Movie Review: How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Extremely enjoyable and a lot of fun
Photo: DreamWorks Animation
More and more animated films have been relying on pop culture references and fart jokes to mask the fact the story is lacking. It doesn't make for a necessarily bad film as much as it doesn't make for much of a lasting film. But the filmmakers behind How to Train Your Dragon have gone to the "story and character first" well and come out shining. This is a film that feels all its own with fantastic animation, characters you believe in and a finale that really, really works.
Perhaps the marketing is the film's largest fault, selling it as "from the studio that brought you Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda." Of those three Kung Fu Panda is the best comparison in terms of tone and the film's ability to let comedy come naturally rather than forcing it through outrageous characters, and those previously mentioned pop culture references and/or fart jokes. Come to think of it, I don't think there is a fart joke in this entire film, which is a miracle if you ask me.
The voice cast includes Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller, Kristen Wiig and David Tennant. For more information on this film including pictures, trailers and a detailed synopsis choose from the following menu.
Review
"How to Train Your Dragon" is a DreamWorks Animation release, directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders and is rated PG for sequences of intense action and some scary images, and brief mild language. The running time is 1 hour 38 minutes.
During the most recent dragon attack, Hiccup tests out a latest weapon he's designed and by chance nabs the most elusive breed of all dragons, the Night Fury. But, instead of killing the downed beast Hiccup finds a kinship with the dragon (he names him Toothless) that results in him finding a deeper appreciation for the presumed terrors the dragons are believed to be. From here the film follows a natural progression, but it does so without feeling overly cliche and ends up unique enough to feel new.
The voice casting choices are truly a high point. Outside of Gerard Butler voicing Hiccup's brutish father, the rest of the names are decidedly inspired. Baruchel, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and T.J. Miller are all names we've heard before but they aren't A-listers cashing a paycheck as much as they are voices that bring a recognizable tone, while fulfilling the elements needed to bring personality to the characters rather than the popular actor taking over the character.
Also, the choice to present the dragons with canine-like qualities was extremely appealing. When the dragons aren't doing their "dragon thing" they are sitting on their hindquarters begging for a bit of fish, staring with puppy-dog eyes. It makes them instantly approachable and as much as it's easy to read canine emotions, the same goes for the dragons in How to Train Your Dragon. It's a small detail that makes a big difference.
The only thing that started to bother me was the interaction between Hiccup and his father, and the nature of their dysfunctional relationship. Then I reminded myself these are Vikings fighting dragons, which pretty much cleared up any present-day comparisons my overworked mind was making.
The characters work, the voices work, the animation is great and there are some great action sequences. In all, How to Train Your Dragon is a good time at the movies and a film I have no problem recommending. Perhaps a couple of the dragon sequences would be a little too scary for the youngest of audience members, but beyond that this film is suitable for all audiences and I can't imagine anyone not enjoying themselves.
NOTE: I did not watch this film in 3D, but it was well worth the watch in 2D.
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Couldn't agree more…
I guess i will see it. Great reviews changed my mind about seeing it.
Agreed completely. And BTW, 3-D in this was some of the best I've ever seen. The flying sequences took my breath away, hell, the ones in Avatar couldn't do that.
I agree, but my favorite part of the 3-D was the moving shots of the Viking village. Absolutely breathtaking for animation.
How does this rank in Dreamworks films?
one of those (very rare, in my opinion) kid's movies that adults can get a kick out of as well.
No, there wasn't a single fart joke in this movie and yes, it almost qualifies as a miracle. A well made story for the whole family and great use of 3D, especially the flight sequences and landscape shots of the village and surroundings.
I love how to train your dragon and toothles especially when he make his pupils widen the effects are great as well
Fantastic animation, script, score – just a wonderful story all around. And I agree that is is refreshing that it is pop-culture and fart-joke free. I highly recommend it.
I voted 'A'.
Could've been longer, my only complaint.
3D was EPIC.
audio was EPIC.
character personality depth was the only thing I think could've been improved. (would've easily been solved by making it 20 minutes longer ^_______^ )