Damsel movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Damsel

This action/fantasy adventure is now playing exclusively on Netflix.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 47 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

I definitely liked this more than most film critics. I was in the perfect mood to watch this, which can definitely make a difference in how much you enjoy it. Expectations are everything.

The film was directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. Writing credits go to Dan Mazeau.

Already, the movie has been nominated for “Best Music Supervision for a Trailer” by the GMS.

THINGS I LIKED:

Who doesn’t love Millie Bobby Brown? She grabbed everyone’s attention in the popular TV series Stranger Things and tickled Netflix audiences in her two Sherlock Holmes movies called Enola Holmes. In this movie, she proves she has some impressive physicality as an action hero when she fights a dragon and has to survive in an unworldly cave. She also spends the bulk of the movie alone, which is hard to do.
Also in the cast are Angela Bassett, Robin Wright, Ray Winstone, Brooke Carter, and more.
The dragon’s voice is presented by the very exotic and recognizable Shohreh Aghdashloo. Dragon lovers will really enjoy the look and feel of this dragon.
Some of the CGI is very good, although some is very noticeable and distracting. The visual and special effects teams were enormous.
The color palette was rich and beautiful.
I also loved the set designs and decoration by Dominic Capon and Elliot Lidgey.
The gorgeous costumes were designed by Amanda Monk.
I loved the intriguing details, such as the glow worms that are cool, but then surprise us with the magical ability to heal.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The tone shifts from being a charming fantasy into an almost horror/survival film.
Some viewers will complain the plot and twist are too simple and expected. I didn’t mind that at all. Sometimes, simple is better so you can focus on the emotion.
There are some plot points that simply don’t make sense.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

It would be a great family-friendly movie; however, it’s really too dark and gory for young kids.
We see bloody wounds and dead bodies
Young women are in perilous situations
The dragon might frighten young kids

THEMES:

Sisterhood
Survival
What money can do
Duty
Promises
Family
Courage
Sacrifice

FUNNY LINES:

“I think I really had a limited definition of wealthy.” – Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown)
“My son understates our joy. And, if I may say so, your father has understated your beauty.” – Queen Isabelle (Robin Wright)

“I’ve never known my father to understate much of anything, Your Majesty.” – Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown)

“I see she arrives with some wit.” – King Roderick (Milo Twomey)

“Should you want it or not, Your Majesty.” – Lady Bayford (Angela Bassett)

INTERESTING LINES:

“We need this. Your people need you.” – Lord Bayford (Ray Winstone)
“I will escape for every innocent woman whose life was stolen.” – Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown)