When DreamWorks started making animated movies that were actually worth
something, I’m sure that Walt Disney about turned over in his grave. Now I’m not saying that
Disney makes horrible movies, because they don’t. I would be a horrible film critic if I said that
and meant it. My point with all of this is the fact that Disney for a long time has had monopoly
on the kid friendly animated movie market, so for a contender to come out of nowhere with a
spectacular movie that appeals to everyone had to have been a big shock to them. One of the
movies that I happen to be referring to is How to Train Your Dragon.

The movie centers around a boy named Hiccup who is a misfit Viking. Why is he a
misfit? Well he is about 400 pounds lighter than all of them, has no facial hair, and he can’t
kill a dragon. For those of you who don’t know, dragons are as common as cats and dogs to
these Viking people. Only the dragons are super deadly and eat their livestock and citizens.
Can your dog do that? I didn’t think so. Anyway, killing a dragon is essentially the way to earn
your respect/manhood and pretty much everyone can kill one except or young hero. One day
while he is out trying to kill one of these monsters he ends up accidentally detaining one of
the feared “night furies”, who are the biggest scariest meanest dragons in town. When he
eventually finds the creature, he discovers that the dragon isn’t as evil as previously thought
and the two form a special bond. He-well trains the dragon and after that the misadventures
the two have are even enough to make me giddy. Once the stage is set the story really unfolds
and we are given a plot that is simply a treat. It is exciting, funny, witty and over all a joy.

The film does very good in the effects department. The films characters look simply
amazing and the high flying dragon battles are very intense and gripping. This is not commonly
seen in a kid’s movie, but it is most certainly a good change. The action scenes were amazing,
and I didn’t even see it in 3-D. In the words of Roger Ebert 3-D is

“Nothing but the opportunity to pay more to see a distracting and unnecessary additional dimension”

He is correct, especially in this case. I was utterly stunned by the affects and how exciting the movie was
in plain 2-D. This film has some of the best CGI action I have ever seen in a movie.

The voice cast is lead by Jay Baruchel who does an excellent job providing wit and satire to the
main character Hiccup. Gerard Butler also lends his voice playing Hiccup’s Viking father. Butler adds a
certain element to the roll kind of like he did in the film 300. He is a vicious manly man character, who
isn’t afraid to crack a joke here and there. The film is good spirited in its voice acting and humor. While
good spirited and fun, it is also extremely witty. I guarantee you will be shocked at some of the jokes; in
a good way, of course. The films soundtrack includes vocals and composed pieces which add the mood

very well to their respective scenes.

How to Train Your Dragon is a great film for the kids, the old folks, the grownups, and anyone
really. Its levels of satire, action, and adventure are in enough doses that anyone can sit in the theater
with a smile on their face enjoying the movie. I recommend this to any and everyone who just wants to
see a good movie. Your move, Disney. I give it 4/5 stars.