Tuesday, April 6, 2010

How to Train Your Dragon: a real gem

How to Train Your Dragon= A+

How to Train Your Dragon is a wonderful movie that doesn't talk down to kids and is incredibly entertaining for adults. The animation really works, though I don't know that you need to experience it in 3D to get the full effect of wonder.

The creatures depicted as dragons aren't scary so much as imaginative and heck, cute. Toothless, one of the main characters, is adorable. The others are intriguing and so varied from each other they all stand out. (Two headed dragon that breathes gas with one head and lights it on fire with the other. A tiny dragon that's full of zest, and another giant that lights itself on fire...)

The storyline involves dragons, but revolves around an outcast Viking named Hiccup and his village of dragon-hunting Vikings. His father was voiced by Gerard Butler, and the entire cast was terrific.

I can't say enough about this movie. Heck, I want to see it again. The gradual progression of friendship between Hiccup and Toothless works because it takes time. Hiccup himself is a terrific mix of inner strength, vulnerability, and outward weakness. He's much smaller than the others in the village, and he thinks things through in a way those around him just can't understand. The movie works because Hiccup has real issues, and his relationship with his father is one many of us can empathize with. Wanting to make his father proud and to finally belong somewhere, to fit in.

So if you want something to do with your kids, or you just want something fun and enlightening in general, don't miss How to Train Your Dragon. And the ending really grabs you, I have to say.

1 comment:

Ayla Ruse said...

I can't wait to see it. I'm planning on taking the kids next week. Thanks for the head's up on how good it is!