Hollywood is notorious for many things, including glitz, glamour, and disastrous films based on novels. The latest victim of the movie industry is the popular Inheritance series. Eragon, the first book of the series, is a wonderful book, filled with fantasy, populated by complex, interesting characters and driven by an adventurous plot that always keeps the reader intrigued. Unfortunately, due to poor production, mismatched actors, and numerous other flaws, the movie version of this fantastic book was an utter failure.

Eragon, which was written by Christopher Paolini and released in 2003, follows the journey of a young boy living in the mythical land of Alagaësia. Alagaësia was once ruled by a legion of knights known as Dragon Riders, who fought for peace, protected all people and kept them prosperous. All was dandy until a rouge Dragon Rider, Galbatorix, lost his dragon, then his mind, and went on a rampage, slaughtering other Riders, then dragons and innocent people until he became king. While in power, Galbatorix attempted to rid the world of other dragons and prevent anyone from gaining the power to overthrow him. However, one dragon egg survives, and through a series of events lands in the hands of Eragon, a farm boy. Needless to say, major problems arise for Eragon. His voyage to raising his dragon, Saphira, and trying to defeat the evil king is the basis for the Inheritance Trilogy.

Eragon, the book, is the modern Lord of the Rings, a fanciful phenomenon loved by people of all ages. The movie is a mangled, schoolyard version of the novel. There are so many flaws plaguing this film’s potential that it is difficult to find the proper place to start pointing them out.

The film begins with a villainous magician, a Shade, chasing three Elves who are in possession of the last known dragon egg. At first glance, this action sequence is a direct representation of the beginning of the book, and audience members are instilled with the hope that perhaps Eragon will not be another book-to-movie flop. Arya suddenly appears, delivering a slap in the face to those few hopeful people. In the book, Arya is the raven haired, century old, elf princess, and Eragon’s love interest. In the movie, Arya is the red/blonde haired, 30 year old, limited actress Sienna Guillory and a disappointment to all Arya fans.

The character of Arya is not the only mismatched actor in the film. The role of the imperious Galbatorix is played by John Malkovich. While Malkovich is a superb actor, his niche is politically controversial films, and he seems entirely out of place. In the part of the brown haired, brown eyed Eragon is new comer and blonde, Edward Speleers. Speleers is a surprisingly good actor, but his appearance is the complete opposite of how Eragon is portrayed in the book.

Also, there is a completely random cameo by Joss Stone as a creepy fortune teller. Stone’s appearance can only be described as baffling, and her acting can only be described as giving viewers the distinct feeling that she may be a child molester who has lured a unsuspecting Eragon into her trap.

Another minor flaw that affects the movie is the costumes. While many fantasy films are known for immaculate, outlandish clothing, Eragon produces bland, yet completely ridiculously clothing for it’s characters. For instance, both Galbatorix and the Shade, who are supposed to be two of the most evil beings in all the land, wear clothing with sequins. How is the audience supposed to be shaken and fearful of two men who parade around looking like rejects from Las Vega’s Excalibur hotel?

As the movie progresses, it becomes apparent that the costume designers must have gotten a good deal on Bedazzlers. Everyone from the leader of the rebellious Varden, to the Elves, to the soldiers – even to Saphira, Eragon’s dragon, is clad in sequin covered clothing.

Because the actors are dressed comically and look so different from the characters they are portraying, one might expect the film to excel in other areas. One would, however, be completely wrong.

The movie is apparently incapable of following the books plot. Several scenes, including vital confrontations between Eragon and the Shade, were left out. Story lines which build character development and important facts about personal histories are completely disregarded. Brom, arguably one of the most in-depth characters, and Eragon’s mentor, is portrayed as half of the man he is in the book. Many of his best lines are missing. Half of the magic and life lessons Brom instills into Eragon are utterly absent. Murtagh, another major character, is present in perhaps seven minutes during the film. Murtagh has been a fan favorite since Eragon was released, and his absence from the movie was a severe disappointment. No doubt there have been many angry blogs from deeply upset Murtagh fangirls.



Ignore the movies tagline of “Set the world on fire” and set this film on fire. If you are looking for an exhilarating, mythical fairy tale, you will have more luck settling down with Eragon the novel.