Movie Review: How To Train Your Dragon

How To Train Your Dragon

PG for sequences of intense action, some scary images
and brief mild language.
Genre: Action, adventure, animation, fantasy
Running Time: 1 hour 38 minutes

From the studio that also gave us Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda, we have their latest movie offering…

How To Train Your Dragon

Set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, and based on the book by Cressida Cowell, this action comedy tells the story of Hiccup. He’s a Viking teenager who doesn’t exactly fit in with his tribe’s longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers. Then Hiccup’s world is turned upside down when he encounters a dragon that challenges he and his fellow Vikings to see the world from a different point of view.

A 3D Adventure Ride

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is the heir of the Viking chiefdom. But, he’s also a boy facing a very big problem – a hero he is not.

How To Train Your Dragon is the story of Hiccup’s quest to hunt down the fiercest dragon, bring it into submission, and hopefully pass his initiation. But, instead of killing the dragon, he ends up with the smallest dragon! Making it even more interesting – the so-called fiercest dragon in the land – is toothless! With the stage set to turn his village upside down, Hiccup is an unlikely hero, working with a reluctant “beast”.

How To Train Your Dragon is a fun-filled, action packed tale of fantasy and adventure.

It’s also an incredible Real D ride with some great special effects tossed in along the way too. Many people are afraid to watch movies like this saying they do not like 3D movies because they make them feel sick. Let me point out, if you have not seen a Real D movie, you’re missing out on an incredible movie-viewing adventure. I must agree the original 3D movies are sometimes a little much to handle. But, with Real D, the viewing experience is much different. Instead of objects jumping off the screen at you, the Real D experience gives you more of a proportional and life-like experience of being “inside” the actual movie. While I’m sure How To Train Your Dragon will be wonderful on a regular screen too, this is best viewed in Real D.

Fun Story Line, Great Voice Talent & Great Lessons

How To Train Your Dragon has a wonderful storyline which captures the imagination of not only kids, but adults too.

Sometimes movies based on children’s books miss the mark when it comes to entertainment for both young and old alike. A movie aimed only at kids, with nothing of value or excitement for parents become fun factors for kids, but suffering moments for parents. I’ve heard more than one parent mutter under his breath leaving a movie theater – “I should have waited for the DVD” – when watching a movie that simply does not grab the adult attention span too.

Such is not the case with this movie. The graphics alone will hold the attention of the adult, and the fact that the storyline is not simply a lowest-common-denominator one, keeps both kids and adults smiling and laughing. Another great factor making How To Train Your Dragon a wonderful movie is the fact that the writers did not stoop to potty humor to keep the attention of the adult. There are no hidden meanings or sexual under-currents tossed in just to keep the adult interested. For this, we applaud the filmmakers.

When it comes to voice talent, Jay Baruchel brings the character of Hiccup to life in a wonderful and innocent way. Meanwhile, Gerard Butler, who lends his voice for the role of Hiccup’s dad Stoick, is incredible too. Gerard brings the rough and gruff Viking chief character to life, while also adding a nice touch to the soft dad side of the role too.

Last, but certainly not least, How To Train Your Dragon has some great lessons tossed in along the way. For me this makes the movie a win-win for both parents and kids. For kids, there are some great lessons of learning to use your talents to not only be an individual, but also to better the environment you find yourself in. For the adults, especially dads, there’s a great lesson of the importance of encouraging your kids in what they’re doing. All too often it’s easy for dad’s to force their kids, especially boys, into a mold they want them to fit in to. But, in the long run, it’s always best to encourage your kids to be themselves and explore their interests. Very seldom will they be a carbon copy version of you.

All in all, I really enjoyed How To Train Your Dragon. It’s fun, attention keeping, animated, and great for parents to watch with the kids. However, with a PG rating, we have to also say this is cautionary family-friendly. While it doesn’t need a PG-13 rating, there are enough potential “scary” moments in this movie to put it into the cautionary category. Also, parents, keep in mind this is a PG movie. It’s not rated G so it’s not appropriate for the really young.

Enjoy the show!
Dr. Rus