How To Train Your Dragon (DreamWorks)
Destined To Be A Classic
How To Train Your Dragon is the perfect movie for kids in that it entertains them, and also their parents. This is also the perfect 3-D movie as it is a solidly good movie that also just happens to be in 3-D. The special effects enhance the movie but dont overwhelm it. Then when you add the absolutely right voices to the animated characters you end up with a movie that is destined to become a classic.
The movie is basically about a boy and his pet but with so many added turns that it becomes unique in its own right. Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) is the son of a Viking warrior named Stoick (Gerard Butler). His father cant understand why Hiccup doesnt follow more in his footsteps but rather goes out on a path of his own.
To bring them closer together Stoick enrolls Hiccup in Viking training along with other youngsters in their village, including the beautiful but competitive Astrid (America Ferrara). At the same time he is attending class Hiccup has also found a wounded night fury, Hiccup has also found a wounded a special breed of dragon.
He names the dragon Toothless and helps him learn to fly with the aid of an invention Hiccup has created. The two bond closely together and Hiccup uses this acquired knowledge about dragons to get through the training class. Still he knows he must face the day when his father will expect him to slay a dragon and that will cause a conflict between them.
The story operates on several levels. It is a story of a boy and his pet, a boy and his father, a boy and his friends, and a boy and a girl. All of these aspects of Hiccups life are told with depth and in an unrushed fashion. The film develops everything slowly and this pacing is one of the selling points of the film.
There is also a beautiful musical score by John Powell. This score has a Norse flavor that lifts certain scenes to the heights. When you add it to the beautiful scenery that has been created by amazing animation and visualization experts you find the true emotions and excitement of the film.
Baruchel provide the perfect voice for Hiccup. He sounds young and vulnerable but then matures into an amazingly confident young man. Butler is also great as the demanding but caring father. Craig Ferguson adds humor as Stoicks number one assistant Gobber. Ferrara gives Astrid spunk and warmth. Others in the voice cast include Jonah Hill, Kristin Wiig and Christopher Mantz-Plasse.
The film is rated PG for some mild monster violence.
Everything about How To Train Your Dragon works. It is a true audience pleaser and will be charming adults and kids alike for years to come. It may not be a Disney product but it has all the signs of becoming as popular as the true Disney classics. My top ten list has started early this year!
I scored How To Train Your Dragon a fire breathing 9 out of 10.
