The Christmas Dragon

There are certain indelicacies one must immediately accept before watching 'The Christmas dragon,' or there's no point in watching at all. It's a family-friendly fantasy movie, and a Christmas movie no less. Both these carry an inexorable expectation of indisputable kitsch and ham-handedness. That's before also considering the relatively low-budget approach, as it was crowdfunded; whatever else may be true of the special effects in particular, it will never meet the level of major studio pictures, so if you can't abide the step down in quality, don't bother pressing "play" in the first place. With that said - static computer-generated imagery looks fine, and when it comes to dynamic elements like fire, or the dragon, I think they're actually reasonably decent.

If you can overlook the inherent difficulties and nature of the feature, and accept it on its level - this is really rather good!

I genuinely appreciate the care for hair, makeup, prosthetics, costume design, props and weapons, set design and decoration, and filming locations, all of which work to build the medieval world where the film is set. Whatever the producers' budgetary limitations were in realizing the movie, the sound design is strong; the image is crisp, clear, and rich with color; and where employed, lighting is put to solid use. The fight choreography and general orchestration of scenes are as strong as in most any genre piece, and the music is unexceptional, but pleasing. Again, the special effects bear the mark of 'The Christmas dragon's' origins (at the climax most of all), but what else would one expect? John Lyde shows the practiced hand of an experienced director to tie it all together, and - honestly, from a technical standpoint, I think this is quite well done.

As is common to such pictures, the plot development tends to be a bit forced and inorganic, requiring substantial suspension of disbelief, to say nothing of no few tropes - and in a few instances, direct inspiration from well known fantasy blockbusters. Dialogue is on the common side, and characters are little more than set pieces to serve the story. Scenes are filled with cuteness and sometimes blunt performances that constantly teeter on overacting, especially in more robust instances. But let's face it, these are aspects that come with the territory in the genres that 'The Christmas dragon' plays with. And perhaps more to the point, it's all in fun - everyone clearly had a great time bringing this silly little tale to life, and that readily comes across in each passing moment.

Thin though characterizations may generally be, the cast enthusiastically leans into their roles to bring out every varying personality, every shift in emotion, and all the great heart the story has to offer. The many extras are suitable where they appear, and that goes for most of the prominent child actors, too. Young Paris Warner's part of Rosalynne is written with slightly more depth, and she matches it with fair range; Bailee Johnson is duly charming in the lead role of Ayden. The most visible adult actors are a bit more noteworthy, with Renny Grames putting on a gleeful show of hard-boiled spite as antagonistic Gazared. What especially catches my eye, though, is that 'The Christmas dragon' reunites Melanie Stone, Jake Stormoen, and Adam Johnson, who all also starred in the highly entertaining 'Mythica' series of fantasy films. In my opinion they've all previously proven their capabilities, and though here Stormoen gets the most time on screen of the three, this picture lets each steal the proverbial limelight in turn, while hanging loose compared to slightly more serious-minded fare.

Even keeping in mind the gaucheness, heavy-handedness, and rough edges, I rather like the writing broadly. The screenplay is filled with alternating light touches of comedy, drama, action, and suspense, appropriate for an all-ages story but modestly engaging nonetheless. There aren't any true surprises in the narrative, but it ably keeps our attention. I think the small touches that offer a different, fantastical take on "Father Christmas," as an integral part of the world-building, is an imaginative flourish. The title is perhaps slightly misleading, as the reptile is deemphasized for much of the runtime - but yes, rest assured, the dragon does play a pivotal part. This is less of an emphatic "Christmas movie" or "dragon movie" than it is a fantasy movie in which Christmas, and dragons, distinctly figure. Perhaps the actual, more even-handed tack also makes it more palatable for viewers who see "crowdfunded family-friendly fantasy Christmas movie" and balk.

The likely average reaction to the very concept is one I quite understand; there was a time when I would have quickly turned away from such a feature. Yet over the years I've grown much more broad-minded when it comes to movies: There's a time and a place for just about everything, and sincerity goes a long way. View a picture like 'The Christmas dragon' with the same eyes that soak in film noir or high-minded drama, and of course it's nonsense by comparison. But, apples and oranges: this is a feature that has known from the time of its very conjuration what it is, and no one involved has any illusions about it, either. It's intended simply as a lighthearted, kid-appropriate, holiday-themed tall tale, nothing more than uncomplicated amusement - and in that aim, I think it roundly succeeds.

If I have any more concrete criticism to make, it's that the audience for 'The Christmas dragon' may be even more select than it supposes. It's too simplified and unsophisticated for the average adult audience. Yet while clearly geared for younger viewers - apart from the youthful protagonists, there's not anything here specifically designed to appeal to kids. The feature kind of exists in an odd space where the most accepting audience is one of adults who can unironically get on board with utmost PG material. Factor in limited availability across all the many streaming platforms, and the fan base is inherently restricted.

Still, that's all speculation. What I see more plainly is that the writing and direction are competent, the technical craft and behind-the-scenes work is unexpectedly sound and sturdy, and the acting is lively, eager, and a fittingly restrained show of deft ability. I began watching 'The Christmas dragon' with very mixed expectations, and find that I'm pleasantly surprised with how well it's made, and how very enjoyable it is. If anything about the premise is off-putting to you, don't even bother pointing your browser in this movie's direction. But for anyone receptive to the type of earnest, feel-good, uninvolved frivolous pursuit this represents, I think you'll find this as gratifying as I do. 'The Christmas dragon' is a charming, satisfying diversion - and sometimes that's all the more cinema needs to be.