Review of How to Train Your Dragon (2010) by Grace B — 23 Sep 2014

Dreamworks is known for it?s animated childrens movies enjoyed by both the young and the old. Some of these movies may seem to lack a mature touch. However, Dreamworks seems to have really caught on. Through the action packed scenes of Hiccup, learning, improving, and bonding with his dragon, How to Train Your Dragon uses its relatability to fabricate a heartfelt movie to embrace all ages in it?s fiery passion.

After Hiccup, the son of the village leader, takes down a furious dragon, he decides not to kill it and finds out that all dragons are actually harmless if treated well. He learns all about dragons and even learns to ride Toothless, his captured dragon. From that moment on, the action is endless. He uses his own invented gadgets, from what rudimentary supplies the vikings had, to construct a way to become the most powerful person he could be, and still be on good terms with his new ?pet?.

Dreamworks did a great job at making this movie suitable for all ages. There?s a young romance between Hiccup and Astrid; a blonde warrior from his dragon training class. Most kids will deny to like these parts of the movie, but we all know the truth. Contrary to the kids side of the movie, How to Train Your Dragon has adult appeal as well. Protection is a predominant part of this movie through Hiccup, Toothless, and some other unexpected characters. This part of the movie is what really gets the tears to flow.

Toothless and all other dragons act very similarly to dogs. Many parts in the movie made me grin with recognition of how he reminded me of my dog at home. His expressions, the way he rolled around in the grass, and many other cute things that an animal may do, were well portrayed. These actions get you more involved in the movie and really make you love this bounding beast.

Hiccups knowledge of dragons helps him immensely in dragon training. The scrawny, nerdy kid that doesn?t fit into society or his family, ends up graduating at the top of his class and has to move on to the final test, in which he has to kill a dragon. This is a feat that he could probably accomplish if he wanted to, but he won?t. It would be as if you had to kill a dog. It?s not something most people can morally do.

As Hiccup is in the ring with hundreds of villagers watching, and a newly proud dad overhead, he knows he?s in a tough situation. He is forced to make some bold moves that make the villagers question his sanity. Then, chaos later breaks loose from the situation and is followed by scenes that can shed tears in a well put together string of unpredictable events.

The humor and animation make this movie appealing to kids while the emotion, protection, and tough situations appeal to the adults. Putting both of these factors together is tough and can make a grown up feel like a kid again, but Dreamworks did a fantastic job at that. This is a must see movie for everyone.

-Chandler Hall.