07-06-06 Reign of Fire (2002)

Seen: June 2nd, 2007
Format: Blu-Ray
Rating: 6

I like Science Fiction a lot. For years, some folks have tried to make SF stand for Speculation Fiction instead to try to give the genre a bit more credibility. Basically, you create a premise that may or may not be credible or possible, and then craft a story based on that premise. The line between this and Fantasy is generally wide and very grey.

What can be really amusing is the lengths that people will go to try to "rationalize" the premise and by association, the story. The object is to have the story remains true as possible to the premise, to make it consistent. It has to play fairly within the rules set by the premise, even if discoveries are made within the story that expands that premise.

What isn't allowed is questioning the premise itself. It's fiction, it's speculative, it's made up. That's not to say the premise shouldn't have internal consistency and some decent exposition to make it more tenable. But if we're continually trying to undermine, the premise itself, then there's no way we're gonna have any fun.

So what's this got to do with Reign of Fire? Basically, this film has a premise that takes quite a bit of willpower to swallow. The presence of hibernating dragons which are capable of reducing the world to a smouldering ruin is more than far-fetched. But if we're willing to go there, this film has something to offer.

There's an interesting juxtaposition between Quinn and Van Zan. There's different objectives, different priorities. Neither is correct, and it's only by their compromise and a synthesis of their agendas that things are set right. There's messages about community and parenting that are poignant. The existence of Van Zan's band at all is powerful statement about humanity's ability to not just survive, but to adapt and compete.

There's action, danger and heroism in the face of danger that are engaging. We've got some cool ideas here. The Arc Angels, as a concept are very intriguing. The ingenuity of the keeps layout and procedures. is well thought out.

As this is a post apocalyptic film, the characters and acting are a bit broad. But if we're expecting more, then we've come to see the wrong film.

It's a pretty movie, in an ugly way. There's great design all the way round. Van Zan's character design is a bit over the top, but that's par for the genre. The Dragon's themselves are well done, though the tattered wings seem forced

Basically if you can curb you tendency to over analyze things, this can be a fun film. There's a decent, if too familiar, story. There's some good special effects and passable acting all wrapped up in premise that's interesting if nothing else.

The Good: Unapologetic Science Fiction

The Bad: Thin on background

The Ugly: Americans