The Dwarves of Demrel

I went into this with the clear understanding that this was an effort of love by an independent film company.

The story centers around an unlikely trio of dwarven miners who find themselves trapped in the belt of a mountain and their struggle to survive with limited resources and their own limitations.

I loved the idea that the movie wasn't about great warriors or dwarven mobility, but rather about a working class dwarf. I was not disappointed.

I only wish they'd been able to work in more dwarven detail into the mine. Pillars, runes etc

Fairly simple film. Not to exciting. I thought it was going to be a lot worse. Acting wasnt terrible. Very small cast. Special effects and creature effects were surprisingly good in the few places were they were used. Wish there would have been more to the story.

Raney's film is well produced, straightforward and engaging as far as writing and character development. He offers a potentially captivating story-arch, focusing on these characters and their dire situation as they struggle to survive in a subterranean "prison". The atmosphere is ominous and suspenseful with plenty of opportunity to excite and build a thrilling story. For the most part, though, we are only teased mildly, with little gratification.

"Dragon Mountain" is filled with a lot of missed opportunities to become the titillating watch that the synopsis suggests. First, no dragons- well a really cool fly over the mountain chain by a quality CGI lady heading to her den takes place in the opening scene. But that is it- technically the dragon is eluded to a couple of times through dialog. Beyond that the movie pulsate as a character study of crises.

There is fantasy, but subtext and suggestion reigns supreme to get you there. The dwarves are recognizable and familiar. They take the main stage in Raney's movie, but they could easily be replaced subconsciously with human persons going through this struggle. There is a creature in the tunnels with them and a human in killer Cosplay steampunk gear, however both are little more than cameo characters and missed before they really ever fill the screen.

Overall "Dragon Mountain" is kind of a let down. Toss aside the fact that 'no dragon' in a movie whose title sells you on dragons. Forgiven. With the actual story- four guys trapped in a clasped mine- the writing and acting is top notch. The cinematography is okay, lighting issues plague crucial moments that were necessary to amp up the entertainment value. Unfortunately it all boils down to bad moods, grumpy dialog and emotional anxiety between disgruntled workers that seems to put a drag on the fluidity of the movie's pace, making it a rather boring movie.

... and I'm not proud of myself for doing so. It ends with a long list of crowdfunding contributors who wasted their money. I cannot think of a single redeeming value for this travesty. Mushy plot. Pointless. No character development. No resolution. Don't watch it. Instead of direct to DVD this one should go direct to trash.

I just watched this movie and it was excellent.

Its such a simple story, 3 dwarves stuck in a mine trying to get back home to their families and the terrible things they must endure to get home.

Its mostly 3 dwarves talking, you really see the different characters clash with each other and eventually work together for their mutual benefit.

Their is a real sense of isolation and despair although always with a glimmer of hope that they will manage to get out safely.

The world building is fantastic. I would love to know so much more about the world around them but it was great to just focus on 3 simple dwarf miners trying to do their job and get back home.

Highly recommended if you enjoy a movie heavy on atmosphere, not so much if you are looking for action. Its a slow build and the ending is open to interpretation.

A solid 8 out of 10 from me.