Product: Dragonheart: A New Beginning (2000)
Rating: 4.0
Different from the original, but still fun.
Do not expect a re-telling of the original film. This sequel is clearly intended for a younger audience, and, when viewed with that in mind, there is still much to enjoy about the film. I liked that the film makers included some good messages for younger viewers about family, friendship, sacrifice, and cautionary messages about the dangers of ambition and prejudice. The cast does a fine job, without exception, and they are clearly having fun with the material. The characters are quite likeable and I liked that they included a strong female lead (played by Rona Figueroa). The martial arts and swordplay sequences are great. The action is toned down in deferrence to young viewers though parents should be cautioned that there are two stabbings which might disturb very young children. My only grumble is that I would have liked to have seen the film spend a bit more time further developing the characters and a bit more to the film's surprise climax (and there are some good surprise twists in this film). A good film if you want something fun or if you want something you can watch and then discuss with your children.