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This past weekend I hopped on down to the movie store and picked up a few DVD's to rent.

One that stands out above the pack is Eragon, a fantasy epic, that is kid friendly. My children love action movies, but I'm often limited to cartoons and computer animation if I want to find something that my seven year old twins and five year old can all watch together.

Eragon was certainly more kid oriented than Lord of the Rings, so as an adult, my preferences would be for a slightly more grown up version, but as a father, Eragon fit the bill.

The basic plot is this, a farm boy discovers a stone in the woods, and it hatches into a dragon. The dragon marks him as a dragon rider, meant to free his people from the oppressive rule of a former dragon rider turned murderous king.

There is some scary action in the movie, and fantasy violence, but nothing that stout-hearted little boys can't handle.

The best thing about the movie is the message. I want my kids to grow up with purpose. Eragon helps deliver. As Eragon struggles with his teenaged angst, and his monther's abandonment, he finds out that he has been chosen by this dragon, that has wated one thousand years to hatch for just him.

He wrestles with understanding his purpose, but embraces it, and becomes a legendary fighter.

Obviously, this is the first installment in several movies, and so it does leave some scenarios left unresolved, but unlike other fantasy films, finds a balance between cliffhanger and resolution.

I have not read the novels, but I understand they were written by a teenager (now young adult). I marvel at his story, though parts of it echo every other fantasy novel, there is definitely a theme that transcends genres.

As a DVD, I would recommend renting, rather than purchasing. The DVD had only a commentary in the special features section. Obviously the movie industry has caught on to the concept of multi level releases, and will probably plan to offer an extended cut with loads of special features.

My advice, rent and enjoy, but wait to buy!

Learn more about this author, Josh Hatcher.
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