Dragonslayer (1981)

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A sorcerer’s apprentice confronts a fire-breathing dragon that likes to eat virgins. If only Dragonslayer were as exciting as it sounds. Peter MacNicol (Sophie’s Choice, Ghostbusters II) plays the apprentice with all the charisma and screen presence of driftwood, not that writer/director Matthew Robbins (Corvette Summer, The Legend of Billie Jean) gives him much to work with. He’s easily upstaged by a couple of pleasantly progressive female characters, including his tomboy girlfriend (Caitlin Clarke) and a princess determined to sacrifice herself for her kingdom. Sir Ralph Richardson (The Heiress, Greystoke) is commanding as MacNicol’s magical master, but none of these characters can save the plodding screenplay from limping to its unsurprising ending.

The practical effects, including a cavernous lake of fire and a large dragon head, are impressive and Dragon animator Phil Tippet is, as always, on top of his game. Perhaps the biggest lost opportunity is Alex North’s music. Despite earning an Oscar nomination, the score’s atonal dissonance only seems to work when the dragon is on-screen. The rest of the time, North’s contribution fails to engage emotionally and is often a nuisance. With John Hallam, Peter Eyre, and Ian McDiarmid.

Oscar Nominations: Best Visual Effects, Original Score