How to Train Your Dragon - without a doubt the best movie I have seen this year!
First I have to say that Dreamworks outdid themselves with the animation. Every object had such incredible texture, and you could even see the hairs on the arms of the Vikings. The flying sequences were breathtaking but not nauseating, and the scenery vivid and detailed.
Not that I've praised the animation, let me get to the story. The movie opens with a dragon raid on a Viking village. The whole village aspires to be dragon killers, believing every dragon should be killed on sight. And then one day the village leader's son befriends the most dangerous dragon of all...
Despite the angle taken by the trailers, this is not a silly film. It's more of an adventure than a comedy, and a little somber in parts. How to Train Your Dragon is a coming of age film - a young man's quest to find his place in life.
The dragons (and there many breeds) each possess their own personality. While the dragons are fierce, they are more like dogs than anything else. Wild dogs I might add - it takes the young hero, Hiccup, quite a while to earn the dragon's trust.
The feel of this movie will resonate with you for a very long time. I highly recommend you catch this film in 3D - especially before this Friday's release of Clash of the Titans forces it out of the 3D theaters...
I thought this looked good--glad to see a glowing recommendation.
ReplyDeleteWe saw this on Sunday and i completely agree. It was an excellent excellent film.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering whether to take the kids to this....sounds like a winner!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
Alex, you read my mind! I just made plans to see this movie this weekend. So far I've heard great things about it. I love Dreamworks and Pixar movies. The one I saw most recently was "Up" :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your A to Z Challenge.
ReplyDeleteYvonne,
Not sure what happened to comments today, I could not leave one on the last post. I am a bend the spine, book abuser so a gadget would suffer if I tried that. LOL
ReplyDeleteAnyway, DH has just mentioned this film, so no doubt we will be watching it soon.
Have fun with your edits.
Based on that recommendation, I'm gonna give it a go :) Sucks that it's not out in the UK just yet though. It's going to have to be Clash of the Titans and then Dragon for me. It's good to hear that they don't focus too heavily on the comical side of the story too.
ReplyDeleteI've been promoting DRAGON for more than a year over in HOLLYWOOD SPY because I fell in love with its warm and genuine charm. World need more such warm family movies.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I expected that it won't be a huge hit in USA (it earned $20 million less than expected) because Americans prefer darker movies, and more violence, the rest of the world still believes in warm fairy tales, and DRAGON will be a huge hit around the world, just like ICE AGE III didn't create miracles in USA, but it was second most successful movie in the world that year.
I adore the names of the characters in this movie :)
I am definitely going to have to check this movie out. Have heard nothing but glowing feedback on it. Everyone I know that's seen it has recommended it, so I can tell it'll be worth the cash! Thanks for posting your take on it, Alex.
ReplyDeleteSounds cute, but I want to see Kick Ass first. :)
ReplyDeleteoooh, thanks for the review!! The previews are just awesome so it's good to know it pays off.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'll miss it in 3D since I probably won't be going anywhere near a theatre. I'll remember it for my netflix queue. I thought it was just a kids movie. Now I'm curious.
ReplyDeleteLee
Saw a trailer for this a few weeks ago but you never know with trailers whether they've just used all the good bits from the promo :) Glad it actually is worth watching!
ReplyDeleteYes, everyone, it is a wonderful film. It's family friendly without being childish, too. Some dark and scary moments, so don't take the really little ones.
ReplyDeleteGlynis, not sure what's up with that. Could be the new Blogger Draft mode having issues.
Jamie, it has comical moments, but it's definitely not a comedy like Shrek.
Dez, I think the US audiences will really miss out on this one. They probably don't realize it does have darker elements. Hopefully Dreamworks laughs all the way to the bank!
So glad you recommended it. I'd been thinking vaguely about going to see it. You've convinced me to go.
ReplyDeleteHelen
Straight From Hel
Looks adorable! I will have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteSold. I'm going this weekend.
ReplyDeleteThe Old Silly
Go see it!
ReplyDeleteMarvin, have I steered you wrong yet?
Sounds like such a great movie - can't wait to see this one :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI took my daughter to see this today. So awesome! We saw the 3D version, which I highly recommend. I've only see a few movies in three-d, and had never been impressed, but this was amazing. That would't have mattered though, if the story hadn't been so good. Loved it and so did my daughter. (she's nine)
ReplyDeleteYou will enjoy it, Jemi!
ReplyDeleteMary, I was really impressed with the storyline.
Thanks for the recommendation! My son saw it on IMAX the other evening and said it was quite wonderful!
ReplyDeleteNew follower from Blogging A to Z.
I think my kids would love this. Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is high praise from you. It makes my to see list for sure.
ReplyDeleteRe Guest Blogging. Well, may I put that in my hip pocket and ask you later? Thanks so much for the offer!!
Galen.
Sounds like an interesting movie. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteIt's an awesome movie!
ReplyDeleteGalen, you let me know. This A-Z challenge has me nervous. I'd willingly pass on a letter to someone else for the day!
The trailer is fantastic - I always tear up when the boy realizes they've been doing it wrong all along & don't need to fight the dragons. What a great message for our kids.
ReplyDeleteI'm just a little worried about it being scary for my 5yo. Anyone know if it's appropriate for that age?