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Article by Cameron Spink
The title of this movie is perhaps the most revealing title since Snakes On A Plane but as it is based on a book of the same title it must be forgiven. How To Train Your Dragon is an animation movie about a Viking teen that finds and trains a dragon in secret. This is completely against social norm as there has long been a feud between the dragon and Viking races.
The plot is simple and unobtrusive, as expected from a movie aimed predominately at a young target audience. Hiccup, the protagonist, is a blacksmithing apprentice (aren’t they all) who is the son of the town chieftain. At the start of the story he has both the physical and mental incapacity to participate in the Viking favourite past-time, namely killing dragons. So it is ironic that he is the first Viking to take down a dreaded Night Fury dragon. However, given the chance to kill it Hiccup cannot bring himself to ending its life. Instead he keeps it secretly and seeks to allow it to fly again. He ironically names his dragon Toothless.
Many elements are done very well in this film. As it has such a standard storyline great work is done on the characters and their development. The coupling of Hiccup and Toothless is one which matures fluently and in such a way that both becomes dependant upon the other, particularly whilst flying. Through them we see the consciousness of the whole town raised, from fear to understanding. Amazingly enough that progression is not cliché in this movie .
The effects of this movie are sensational. There are plenty of scenes where blushing skyline becomes breathtaking ocean in an irresistible blend of animation and choreography. At times your spine tingles because the environment is so surreal. The voicing talent in this movie includes up-and-coming actor Jay Baruchel (Million Dollar Baby, Tropic Thunder) in the lead, Gerard Butler as his father as well as a strong, but relatively unknown, supporting cast. The film reaps from a playful attitude that is so often not present even in animation movies. This does not limit its capacity to say something profound.
In an age where family-friendly movies are rare How To Train Your Dragon really shines. It is both provocative and insightful in its character-based storyline and human/dragon emotion. One can’t help having a light heart after walking out of the cinemas at the end of this movie.
4½ stars
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