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In the medieval kingdom of Urland, a monstrous dragon has been plaguing the land, devouring young virgins as a sacrificial tribute to appease it. The kingdom's aging king, Casiodorus, seeks out the help of the kingdom's last dragon slayer, Galen Bradwarden (Peter MacNicol), to vanquish the creature once and for all. Galen is a young apprentice sorcerer who is initially hesitant to embark on the quest. However, he is convinced by the beautiful, fiery-tempered Valerian (Caitlin Clarke), whose brother is among those who have been slain by the dragon as an offering to appease it.

Galen sets out on the perilous journey to the dragon's lair with a reluctant Valerian in tow. On the way, they encounter a quirky group of villagers who assist them in their mission. Galen discovers that the dragon is, in fact, a female and that its offspring have been killed by the king's men, driving it to attack in revenge.

Galen is faced with the difficult decision of whether to slay the dragon or find another way to stop its rampage. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about courage, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be a hero. The film culminates in a breathtaking battle between Galen and the dragon that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

Dragonslayer is a fantastic adventure film that seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, romance, and action. The film's storyline is well-crafted, and the characters are well-developed and engaging, making it easy to become invested in their journey. The special effects in the film were groundbreaking for their time, and the dragon itself is a marvel of practical effects.

Peter MacNicol's performance as Galen is one of the standout aspects of the film. He brings a youthful energy and likability to the character that makes it easy to root for him. Caitlin Clarke is also excellent as Valerian, imbuing the character with a fiery spirit that matches her red hair.

One of the other standout performances in the film is provided by the legendary Ralph Richardson, who portrays the doddering but still-intelligent Casiodorus. His character provides some comic relief in the film but also serves as a tragic reminder of the fleeting nature of life.

The film's score, composed by Alex North, is another highlight of the film. The soaring, orchestral music adds to the epic nature of the story and elevates the film's emotional beats.

Overall, Dragonslayer is a classic fantasy film that still holds up today. It's a timeless tale of courage, sacrifice, and adventure that will captivate viewers of all ages.

Dragonslayer is a 1981 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 68.