"REIGN OF FIRE" - Discussion & Review Thread

[Mike]

http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/touchstone_pictures/reign_of_fire/reignoffireposterbig.jpg

This looks like a very cool Summer flick. The TV Spots are fun and exciting. REIGN OF FIRE could very well be a sleeper hit, and if not it should at least be moderately successful. I hope to see this in theaters but it opens on July 12th and that's the same day as Halloween: Resurrection (my top priority) so who knows if I'll get to.

Anyway, I predict an opening of 21 Million and I honestly don't know where it will go from there. But I don't really know how much it will open with either. This one could go either way. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

What does everyone else think?

If you've seen it what did you think of it?

[Scarface98.9]

I'm not a big fan of dragon movies, so don't expect me to be first in line. I figure Road to Perdition will win the box office battle that weekend, and think Halloween will bomb

[SteveSzyk]

I have mixed feelings about this flick. I also hate dragon flicks, but this one looks cooler and more entertaining than the others. However it looks pretty stupid and that "How did they go from 1 to 1000 in less than a year" or whatever it is annoys the shit out of me.

[Mike]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">I figure Road to Perdition will win the box office battle that weekend, and think Halloween will bomb</font>

Here's how much I think those movies will open with:

REIGN OF FIRE - 21 MILLION

ROAD TO PERDITION - 13 MILLION (Even with Tom Hanks it's hard to picture this being a BLOCKBUSTER)...

HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION - 12 MILLION

[Muha]

ahhh a little low i think...


im thinking...


MIB2 - 45 million

RTP - 30 million

ROF - 25 million

halloween will bomb

[YF Manson]

This looks like a sick movie, but that doesn't mean anything. The plot looks weak but what do you expect from a Dragon Movie. I think I will go to this movie with low expectations and hope that turns out to be kick ass.

[XCoRyX]

This,along with halloween:resurrection is my most anticipated film of the summer,christian bale being one of my favorite male actors looks awesome and same for mcconaughey (sp?)...and the effects look awesome,and overall it looks like a big fun time at the theaters,so on july 12th,i will be seeing resurrection,reign of fire and croc hunter....3 of my most anticipated films on the same date sucks.

[Strider]

Reign of Fire looks like one wicked film! Hell, who's not going to want to watch a movie with dragons, tanks, and every weapon you can think of?

Strider

[idealdiscountdude]

Reign Of Fire looks awesome.

I have a gut feeling that it is going to be the "sleeper hit of the summer".

I predict that it'll outgross Road To Perdition easily on it's opening weekend and pull a Fast and The Furious and open with about $30 million and top off with about $120 million.

[Benny]

This movie does not look that great. I saw a trailer of it the other day, and it did not seem scary or thrilling at all. In fact I was laughing because it looked really stupid. The end shot with bald Matt McConaghey jumping through the air with an axe in his hands and yelling is hysterical!

[echo_bravo]

I am definitely going to be seeing this movie! All I am asking for is a summer popcorn flick and I have already read a review and it looks promising.

WHY THE FUCK WOULD ANY OF YOU SEE HALLOWEEN ERECTION?! Honestly, havent you guys learned already? These films are god awful. THis one stars Busta Rhymes, Tyra Banks, the dude from American Pie and the dude from Saves the last dance.

I bet the next Halloween will be starring the Olsen twins and Carrot Top.

[daddiefatsacks]

i remember seeing the trailer for this, and i got overly excited, it looks like a non-stop action fest, with Christian Bale, one of my fave actors - but anyway - when i later found out it was rated PG-13, i kinda got pissed off, and the movie turned me off, it seems that the producers would wanna cop out on a great gorefest, and make something that can earn some bank. Now, this doesn't mean I won't see it, and it doesn't mean that all PG-13 action movies suck, but i know this movie could have way more potential if it sucked some guts and shit in there.

just my thought

[Mike]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">I bet the next Halloween will be starring the Olsen twins and Carrot Top.</font>

