Set in the land of Alagaesia, the film is the story of Eragon (Ed Speelers), a 17-year old farm boy who acquires a source of tremendous power that rests between his legs. Before you sue me for talking dirty about minors, I'd like to clarify that the source here is a dragon named Saphira (voiced by Rachel Weisz). Eragon, of course, is the chosen dragon-rider who must realise his true potential, save the world and look good in the process.

Eragon, on one of his nightly hunting jaunts, discovers a mysterious blue object. He doesn't realise it then, but the object is a dragon egg stolen from the evil dragon-rider-turned-king Galbatorix (John Malkovich). The thief is Princess Arya (Sienna Guillory), an elf whose clan claims solidarity with the Varden, a rebel group seeking to end the rule of Galbatorix. Aiding Eragon in his quest are Brom (Jeremy Irons), a sharp-tongued villager with a mysterious past and Saphira, the dragon who hatches from the egg. Arya, in the meanwhile, lies captured in the clutches of Durza >(Robert Carlyle), a sorcerer who does the bidding of Galbatorix. Eragon must reach the Varden, prepare for one final battle and if possible, outgross Harry Potter.

Eragon is based on a book by Christopher Paolini, and has recieved a thumbs-down from its fans for its fanciful adaptation. The film is watchable, marred only by predictability. Jeremy Irons does a decent job in his limited role, while John Malkovich does what he can in about 3 minutes of alloted...

screen time. Robert Carlyle is menacing, but just about. Ed Speelers delivers an earnest performance. But despite the plus points, Eragon just fails to leave an impact.

Recommended for a lazy Sunday afternoon, and that too if you live really close to the theatre.