This movie falls into the post-apocalyptic genre. How people survive after the planet has been wiped out. Dragons and the people fighting the dragons have destroyed the planet. Apparently nukes were used. Great way to kill dragons, and lots of people at the same time. All civilization and communications are wiped out in the meantime.
The story is centered around a community of people in England who are trying to outlast the dragons. The humans are starving, but so are the dragons. This group figures if it starves slower than the dragons, they win and can then start rebuilding. You see what they do to live, how they teach the children, and the tensions within the group. They are led by Quinn, who saw the first dragon as a child.
The action starts when the Americans show up (of course.) That�s not until a third-maybe halfway- through the movie. These are people who don�t want to wait to see who starves the fastest, they believe in killing dragons. Being a rebuilt military order they have the technology to make it happen. They are led by Van Zan (a buffed up Mathew McConaughey) They are not nice people, except for the requisite woman who still manages to find make-up in this burnt out world, while kicking ass. Yes, boys and girls, there is a love story, but it�s kept low key.
Now on the important part�the dragons. These are not your cuddly �they�re just misunderstood� dragons. They can�t speak, they don�t negotiate. They aren�t interested in virgins tied to rocks. You don�t feel sorry for them when they die (a la Godzilla.) They�re scary as hell. They look amazing.
Sum up
WARNING: To enjoy this movie will require higher brain functions. If you�re looking for an action packed movie, go elsewhere. If you like survival movies, post-apocalyptic movies, or man against incredible odds movies, give it a try.
I liked it, and will be seeing it again. The target audience has got to be guys, but they have good looking men taking off their shirts, so if you�re being brought to this movie against your will, at least you�ll have something to look at.
I rate it : Matinee
Christian Bale as Quinn (Takes his shirt off)
Mathew Maconahay as Van Zan (Takes his shirt off)
Izabella Scorupco as Alex (Keeps her shirt on)
Gerard Butler as Creedy (Keeps his shirt on, but gets the funny lines.)