I'd still see it, as long as they all die. Mainly Carrot Top, I cannot stand that guy and those 1-800-CALL-ATT commercials are so damn annoying and unfunny. At least 1-800-COLLECT has HOTTIE Alyssa Milano in tight and revealing outfits. Anyway, the Olsen Twins get on my nerves but I bet when they get older they will be really HOT (I can't even say that without feeling like it's wrong, I still think of them as little Michelle on Full House)!!! Maybe I wouldn't feel so bad saying that if they'd get out of these kiddie roles. I think it's a little ridiculous that they are still in corny kids movies, even if they do make money. THEY HAVE TO GROW UP SOMETIME... When they are 30 yrs. old they'll probably be in IT TAKES TWO 2 playing 14 yr. olds. I'd like to see them in a horror movie though, what a change that would be, hell, if they are in HALLOWEEN 9 I'll see it. I really don't care who's in it, I'll still support the flicks, I love Horror movies and Michael Meyers kicks ass. As long as they make them I'll see them!!!


[This message has been edited by Mike (edited 07-05-2002).]

[adamjohnson]

hey, you cant say it doesnt have star power.

[dellamorte dellamore]

Reign of Fire looks excellent,i have a feeling it's going to be a genuine sleeper.A sleeper only because not too many critics seem to be talking it up,like some other upcoming high profile films.


The FX look very good,and it looks to have a serious amount of wild action sequences.Reminds me of Dragonslayer,and i would'nt be surprise if some of the same people that were involved with that one had something to do with this.


It's a tough call with regards to box office,but 80 million is a possibility,100 mil with good word of mouth.


I like that it's set in a futuristic London,that's a plus.

[thingsgoinon]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by dellamorte dellamore:


.Reminds me of Dragonslayer,and i would'nt be surprise if some of the same people that were involved with that one had something to do with this.

.</font>

Funny ,when I saw the look of the Dragons, I thought exactly the same thing....hopefully the quality will be the same as far as the story and drama are concerned. With 2 high quality actors like Bale and McConaughey, it oughta at least be well acted. And the trailers don't seem to be giving away a whole lot ( tho I haven't seen the theatrical one)...wich is cool.

Hopefully this will trounce crapfests like Halloween BLAHH and Eight Legged Freaks ( I really had high hopes for that, but as anyone can tell , it's just another big joke movie like Evolution)

Looks like we're gonna get some SERIOUS giant monster on the prowl shit with RoF http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by thingsgoinon (edited 07-06-2002).]

[vexu]

Now does this movie rock or what. I'd give it 8/10... there are several aspect that I agree in both JoBlo's and Arrow's review and the movie was definitely flawed but was damn fun and kept my interested all the way through. Some more dragon action would have been cool though, especially near the end but I'm not complaining too much. The lead actors are really helped to make the movie.

[This message has been edited by vexu (edited 07-11-2002).]

[FeverDog420]

Ok, I just read Ebert's one-star review in which he compares it to Battlefield Earth. I certainly had no desire to see this movie beforehand, and his review confirmed my staying far, far away from it.

SPOILER

Ebert mentions that the last words in the movie are, "Thank God for evolution." Is that line supposed to be funny? I had a hearty laugh when I first read that - not because the line is funny, but because there's so many things wrong with it that I laughed with incredulity. Can someone who's seen this movie place that line in its proper context for me?

[The Heart Collector]

I knew Ebert was going to come up with some stupid bullshit about how the movie's too dark. GOD, I hate him.

[Jess]

I say "meh" to this movie because it lacked something. What this something is, I'm not quite sure but whatever it was, it wasn't there. But regardless, the special effects were amazing and Matthew McConaughey and Christian Bale are easy on the eyes, especially when they have no shirts on and they're all sweaty...ooh, good stuff. Anyhoo, 7/10 for the dragon movie that lacks a certain "something" but truly delivers the hot, sweaty men.

[missmolly]

I just read Ebert's review and it looks like he wrote it in the dark while not bothering to actually watch the movie. He even says he didn't pay attention for chrissakes. The guy's a tool. Incidentally, the NY times review today says its a blast.

