This might be of interest to a few of us. The D&D campaign-turned-fantasy trilogy Dragonlance is being made into an animated film release. Given that the title of the movie is the same as that of the first book, it looks as though it will be a trilogy of movies, as well. That seems to suggest that the producers have high expectations for its performance; while I think my days of really grooving on game fiction are past me, I must admit that Dragonlance will always have a cozy little corner in my heart. And besides, I'm always glad to see a fantasy story well-done in film format.

The cast is promising enough to suggest that it may be a quality production, as well: Kiefer Sutherland as Raistlin Majere and Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor in "Smallville") as Tanis Half-Elven; for the real fanboys, there's also Lucy Lawless as Goldmoon and Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") as Tika Waylan. Here's the confirmed cast list for those who are interested.

Now here's the part that makes me nervous: while the website claims that the authors, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, have "plenty of involvement", the screenplay has been adapted by George Strayton, whose credits include "Xena: Warrior Princess", "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys," and "Cleopatra 2525." I know there may be those out there to whom these are good things, but...well. I'll admit that the later episodes of "Xena" that I've seen were engaging, and it mentions in his bio that it was the later episodes he wrote for. And my appreciation of Sam Raimi (whose company, Renaissance Pictures, produced all three shows) has taken some time to mature.

And that doesn't even begin to consider what the quality of the animation will be like. So, let's just say that I'm 'withholding judgement.'