be. The dressing department also needs a raise. I also loved that there were moments of gore that i did not expect this type of movie to have. Thank god that directors are starting to let their movies have a more realistic tone.
Millie was pretty good, not great but also not bad. When she acts like a heroine she pretty much nails it, but when she acts like a normal person i find her a bit too bland. The father and the queen mother were also pretty good, everyone else was okayish.
It is a great movie for an evening that you want to get lost to a (quite dark) fairytale story. I recommend it for sure!
First of all, the dragon. My god, the dragon was pure perfection. Best design and CGI i have seen for a dragon, and that includes GoT. Amazing.
The atmosphere was also spot on. Especially with how the backstory worked out to be. The dressing department also needs a raise. I also loved that there were moments of gore that i did not expect this type of movie to have. Thank god that directors are starting to let their movies have a more realistic tone.
Millie was pretty good, not great but also not bad. When she acts like a heroine she pretty much nails it, but when she acts like a normal person i find her a bit too bland. The father and the queen mother were also pretty good, everyone else was okayish.
It is a great movie for an evening that you want to get lost to a (quite dark) fairytale story. I recommend it for sure!
Slow, dull, predictable
arcadia-567078 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Oddly paced, choppy story and lame script. You can guess the plot about 2 mins in but it takes the movie 38 more minutes to get there.... Then it's another hour wandering around a cave while the disparate pieces of plot - seemingly slapped together by ChatGPT - try and assemble a coherent premise.
Spoiler alert / it doesn't.
The movie makes little sense and stinks of a contractual obligation to pump anything out.
Milly Bobby brown does a good job with what she's given - which isn't much - but it's not a film you would ever watch again. It'll probably trend on Netflix as number 1 - which shows people will watch anything.
Spoiler alert / it doesn't.
The movie makes little sense and stinks of a contractual obligation to pump anything out.
Milly Bobby brown does a good job with what she's given - which isn't much - but it's not a film you would ever watch again. It'll probably trend on Netflix as number 1 - which shows people will watch anything.
Family friendly flick
vanessaclark-871606 April 2024
Damsel is a much needed modern-day fairytale. It has all the beautiful scenery, costumes and fantasy elements of ye olde faerie stories (a la Sleeping Beauty, Snow White et al), but with the benefit of a heroine that all parents would be proud to have as a role model for their daughters (or any children, regardless of their gender).
The story does have some darkness and some scary scenes, but overall it provides a message of empowerment and choosing to do the right thing. It also contains a timely message about seeing the other person's side in conflict and understanding the root cause of people's actions.
Considering the family friendly nature of the movie, I found it refreshing that stereotypes were subverted and the good guys didn't always play gentle.
The story does have some darkness and some scary scenes, but overall it provides a message of empowerment and choosing to do the right thing. It also contains a timely message about seeing the other person's side in conflict and understanding the root cause of people's actions.
Considering the family friendly nature of the movie, I found it refreshing that stereotypes were subverted and the good guys didn't always play gentle.
Entertaining! Isn't that all we want from a movie?
fulleralecia10 March 2024
I had no expectations for this and found that I enjoyed it. Starts with the seemingly basic fairytale storyline of a family marrying off their daughter to better their kingdom.....seems all well and good but you quickly realize there is more to it. I enjoyed the cinematography, even the cgi and liked the dragon. I feel like I can watch Millie in just about anything...she just has that quality and I love watching her. Yes, it's one of those, how the hell is she going to get out of this type deals....but I was entertained and loved the dark ambiance. I also liked the ending. All in all, worth the watch.
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