Review?

Now let me clear one thing here, Eragon did disappoint me. It left out some major plot points from the book, and changed the story so that hardcore book fans will be disappointed. But then, you need to cut a lot to fit a 768 page long story into a decent-sized film.



But, when you review that film, you are expected to note that the film is based on a book. Of course, the book is a homage to a lot of big stories like Star Wars, LoTR etc.



Now, I am not sure which version of the movie has reached India and I am pretty sure the reviewer has never heard of the book.





This might explain some misleading statements in the review:

1. When Eragon finds the "egg", everybody assumes it is a stone till it hatches. You cannot make omlette out of a stone can you? (Of course, even the movie mentions it is a stone)



2. Saphira insisting that Eragon be her "rider" sounds like an overture? Dragons only hatch for their destined "riders", sometimes waiting for centuries. This explains that there are no dragon riders for many years, since the dragons did not want to hatch for anybody under Galbatorix's command. (Again, movie does mention this)



3. The answers to "pertinent questions" the reviewer asks for are in the book. Of course, the movie almost passes over Eragon's magical training by Brom, and the history is cut for most of the part for fitting the story to the film length, but there are details enough in the movie to give some answers.



4. The “great inevitable battle” is not the last one. It is just the first large scale battle Eragon and Saphira are part of, and in no way is purported to be the last. (Eldest has an even bigger and important battle at the end). And given Galbatorix's history, it is expected that he does not pit himself against an unknown Rider. (Yes, the battle scenes fail to impress after "Return of The King", but that was a classic)



5. I was sorry to see Murthagh's story cut. He is one of the most compelling characters in the books. (Kind of like Snape in Harry Potter. He is good, he is bad, he is good...). Ditto for Ajihad, the Varden leader (though he is definitely good).



6. Galbatorix does not "point to" a sequel. The sequel is already published, and is a phenomenon. The third book of the trilogy is on the way.

After the way the review has "crashed and burned", I am almost tempted to write a review of the film myself. Should I write it? If there are enough interested people, then write I shall, so do tell me... (The rediff review is much better, though still does not fulfill my expectations).



Also, I believe that in such case (films based on the books), the reviews of the film should fill in the gaps in the film by mentioning the details from the book (or saying that film does not include...). What do you think?



Find a (admittedly incomplete) review of the first two books of "Inheritance Trilogy" here.