I saw it and had a great time. Some of the action (archangels esp) is breathtaking. And there's more humour in it than I would have thought, but not in a cheeseball way. It was a really tight enjoyable film, definitely worth seeing.

[HalloweenForLife]

I can't believe you guys!! I thought yall were horror fanatics. No thrills and no chills just boredom. This movie bombed. I dont wanna give away your precious movie, wha wha, but trust me you dont wanna see this. I was hoping the guy in front of me would of put a bullet in my head to end my suffering. I want my seven dollars back. What a bunch of crap. I cant believe you guys think it was gonna be such a hit. OMG it looks so awesome, my butt! I perdict a very high income because, in my opinion, absent minded fools and young childern will see this movie, perfect for them. What a waste. I cant believe it didnt go straight to video. Just shoot me in the head.

[XCoRyX]

*shoots halloweenforlife in head*

[Joe]

I think it will bomb

[KevinthePRF]

Just saw Reign of Fire, and thought it sucked. I almost think the target audience for this flick was 16-25 yr old women, as most of the flick had men mainly Matthew McConhowhatever walking around with a shirt open or none at all. Minority Report, Spiderman, Star Wars, all far superior for this summer.

SPOILERS***********


My biggest problem was too little fighting the dragons/dragonscenes and too much bickering about how to go about it. I found myself figeting for most of the movie waiting for the next "dragon" scene in which all but one scene(the first helicoptor sequence) was anticlimactic at best. Also what got this movie on my bad side is it was trying its hardest the whole movie to PG itself. People got fried, people got chomped, but don't expect to go to the movie to see any of it. The camera is quick to move to the next shot before you see anyone's fate. The story was on shabby legs, but I give action movies a free pass in the plot department most of time, but NOT in the action! Weak action to say the least. I wasn't a bit tense throughout the whole movie.

2/10

Save your money, rent the original "Dragonslayer" movie. Far superior in everyway.

[BarkingSparrow]

I enjoyed the film, but found it frustrating and a bit unsatisfying because I wanted to know and see more. The main problem is that the cool premise really calls for an epic execution, instead, it got a b-movie treatment.

They did about as good as they could given the limited budget. It pains me to see the studios put the $$$ into tripe such as MIB2 or Scooby Doo, instead of movies such as this.

Score: 7/10

[idealdiscountdude]

Only one word can describe Reign Of Fire in my opinion, and that word would be disappointment.

I had been anticipating this film for the last few months and I thought that the trailers kicked major ass. I knew going into the film that it was simply a popcorn flick, but it wasn't even a good one.

First off, I really enjoyed the first 30 minutes or so of the film until the Americans led by Matthew McConaughey showed up. I was intrigued at how this group of British people, led by Christian Bale, were coping in a post-apocalyptic society where dragons have destroyed nearly the entire world.

However once the Americans showed up, the film turned into your run of the mill action/monster flick.

The screenplay was pretty much non existent, but I didn't expect a well written story to begin with.

The direction was decent and the cinematography was good. The visual effects were great in some spots, but cheesy in others.

The acting was, well decent. Christian Bale is the only real standout in the film.

Reign Of Fire could have been a real entertaining treat, however it was merely a quasi enjoyable and very silly film that took itself more seriously than I could. A major disappointment.

5/10

[ToasT]

When I saw the preview for Reign of Fire, I was extremely excited. It looked like a serious monster film that would go in depth about the characters and situation that they're in. That is what I expected and that is what I got. The most of the characters were developed nicely except for Matthew Mc&lt;whatever&gt;'s. He just seemed crazy and I never understood what made him that way. But what I did like was the civilization created out of survival. It reminded me of films I saw on the sixties where the nation was scared of a nuclear strike from above and how on a moments notice people would have to be up and to safety. Overall the film was very good, 8.5/10, but the dragons needed a bigger part. First of all there should have been a longer scene explaining the origin of the dragons instead of the quick and flashy voiceover sequence which didn't put that much effort into it. But the film was very enjoyable. The effects were excellent and Christian Bale is always amazing. If you like monster movies, or just Dragons in general, then you will love this.

