How to Train Your Dragon (2010)


Dragons have always had a fascination with storytellers and audiences as their presence always brings charm, intrigue and fascination. Pretty much every fantasy film and television series that includes dragons as part of the story has them. Unfortunately, there really hasn't been a story about why a dragon does what it does. That is until 2010's “How to Train Your Dragon”. Based off a series of books of the same name, the movie delves more into the psychology of what dragons are and what they do. Sure, some elements of the story are pretty clichéd, but for the most part, the movie is quite good. “How to Train Your Dragon” is a great lesson on how these mythical creatures can be understood.

The story takes place on the island of Berk with its inhabitants being vikings. The citizens are being attacked by dragons of various shapes and sizes. An eager young viking named Hiccup manages to capture on of the most deadliest of dragons: a Night Fury. Unfortunately, Hiccup cannot overcome his fears of the beast, and himself, and cannot kill it. Through trial, error, and everything in-between, Hiccup learns how to control the dragon as well as coming to the realization that dragons are not the feared creatures that everyone has been talking about.

“How to Train Your Dragon” is a magnificent animated film. The visuals and character designs are amazing; as well as the dragons themselves are uniquely designed to fit their certain characteristics and traits. The flying scenes that are presented for the audience are noteworthy of checking out, especially in 3D if one gets the opportunity. DreamWorks has crafted a world that audiences can get sucked into, and with unique character designs, characters that are invested into looking into.

In terms of acting, the cast fits their respective roles very well, even if it is not up to the time period for which this movie is set in. Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera do stand out, and it isn't until the third act of the movie that the two characters they portray start to build chemistry. Gerard Butler and Craig Ferguson, while providing a more traditional vocal outlook to the film, also deliver good performances among a great supporting cast.

The music is brilliant as it brings forth a traditional fantasy score with a little hint of Scottish influences oscillating the balance between quiet moments and heavy action.

But what really sells the movie is the story.

The story takes an interesting spin on your traditional dragon fable. Sure, some parts of the story are pretty predictable, like the relationship between Hiccup and his father, but the rest of the story works pretty well to its advantage. Why dragons survive, how they work, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and how they can be manageable are all answered here. Plus, we see the relationship between a human and a beast, that hasn't been done before to this extent before. Something that is very brave for a fantasy film aimed at families. There are even some adult moments present too, which is actually pretty surprising given the tone and audience that this movie is going for. The story is really the key factor as to why this movie really needs to be seen.

Overall, “How to Train Your Dragon” may just be a contender for the best dragon movie out there, as well as one of the best looking animated features to date.

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