There is one overarching problem with this movie, and it takes no time at all to figure out what it is: It is utterly unexceptional.
The costume design, and hair and makeup work, look fine. So do props and weapons, set design and decoration, and fight scenes. Special effects (CGI) are mostly subpar - but to be fair, I've seen a lot worse, and anyway, Arrowstorm is not New Line Cinema, or Industry Light & Magic. The music is okay. Director Anne K. Black, and co-writers Kynan Griffin and Justin Partridge, would all go on to have a hand in the 'Mythica' series of fantasy films, which I for one thoroughly enjoyed, so that is a point in this title's favor even though there's no narrative connection. The scene writing is peppered with dashes of levity, action, and heart, and is mildly clever at times. The plot is complete and cohesive. Lighting is too dim at times, and perfect at others, but the cinematography is crisp and vivid. The filming locations are gorgeous. The acting is okay.
This is all well and good. Yet 'The crown and the dragon' is a fantasy feature we've seen before, and we will see it again: destiny, rising hero, unlikely romance, MacGuffin, great evil, and so on and so on. Competent and suitable as the contributions may be of the writers, director, cast, and crew, the characters don't stand out. The dialogue doesn't stand out. The narrative doesn't stand out. I assume I'm as likely to particularly recall this 10 days from now as I would be in 10 years - which is to say, not at all.
It's not that 'The crown and the dragon' is bad; I think it would be a mistake to say so. It's well made such as it is. One aspect or another, or some combination thereof, occasionally catches my eye as especially fetching and worthwhile. Those sparks of care, wit, and intelligence do not carry through enough of the picture to actually light a fire, however. Just as some scenes are distinctly drained of their most vibrant color, the story lacks enough of a punch to truly capture the imagination.
With all this having been said, the film is perfunctorily entertaining. It's a (very) soft recommendation for a lazy afternoon, should you happen to come across it. I want to like it more than I do. Yet "special" it is not - so if you have other options for something to watch, I just can't conjure any specific reason why 'The crown and the dragon' should top your list.
And now I'm kind of sad. Oh well.
