How to Train Your Dragon

How to Train Your Dragon is a 98 minute film rated PG. The movie is loosely based off the book of the same name by Cressida Cowell. It is a DreamWorks film directed by Chris Sanders. The story takes place in a fictional Viking village called Berk. All the Vikings here must constantly defend themselves against hungry dragons and it is an honor for a Viking to grow up and be able to kill a dragon. Enter Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a teenage Viking who is the son of the village leader Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler). Hiccup is everything not what Stoick wanted. He is clumsy, cannot kill a dragon, and is always getting himself into a pile of danger. In an attempt to prove himself, Hiccup takes down a Night Fury, one of the most dangerous dragons around. However, when it comes time to actually kill the dragon, Hiccup finds that he no longer has the desire to kill dragons. Instead, he befriends the Night Fury, which he names Toothless for his retractable teeth.

The movie is amazing on all levels. Some might view the plot to be typical, but viewers can really feel the strength of the bond between Hiccup and Toothless. It is very touching to see either Toothless or Hiccup go to the other's aid.

The animators have certainly outdone themselves on this movie. All things part of the natural world look realistic, from the small pebbles, to trees, to the vast oceans, to the stone pillars. The lighting itself is also very natural. Sometimes, I forget that this is an animated film and instead think that it's a live-action movie instead. Toothless's emotions are also clearly shown with subtle movements, such as a narrowing of the eyes or a tilt of the ears.

My slight annoyance is with the pace of the plot.  The villagers of Berk seem too readily to accept dragons into their lifestyle. For generations it has been pounded into their heads that dragons are dangerous and must be killed on sight. It seems highly unlikely that they will start being friendly with dragons in a matter of minutes just because Toothless and Hiccup are there. This is something that will not readily be changed and takes a lot more time. It might take weeks, months, or even years, but this is something that cannot be changed in a matter of seconds or minutes. Other than that, everything else seemed good.

The music in this movie is also amazing. There's just so much excitement in the music to go with the movie. My favorite is "Test Drive", which I think really emphasizes the majesty of Toothless and Hiccup soaring through open skies. It really gives the listener a feeling of flying as well. John Powell is an excellent composer and I look forward to listening to more of his future compositions. He is not afraid to make things bold and leave an invincible sensation behind in the listeners. The soundtrack for How to Train Your Dragon is perhaps one of the best movie instrumental soundtracks I have ever heard.

Conclusion: How to Train Your Dragon is an excellent family film that every family should have. You will want to watch this movie time and time again, especially the part where Hiccup and Toothless are flying. The dragons are cute, though some of them scary are angry, and the Hiccup and Toothless duo is something that will not be easily broken. So definitely go and get How to Train Your Dragon and if you have some money left over, go and buy the soundtrack too. This is one movie you surely will not want to miss!