[Strider]

Reign of Fire (2002)

Rated PG-13 for Intense Action Violence

Director: Rob Bowman

Starring Matthwew McConaughey, Christian Bale, Izabella Scorupco, and Gerard Butler.

http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/touchstone_pictures/reign_of_fire/_group_photos/christian_bale1.jpg

It is the year 2020, and the world has been left in ruins, and most of the world's population has been annihilated by fire breathing dragons. Quinn (Christian Bale) once survived an attack by a dragon when he was a young boy, many years later, he is now the leader of only survivors left in the world. One day, Quinn and his people get an unexpected visit from a group of so-called "dragonslayers" led by Van Zan (Matthew McConaughey). Both men then agree to join together to try to wipe out the entire dragon race.

Dragon flicks don't hit your local mutli-plex theater very often. So because of this, I have been awaiting the release of "Reign of Fire" ever since the day I heard about it. The movie does not disappoint, and in my opinion, ranks as the best Dragon flick of all time. I wouldn't suggest going to see this movie expecting an oscar caliber film, or overall, a masterpiece in the action genre. I'd suggest going into this film expecting nothing but two hours of kick-ass entertainment. Nothing less, and nothing more.

Surprisingly, the acting by the two leads, Matthew McConaughey and Christian Bale is good. I was also very surprised that I found their characters to be something that I never ever expected them to be... intriguing. Yeah, you heard right, I said intriguing. To be quite honest, it comes as a shock to me that I actually felt this way about their characters.

"Reign of Fire" was a very pleasent surprise. It features an interesting story, two likable characters, some great action sequences, and a lot of very cool dragons. "Reign of Fire" is an exciting film that is nothing but fun, and one of the most entertaining action films of the year, so far.

Running Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Grade: 7/10

Strider

[LaneM]

ROF seems to have fit the mold of an entertaining "summer blockbuster". It wasn't a cinematic masterpiece but it was visually impressive with some great cinematography and cool special effects. The dragons looked great but I felt like I didn't see enough of them close-up. The few close-ups that I saw of them showed us how far visual technology has come since the days of Dragonslayer in the early 80's. The plot was thin but didn't have any holes and played itself out pretty well. Bale and McConaughey did admirable jobs as first-time action stars...Bale's performance stands out a bit more than MM's (no surpise there). I liked it enough to recommend to my friends which is saying a lot. 8.5 out of 10

[spazzmatazz]

I thought this movie was good! A great summer popcorn flick to say the least. The dragons looked very sinister and McConaughey looked so cool all buffed out with the tats all over his body. The only thing is, I wish I saw more of London...like in the poster, I thought we'd see Big Ben getting burned down or something. What was everyone's favorite part of the movie???

[Common Sense Man]

Reign of Fire

http://tnmc.org/gnews/pics/reign01.jpg

Well I think this was one kick ass movie and I don't care who knows it.

I will start off by telling you my rating I give it a 8/10.

Now the movie was totally different than the trailer portrayed it, and for that I kind of felt jipped, but all trailers now days do that.

But the acting was fabulous and not overdone.

The whole scene where Matthew is talking about his experiences killing dragons in the states was perfect. It could have been way over the top like most movies do but he put so much force and emotion behind it. It was great!

And of course Christian and Matthew had really pumped it up for this flick. I read in an interview that Christian was so shocked by Matthews appearence when they met before the shoot that he had to run out and work his ass off to bulk up.

And did you know the head butt was real! Ouch!

I think I am with the majority when I say that I really wish they would have showed the dragons burning the earth. But I guess they had a limited budget. But I can say when you do see the dragons they looked fantastic.

I thought the pacing was great and the action was very good.

I also liked the realistic touches, if you can even have them in a movie such as this.

I liked that Christian did not wish to leave the castle, that was a realistic response not the cliched Mad Max, "Ya lets go kill them" response. So I respected that. I knew he would eventually fight them but I liked the way they handled that.

