June 2, 1996 -- Computer-generated images have come a long way in the past few years. To see just how far they have come, take a look at "Dragon Heart."

Computer images, and Sean Connery's voice, breathe real life into a mythical creature. The dragon, called Draco, comes alive in the film. It walks, flies, talks, smiles and prances. It is a marvellous achievement, and the film is not bad either.

While the movie does slow down in spots, the story is strong. It is about oppression, freedom, betrayal and redemption. It resonates with the power of myth. Draco gives half his heart to save the mortally wounded young king, Einon (David Thelwis) who promises to uphold the ancient knighthood code. Einon, however, turns out to be a very bad apple, despite the earnest teachings of his mentor knight, Bowen (Dennis Quaid).

Bowen, believing that the boy's heart was poisoned by the dragon, seeks revenge on all dragons, until he has killed all but one, Draco. Following a deadly, but humorous standoff, Draco and Bowen form an alliance similar to that between Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach in "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly."

Bowen is finally persuaded to give up his comfortable cynicism and join in a desperate revolt against Einon, aided by Draco. It is great, high adventure. While some of the film is deadly serious, other parts are very funny. There is some wacky dialogue thrown in as well and story plays very loose with history, sort of like the "Hercules" TV series. But overall, it is a good adventure and good fun, and what a marvelous dragon! This film rates a B.

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