Anyone who likes films done by DreamWorks will marvel at their latest production of “How to Train Your Dragon”. This film combines everything you love about DreamWorks films. The plot is childish but with enough adult oriented content that all ages can and will enjoy the film.
The plot of “How to Train Your Dragon” follows the life of a young Viking, Hiccup, who is seen as an outcast even though his father is the leader of the village. The village is located on an island and has been for generations. The surprising part about the island is that it is regularly attacked and terrorized by a herd of dragons. This herd of dragons destroys the housing and steals livestock as well as tries to kill anyone who stands in their way.
All of this changes however when Hiccup shoots down the nightfury, a black dragon that has killed anyone it has faced in battle. After finding the nightfury in the forest he is unable to kill the dragon and forms a friendship with it, which leads to his discovery that dragons are merely misunderstood creatures and that fighting is not needed.
The plot is the childish part of the film for themes of loyalty, right and wrong and parenting are present throughout. The themes of the novel play into the adult humor.
For those who doubt the adultness of the film: don’t anymore; the cast is star studded with actors ranging from Gerard Butler to Jonah Hill with tons in between. Although neither Butler nor Hill is the star of the movie, their roles are prominent as the father and friend of Hiccup, played by Jay Baruchel.
If you don’t pay attention to the names of actors or actresses in the movies you watch, the majority of the cast is from “Knocked Up” and a variety of other comedies. The main actor in the movie is Baruchel and America Ferrera plays his character’s love interest.
Although the plot and humor can appeal to all ages, “How to Train Your Dragon” marvelously encompasses what most movies are lacking, 3-D. The effects used in the movie are actually benefitted by 3-D rather than most movies that use the effects in hopes of making more money. At moments in the film, the effects give viewers the feeling that they really are walking into smoke or ash or that something is about to hit them. For the first time I actually feel that the effects were helpful to the movie.
“How to Train Your Dragon” might not be a movie for a guy’s night out, but if you are looking for a movie for a date or girl’s night out look no further. The movie is cute and has a few romantic parts that, although they might not bring tears to your eyes, definitely cause the viewer to feel something inside.
When the next rainy day comes, “How to Train Your Dragon” should definitely be on the top on your list of movies to see, regardless of your age or gender.