How To Train Your Dragon is a 2010 release by DreamWorks animation based on a 2003 book by the same name. The film has seen great success at the box office which is usually the norm with well produced CGI animation films. The movie has also found credence with critics who write glowing reviews of a tale of acceptance and understanding, and just plain old fun. How To Train Your Dragon takes place in a whimsical Viking Community that has a big problem, with big flying, fire-breathing dragons.
How to Train Your Dragon tells the tale of young Viking named Hiccup who lives in a village that’s turmoiled by monstrous dragons who terrify the community. Shortly before enlisting in his villages dragon slayer training, Hiccup shoots down a young dragon with a cannon gun that he built himself, although no one in the village believes him. Hiccup who is supposed to kill the young dragon, eventually befriends the beast which leads to comical effects. The film is beautiful animated and is wonderfully voice acted by some of today’s hottest Hollywood actors including Jay Baruchel, America Ferrara, Gerard Butler, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Craig Ferguson, Kristen Wiig, and T.J. Miller.
Critics and audiences totally love How to Train Your Dragon and so do I! Like many CGI animated films over the past decade this film appeals to children as well as adults. It gives families rare chances to equally enjoy an event they both can take part in. How to Train Your Dragon adds a little humor and adventure to a normally safe film genre while still maintaining a PG rating, a rare feat that’s portrayed in its critical and audience acclaim. The 3-D effect is well done and not overall over bearing. Also being available in 3-D format helped this film reach over $100 million at the box office in only a few weeks of release.
I can only give glowing praise for this film which incorporates many aspects of cultures American audiences are familiar with. Dragons are cool, and so are Vikings, add a little kid flair, and you have a knockout movie that satisfies many genres and broad audiences. With its fast action paced high flying dragon races and hilarious humor you will not be disappointed by spending your hard earned cash on this great film.