And since this is a disney movie and the dragons have been around for millions of years I wonder if the dragon design looked familiar to anyone else.

I found these pics about comparing Dragon Slayer and the ROF dragons and I think the designs where similar on purpose.

Here are the pics.

http://www.corona.bc.ca/films/details/pictures/reign_comparison2.jpg

http://www.corona.bc.ca/films/details/pictures/reign_comparison1.jpg

Now if someone over at disney was on his toes he could have tied in ROF with Dragon Slayer as the Dragons could have been living at that time as well.

Or is that just me.

I did have a few peeves about this flick but nothing that took away from my enjoyment.

Here they are.

Why didn't the kid have a damn hard hat! his mother was the damn forman of the job!

What is up with the dragons eating ash, who came up with that crappy plot line.

Until they mentioned it I assumed as I am sure all others did that the dragons ate flesh, then when all the meat was gone they starved.

They said they wiped out the dinosaurs, why kill them if you are not going to eat them.

And it makes perfect sense for the dragons to eat people and animals so why come up with the whole ash thing there is absolutely no reason for it.

And at one point you see the dragons chasing and eating the people then the next scene Christian is saying "Don't worry they don't care about us" what the fuck!

Then why even try to hide from them!

And my other major peeve was the lack of dragons. I know they may have had a low budget but I was imagining millions of dragons like they said in the trailer and we saw about 20 and most one at a time.

I was like what the hell are you doing walking around outside all the time, there are supposed to be millions of dragons!

So that was a weak point.

But everything else rocked.

I know this is not set up for a sequel but it was the perfect first movie.

It gave you just a taste of what could have been done. That is the sad part.

All the dragon and actions scenes where great there just wasn't enough of them and with more money I am sure there would have been.

But I enjoyed this much more than the other movies I have seen recently, it rocked.

Go see this, it is much better than MIIB.

Out.............................

[Stripes]

this dragon movie licks balls. I saw it for free. Cuz I had free passes, and i want my free tickets back. Dragonheart sucked, and it was still better than this piece of garbage. Plot was Stupid, totally predictable, horrible acting, and I personally didn't give a shite if anybody died or not when they were getting chased. But that was just my opinion. I say wait til this comes to HBO or Showtime. It is not even worth a rental.3/10

[spazzmatazz]

No no...I think this is one of those movies you have to see up on the big screen for the full special effects. It's a corny dragon movie but I thought it was very entertaining.

[blankpage]

Ok I have been debating wether to see this movie.I do like some good fun,but I also like a little bit of story behind it.I hate movies that you can have a good time,but are just plain stupid *cough*Rollerball.

So should I go see this movie or not?
Thanks in advance http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

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http://www.joblo.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Strider]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by blankpage:
Ok I have been debating wether to see this movie.I do like some good fun,but I also like a little bit of story behind it.I hate movies that you can have a good time,but are just plain stupid *cough*Rollerball.

So should I go see this movie or not?
Thanks in advance http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

----blankpage----
http://www.joblo.com/ubb/biggrin.gif</font>

Well, I really don't think you will be wasting your time watching Reign of Fire. The movie is nothing but pure fun! As for the story, I thought it was good enough to hold my interest.

Oh BTW, this movie is not overflowing with intelligence, but it's not stupid at all. While watching the film, not once did I feel like my intelligence was being insulted.

Strider

[Horror whore]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Mike:
I'd still see it, as long as they all die. Mainly Carrot Top, I cannot stand that guy and those 1-800-CALL-ATT commercials are so damn annoying and unfunny. At least 1-800-COLLECT has HOTTIE Alyssa Milano in tight and revealing outfits. Anyway, the Olsen Twins get on my nerves but I bet when they get older they will be really HOT (I can't even say that without feeling like it's wrong, I still think of them as little Michelle on Full House)!!! Maybe I wouldn't feel so bad saying that if they'd get out of these kiddie roles. I think it's a little ridiculous that they are still in corny kids movies, even if they do make money. THEY HAVE TO GROW UP SOMETIME... When they are 30 yrs. old they'll probably be in IT TAKES TWO 2 playing 14 yr. olds. I'd like to see them in a horror movie though, what a change that would be, hell, if they are in HALLOWEEN 9 I'll see it. I really don't care who's in it, I'll still support the flicks, I love Horror movies and Michael Meyers kicks ass. As long as they make them I'll see them!!!
</font>

You mean you didn't hear?!?!?!

