Critic Reviews
71
Metascore
Generally Favorable
positive
8(73%)
mixed
2(18%)
negative
1(9%)
Showing 11 Critic Reviews
Nov 1, 2011
91
The measured vérité style of Frederick Wiseman meets the visual polish of Terrence Malick in Dragonslayer, a fascinating slice of crude Americana from first-time director Tristan Patterson. However, it stands alone with an infectious hard rock attitude.
Nov 2, 2011
91
With its propulsive punk-rock soundtrack and beautifully rough cinematography, Dragonslayer makes you care about this scrawny young man, skating to nowhere.
Nov 1, 2011
80
Nothing like a traditional social-issue doc, Patterson's one-of-a-kind hybrid captures a socio-historical moment with the kind of charged authenticity that only comes from a willingness to embrace contradictions: It's discursive and hypnotic, laconic and urgent.
Nov 17, 2011
75
Patterson's verite style is bettered by the work of cinematographer Eric Koretz, who surrounds the bleak characters with beauty and color.
Dec 15, 2011
75
Dragonslayer documents what happened when California stopped dreaming.
Nov 4, 2011
70
Seamlessly dovetailing style and subject, Dragonslayer, a poetic and affectionate portrait of the professional skateboarder Josh Sandoval.
Nov 12, 2011
70
A youth culture backdropped by the crumbling edge of California is rendered with punk rock energy and grace.
Nov 12, 2011
70
The film observes a guy verging on poverty or riches with a bounty of beautiful imagery and fresh angles on skateboarding culture.
Nov 1, 2011
60
Dragonslayer captures the aimless, ad hoc nature of this young man's life, leaving open the question of whether Sandoval is a free spirit or simply a leech.
Nov 12, 2011
60
The portrait is dispiriting overall, inspiring little affection from viewers, but feels authentic and fair.
