Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.
Today's review is Dreamworks: How to Train Your Dragon. Directed by Dean DeBlois & Chris Sanders. Written by Dean DeBlois & Chris Sanders. Based on the novel by Cressida Cowell.
I waffled big time on my commitment to seeing this film. With the over flow of CG animated films now the talent pool seems to give the appearance of drying up. In recent times the CG films I ventured to see Monsters vs Aliens, Astro Boy to name a couple fall into the good not great category and for this specific genre, greatness should not only be expected it should be a requirement. This is what had me so perplexed about making a decision about How to Train Your Dragon. Well folks I made the right choice.
Our story takes us to a viking village that is overrun by dragons that attacks their livestock. It's here where we meet Hiccup voiced by Jay Baruchel (Knocked Up). He's a skinny, clumsy wannabe dragon fighter. All he wants is to be accepted as a viking and help kill dragons but he doesn't have the training or more importantly the strength. During a dragon attack, Hiccup miraculously takes down the fiercest breed of dragon called a Night Fury. Nobody believes he does it so he ventures out on his own to find it. After an exhausting search he comes across the wounded dragon but instead of killing it he releases it thus forming a bond between the 2.
Much more takes place here but I dare say no more. What made this film so much fun was the variety of dragons. They created several different species with special talents and skills. This took away any feeling of redundancy. Each species of dragon has a specific look and weakness. Another aspect of the film that made it enjoyable was the sense of adventure. This movie was made for a 3D audience and you can see the spots where it would have been effective. The dragon's flight are fast and furious. You feel the speed and height of their aerial acrobatics.
The best part of How to Train Your Dragon is the overall story. It has a nice blend of comedy, drama, adventure and action. There is literally something for everyone here. For the kiddies you have the playful relationship between Hiccup and his dragon. For the older kids you have just enough reality to not make it just a cartoon and for the big kids like me you have a life message about not judging a book by it's cover. The script is sharp enough to teach you something while loose enough to remind you that you're there to have fun. Well Done. The animation is top notch with exciting camera work.
Overall I was pleasantly surprised by this one. There was action, laughs and heart. There are some scenes with the dragons that can be a little intense so proceed with caution if you have any ankle biters under the age of 5 going with you.
On The 5 star scale. How to Train Your Dragon gets 4 stars with a "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.
Give this one a shot. I think you will be just as entertained as I was.
That's all for today. Up next is the long awaited Clash Of The Titans. A very DISAPPOINTING remake of one of my most favorite movies of all time.
Until Next Episode.....I'll Save You A Seat!
"D"
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