One comes to expect a lot of things from animated films these days: likable characters, imaginative worlds, the occasional twist, and a whole lotta heart… or at least an attempt. Often, in an attempt to pander to adult audiences as well, animators have to add in a heaping pile of sarcasm, which just doesn’t work. Once in a while, however, one has one’s expectations rewritten. Such was the case with How to Train Your Dragon.
This beautiful movie takes place on a bleak island in the distant north among the Scottish Vikings (which confused me in the beginning but wasn’t a problem after I went with it), who are at war with dragons. It’s a simple enough premise, and the viewer can tell from the poster alone that young Hiccup (voiced brilliantly by Jay Baruchel) will more than likely take a different perspective. However, while there were potentially preachy, can’t-we-all-just-get-along moments, they never stepped over the line into cheesiness. The contrast between Hiccup’s parallel stories of training to be a dragon killer while training an actual dragon sold the message with ease.
I most enjoyed the ingenuity behind the Viking-dragon interactions, especially between Hiccup and Toothless. The ingenuity that goes into restoring Toothless’ ability to fly and the slow, difficult process of getting Toothless airborne again are both fun to watch and fun to puzzle over. The imaginative set-up of the dragon bestiary opens up all sorts of potential for a sequel, which I believe is currently in the (Dream)works, and I would probably go see it if it can match the imagination of its predecessor.
To take a moment on imagination, dragons and flight have always held a particular fancy for me, and I mean always, from the first memory. Though I didn’t have the opportunity to see How to Train Your Dragon in 3D, the thrill of diving toward the sea on Toothless’ back and weaving through the rocky crags was never lost. There is a feeling of freedom brought about by this movie, guided by a brilliant soundtrack, supported by a fantastic cast of gruffly lovable characters, and filled to the brim with all manners of dragon. Five stars for imagination, adventure, and non-stop enjoyment.
This beautiful movie takes place on a bleak island in the distant north among the Scottish Vikings (which confused me in the beginning but wasn’t a problem after I went with it), who are at war with dragons. It’s a simple enough premise, and the viewer can tell from the poster alone that young Hiccup (voiced brilliantly by Jay Baruchel) will more than likely take a different perspective. However, while there were potentially preachy, can’t-we-all-just-get-along moments, they never stepped over the line into cheesiness. The contrast between Hiccup’s parallel stories of training to be a dragon killer while training an actual dragon sold the message with ease.
I most enjoyed the ingenuity behind the Viking-dragon interactions, especially between Hiccup and Toothless. The ingenuity that goes into restoring Toothless’ ability to fly and the slow, difficult process of getting Toothless airborne again are both fun to watch and fun to puzzle over. The imaginative set-up of the dragon bestiary opens up all sorts of potential for a sequel, which I believe is currently in the (Dream)works, and I would probably go see it if it can match the imagination of its predecessor.
To take a moment on imagination, dragons and flight have always held a particular fancy for me, and I mean always, from the first memory. Though I didn’t have the opportunity to see How to Train Your Dragon in 3D, the thrill of diving toward the sea on Toothless’ back and weaving through the rocky crags was never lost. There is a feeling of freedom brought about by this movie, guided by a brilliant soundtrack, supported by a fantastic cast of gruffly lovable characters, and filled to the brim with all manners of dragon. Five stars for imagination, adventure, and non-stop enjoyment.
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