Halloween IX

Starring:
Busta Rymes
Bianca Kajlasdfgk
Mary Kate Olsen
And: Ashley Olsen
Special Appearance By: Carrot Top as Laurie Strode

"Plot": It's the year 2207 and Michael Myers has been sent to space after murdering Freddie and Sara somehow. In space there are only two people on board the spaceship with Michael, Michelle (Mary-Kate Olsen) and DJ (Ashley). Michael quickly offs them and the ghost of Laurie Strode (Carrot Top) drives him to insanity talking about 1-800-CALL-ATT and forces him to commit suicide.

Release Date: January 4, 2007
Running Time: 85 seconds
Rating: R (Realistic violence, some sexuality, language, drug use, nudity, some more violence, epic battle sequences, more nudity)

[spazzmatazz]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by blankpage:
Ok I have been debating wether to see this movie.I do like some good fun,but I also like a little bit of story behind it.I hate movies that you can have a good time,but are just plain stupid *cough*Rollerball.

So should I go see this movie or not?
Thanks in advance http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

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http://www.joblo.com/ubb/biggrin.gif</font>

I think you should watch the film...it's a good summer flick. Watch a matinee show...that's what I did. =)

[blankpage]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Strider:
Well, I really don't think you will be wasting your time watching Reign of Fire. The movie is nothing but pure fun! As for the story, I thought it was good enough to hold my interest.

Oh BTW, this movie is not overflowing with intelligence, but it's not stupid at all. While watching the film, not once did I feel like my intelligence was being insulted.

Strider</font>

Quoted by Spazman
I think you should watch the film...it's a good summer flick. Watch a matinee show...that's what I did. =)


Thanks Strider and Spazz after reading what you have said I think I will check this flick out.

Cheers!'

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http://www.joblo.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[missmolly]

Yes I'll chime in to agree with those. Fun is definitely the word. Its not stupid at all, there may be a few inconsistencies, but it doesn't stop you enjoying it.

[wolferock]

Go see Reign of Fire!

It's getting compared to Tremors, which it's not anything like, and called a monster movie, which it's not really, either.

And the movie aims for more of a dramatic element. And it's not about dragons - it's about how these people cope with their situation. It's about standing up and fighting rather than hiding and being passive. So I didn't really feel there was 'too little dragon' in the movie.

It was missing something - just a little tweak that could have made it a blockbuster.

But it's very enjoyable, a kick-butt summer movie, and great leads.

And whenver the dragons are on the screen...wow!

[darkface]

I thought this movie was nothing more than a popcorn flick. Matthew played a kickass character, and Bale was good, as always.
They reminded me of the smokers in Waterworld, the way they dressed and stuff. But it was a fun movie. I won't be buying it on DVD, but it was a fun way to waste a couple hours.

[The Heart Collector]

This was an excellent movie, I thought. I really liked the fact that it wasn't just a bunch of dragon fights, it took it's time to show the characters and develop them into likeable people.

SPOILERS

The 2 main deaths in the movie were handled pretty well. One was handled with a good amount of sadness and honor, while the other one was the fucking bomb. If it doesn't get a nomimation in the Schmoes award for money shot or whatever, I'm going to freak out.

END SPOILERS

I also appreciated the fact that the action scenes were pretty original. The skydiving, the axe-throw.... NICE.

This movie wouldn't have worked if the characters wouldn't have been so appealing. Even the comic relief was well handled, the movie took itself seriously enough. An easy recommendation.

7.5/10