Directed by Tatsuma Minamikawa, 2017’s Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry is the second film set in the anime fantasy series Fairy Tale. Unlike the first film, Phoenix Priestess, which sought a more independent story, this movie directly touches on and connects to events in the television show. This review is based on the Funimation English dub, an adaption of the Fairy Tail manga by Hiro Mashima.

Following the battle to stop the Faces, Fairy Tail has been disbanded. Before they go their separate ways, the Kingdom of Fiore royal family tasks Natsu (Todd Haberkorn), Lucy (Cherami Leigh), Gray (Newton Pittman), Erza (Colleen Clinkenbeard), Wendy (Brittney Karbowski), along with cat sidekicks Carla (Jad Saxton) and Happy (Tia Ballard) on a quest to recapture the Dragon Cry staff. It is a magical totem that possesses the anger, rage, and hate of the dragons.

It was stolen by an evil wizard named Zash (Ray Chase), a traitor to Fiore, who defected to the country of Stella. He and mysterious woman named Sonya (Erica Mendez) must deliver the Dragon Cry to Stella’s ruler King Animus (Michael Sinterniklaas). He wants the staff to perform a powerful ritual, which if he accomplishes, could wipe out an entire continent, including Fiore. When the Fairies arrive in Stella, they immediately set out to steal the staff, but when Natsu touches it, he realizes it can never be used. The magic inside is way too powerful.

Dragon Cry is a wholly unique story within Fairy Tail‘s mythology, but it still manages to touch on the series. Fans of the show can enjoy it along with newcomers, though not as much since they would not have a connection to the character’s roots. Tatsuma Minamikawa does an excellent job of crafting the story and placing it within the canon. I only have two complaints about the movie. First, the plot was incredibly rushed from one plot point to the next with no sign of slowing down. My only other gripe is that Erza barely used her “requip magic,” so we only saw four of her epic armors.

That being said, Funimation did an excellent job of translating it. Once again, Todd Haberkorn hits it out of the park as Natsu, nailing every aspect of the character to the Nth degree. I also enjoyed the overall story-arc. It was an original tale while also paying homage to its source material. Also, the animation was brilliant.

Bottom line, while the film’s pacing is a bit fast, it is an enjoyable, fun, and downright epic fantasy adventure that raises the stakes.

FAVORITE QUOTES: What do I look like to you?

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Violence, Suggestive Dancing, Mild language

Check out the trailer below:

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out my movie reviews of Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale and Dragon Ball Super: Broly. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.

Did you know my new fantasy novel “The Seven Royals: All Good Things” is now available on Barnes and Noble and Amazon? You can get your e-book copy at BookLocker.

You can find me on everywhere on social media! Facebook: Author Jacob Airey  | Instagram: realjacobairey| Twitter: @realJacobAirey | YouTube: StudioJake