Should you bring the kids? Yes, although with tons of battle scenes, dark lords, black magic and such, it's best for kids 12 and older. In my view, this should have been rated PG-13. For more info, see "Bringing the Kids" below.  

THE STORY: It would be easy to lump this movie in with "Lord of the Rings" –  both are epic fantasies with plenty of sweeping landscapes, sword-fights, evil kings, dwarves, elves, and other creatures. But if you've read the popular book by Christopher Paolini (note: he wrote it when he was a teenager), you'll know this movie is unique unto itself.  "Eragon" is the first book/movie in Paolini's Inheritance Trilogy, to be followed by "Eldest" and a third as-yet-unnamed book. 

"Eragon" tells the story of a young farm boy named Eragon (Edward Speleers). In a mystical forest in Alagaësia, he discovers a rare and gorgeous blue stone, which he hopes to trade for supplies so his poor family can survive the harsh winter. Needless to say, he's shocked when it turns out to be not a stone, but rather an egg. And out of it hatches a spectacular dragon, which Eragon names Saphira.

A bit of backstory: Many generations earlier, the Dragon Riders were formed to protect and guard the lands. And they succeeded, because they were fierce warriors, each having the strength of ten men. Their powers were used for good, and under their realm, tall cities and towers were built out of living stone. Wealth flowed into the cities of Alagaesia, and people prospered.

At the height of the Riders' power, a boy named Galbatorix was born. At age ten, it was discovered that he possessed a great power. The Riders accepted him as one of their own and, blessed with a sharp mind and strong body, he quickly rose among their ranks.

As is often the case with powerful figures, the Riders grew arrogant and reckless. During a trip, Galbatorix and two friends were ambushed, his friends killed, and his dragon slayed. He wandered for months, becoming more and more mad, until he was found unconscious by a kind farmer and returned to the Riders' council.

When the Riders refused to grant him another dragon, Galbatorix grew angry and vowed revenge on the Riders. He honed his use of dark secrets, and one night, he stole a dragon hatchling and convinced Morzan, a weak-minded Rider, to join him in his practice of forbidden magic. Together, they gained strength and waged a war of revenge against the Riders. Twelve other Riders, desiring power and revenge, joined Galbatorix. They became the Thirteen Forsworn.

The grown-up Galbatorix (John Malkovich) eventually gained dominance over Alagaesia, anointing himself king and ruling from that day forward. When Eragon finds the egg and out hatches a dragon, he realizes he's stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight, his simple life is shattered, and he's thrust into a new world of destiny, magic, and power.

And he's none too thrilled about it either! But as it turns out, a dragon will only hatch if it feels the presence of its Rider. Eragon is Saphira's rider, and the dragon will serve him and only him in their quest to take back the kingdom. The boy raises Saphira in secret until two Ra'zac (the bad guys - who look a bit like orcs) come searching for the egg, sent by the evil Galbatorix. Eragon and Saphira manage to escape by hiding in the forest, but Eragon's family is killed, and the house and farm are destroyed.

With only an ancient sword and the guidance of an old storyteller named Brom (Jeremy Irons), it's up to Eragon and Saphira to fight the evil king. They're helped by Arya (Sienna Guillory), a young princess whom Eragon must first free from Galbatorix' prison. It's a little confusing if you haven't read the book. Fortunately, I sat next to my sister-in-law, who HAD the book and was able to explain a few things during the movie.

Filled with magical dragons, ruthless kings, vile bad guys, a bit of romance, and some awesome special effects, this is an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours. Filmed primarily in Hungary and Slovakia, the lush, sweeping landscapes are beautiful and reminiscent of "Lord of the Rings" and "The Chronicles of Narnia".

Saphira (voiced by Rachel Weisz) is a wonder to watch, as she soars through the air and develops a special bond with Eragon. If you're at all prone to vertigo, you might want to close your eyes during some of the flying scenes.

My guess is that the second movie in the trilogy, "Eldest," will have a bigger budget and will continue the franchise in a grand way.

BRINGING THE KIDS:

PRESCHOOLERS (ages 2-5): The action, peril, and battle scenes are way too intense for little ones. A better option is PBS' "Dragon Tales" series. Many episodes are now on DVD, including "Dragon Tales: Experience New Things," released on Aug. 22, 2006. The gentle stories contain good lessons, like "It's Cool to Be Me," "Don't Give Up," "Believe in Yourself," and "Let's Be Brave." And the playful dragons rival "My Little Pony" in the sweetness quotient.

GRADE-SCHOOLERS (ages 6 - 10): With fire-breathing dragons, fierce battle scenes (including stabbings), and evil creatures, this movie pushes the limit of PG-rated violence. It might be ok for 9- or 10-year-olds who aren't easily frightened by such things, but 12+ is a better bet.

TWEEN / TEEN (ages 11+): It's hard to believe the home-schooled Christopher Paolini was just a teenager when he wrote this book, but it's a great lesson in what you can do with some focus and imagination. Likewise, Eragon himself is a good role model for taking responsibility when it's given to you. Learning of his destiny, he cries, "I never asked for any of this!" But he's not afraid to stand up and face life head on. We should all be so brave! (And he's not hard to look at either.)

SCORE: 3 out of 4 Reels