The Illusionist (2006)

In turn-of-the-century Vienna, a magician uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman far above his social standing. (IMDB)

Another movie that asks the most basic question of fantasy, or in this case, fantasy-adjacent movies. Is there magic? Again, we’re not sure. Is there mystery, this time? Hmmm… not really. But that’s OK! Matt returns once again, this time to talk with us about Sharon’s selection in response to the movie he selected. This one is a bit more straightforward and we take our time examining the film, and the main differences between this one and the subject of our previous episode, The Prestige.

Join us for a whole new kind of discussion as we delve deep into the prewar Austrian Empire and its contemporary stage magic. What are the secret meanings of the scenes we are shown? Are there any? Find out on this latest, greatest episode of DRAGONREEL!

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The Prestige (2006)

After a tragic accident, two stage magicians engage in a battle to create the ultimate illusion while sacrificing everything they have to outwit each other. (IMDB)

This episode we touch on a sidelong adjacent fantasy movie. Is there magic? We’re not sure. But there sure is mystery. Matt returns to talk with us about the movie he selected. There’s layers upon layers for us to unpack in here, and we end up following the threads down multiple enjoyable rabbit-holes to figure out WHAT IS GOING ON in this movie?

Join us for a whole new kind of discussion as we pick apart scene by scene and try to find the hidden secret of this movie. We had a great time watching it, a great time thinking about it, and a great time discussing it on this latest, greatest episode of DRAGONREEL!

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Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977)

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Sinbad The Sailor sails to deliver a cursed prince to a dangerous island in the face of deadly opposition from a powerful witch. (IMDB)

Matt rejoins us as a co-host and we discuss the ins and outs of a slapdash fantasy greenlit before they had a script. This classic of our childhood has entertained us many a lazy Sunday afternoon on local syndication channels, and now we bring it to you. Does it hold up? Was it ever that great to begin with? Who knows? We’ll discuss all these things on the episode!

For a fun time talking about a movie that feels a lot like a D&D game, join us for this great episode! We give it a thorough going-over and can’t wait to hear your feedback.

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Lost Boys (1987)

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Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

A young fugitive prince and princess must stop a villain who unknowingly threatens to destroy the world with a special dagger that enables the magic sand inside to reverse time. (IMDB)

We are joined by a new host, Matt (AKA MD Presley), who sees a lot of scripts in his day job. We figured a guy that sees a lot of scripts really needs to hear some read out from time to time so we subjected him to fantasy movies. Pete, Sharon, and Chris join Matt to talk about the 2010 Disney effort to jumpstart a franchise with Prince of Persia.

This is a pretty good example of what happens when you get Disney money to make a videogame movie. There’s a whole host of other movies based on videogames with a lot of budget problems. This is not one of them. We talk about the production, the casting, the translation of a game plot to a movie plot, and the logistical issues with wearing sneakers in the sand. A good conversation and a good time was had by all.

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What a fantastic episode this turned out to be!

Chris, Sharon and Pete are joined by Michelle Barrett Shea for this one shining gem of an episode. We had a lot of fun talking about the merits and flaws of this, our cinematic introduction to J. K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. We all had some pretty strong opinions, and we hashed out a few theories and opinions. A very compelling episode. Listen with pleasure as you wingardium your leviosa!

How does this movie play a decade and a half after its release? Join the cast of DragonReel as we discuss every aspect you can fit in a one-hour show!

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Yet another great episode awaits you, dear listener!

Clinging onto his guest host seat, Bill has chosen this movie for our next show. He calls it a better D&D movie than the D&D movie. Pretty low bar, but we’re willing to check it out! We already discussed the first Arnold Schwarzenegger Conan movie, so this makes a fitting followup. This is our first sequel show, so let’s see how this movie compares to its predecessor.

Does this movie play out like it used to? Does it hold up like the first one? What is it even about? Find out with us in the next exciting episode!

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Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

This one has been a long time coming. We had to decide if we were going to get into the modern age, and then Pete had to pony up and suggest it. Chris would have suggested it two choices ago, but he knew Pete would eventually get to it. Now it’s coming, and it’s going to be grand.

The biggest question in Little China is going to be whether the classic holds up or if our fondness is tinted with overmuch nostalgia. Sharon will be our test case for this, as she’s never seen the movie before, or at least has no memory of it.

Join us as in our next adventure into Lo Pan’s parlor.

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Princess Mononoke (1997)

On a journey to find the cure for a Tatarigami’s curse, Ashitaka finds himself in the middle of a war between the forest gods and Tatara, a mining colony. In this quest he also meets San, the Mononoke Hime. (IMDB)

Once again we are joined by noted author William Ray, who is kind enough to donate a copy of his book GEDLUND for us to give away as a prize in our first ever contest! Listen through the show to get details of the contest and how to win it.

We’ve done a few animated features, but none in the actual Japanese anime genre. We figured that a good place to start would be the name that made mainstream movie history. Miyazaki seemed the most sensible starting place for our foray into foreign film. We are, however, watching the English dub (except Pete who couldn’t find it).

We’re going to have a great time dissecting the film and finding out what translates to an English-speaking audience, and what works and what doesn’t. The film has a huge following around the world, and while it didn’t have the same impact as Spirited Away, it really broke ground in US cinema.

Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of putting your trust in nature gods and self-made industrialists.

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Matilda (1996)

Story of a wonderful little girl, who happens to be a genius, and her wonderful teacher vs. the worst parents ever and the worst school principal imaginable. (IMDB)

“It’s Carrie for kids.” — an anonymous Reddit poster I wish I could remember.

In this episode, we bring in special guest William Ray, author of the acclaimed debut novel GEDLUND and its follow-up, THE GREAT RESTORATION. William, or Bill, as we know him, joins us to talk about Matilda, a 1996 movie starting Mara Wilson as the title character. Matilda is just about the only sane person in her world, and the cast of characters around her create a story worthy of the pen of the late great Roald Dahl. Which, ah, is fitting, since it’s based on a book he wrote.

So join us as we delve into this classic children’s fantasy film and find out the answer to the question: what do we think of this movie?

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