The Russian fairy tale film “Gorynych,” featuring Alexander Petrov and a computer-generated dragon, has been released, offering a mix of charm and questionable choices for its target audience. While the dragon Gorynych is undeniably adorable and performs his “cute” function effectively, his role in the film is surprisingly secondary.

The film’s plot follows sailor Alexei Alekhin (Alexander Petrov) as he navigates a fairy-tale principality, tasked with saving the baby dragon Gorynych, curing the prince’s blues, and battling adversaries. Gorynych primarily serves as a source of cuteness and comic relief, with the film hinting at emotional depth in its penultimate scene.

However, the film presents inconsistencies, including jokes and references that may be inappropriate for its 6+ rating. A scene featuring Alexander Petrov in a club, for instance, raises questions about its suitability for young viewers. The plot’s pacing is also uneven, starting strong before becoming somewhat drawn out.

Despite these drawbacks, the acting performances are generally adequate, with notable contributions from Roman Kurtsyn and Sergei Epishev. Alexander Petrov delivers a passable performance, while the lead actress provides a charming presence. The film’s computer graphics are decent but not outstanding, and the costumes, while not historically accurate, do not detract significantly from the overall experience.

The film incorporates unexpected musical numbers that, while absurd, add a layer of enjoyment. These sequences are so unusual and unrestrained that they become memorable. The film also avoids blatant Hollywood imitation, aside from a few familiar character archetypes.

Ultimately, “Gorynych” is a harmless film suitable for children, though it may not fully capitalize on its unique elements and contains some questionable content for its target audience. The rare musical numbers are a highlight, suggesting that a more consistently grotesque and musical approach could have made the film truly memorable.