I initially dismissed How to Train Your Dragon, unimpressed by the trailer, but exceptional word-of-mouth made me reconsider, and I'm very pleased that I did, because this is an excellent film. For once the 3D worked well for me, and the effects blew the obviously tacked-on post-production 3D of Clash of the Titans away. The water in particular looked magnificent. It was great to see an animated character acting in a naturalistic way, and I ended up very fond of Hiccup, as well as the adorably feline Toothless.I don’t know why cartoon Vikings are always Scottish, except when they’re young and attractive, when they become Americans, but it worked. I loved the society, the different designs, the fun of it and the emotional ups and downs. Where I was willing Hiccup to make a grand gesture or come up with a story, only for him not to, it made perfect sense because of his character. And the ending was satisfying, though I hope it spawns a sequel, and find it great that it looked likely to be a failure, only to gradually pick up a wider and wider audience.
A simple story of an outcast of society choosing his own way and eventually winning over his detractors, with a little help from a dragon, it is one of the better animated films of recent years, and certainly my favourite from Dreamworks.
(originally written April 16, 2010. Two sequels have since been announced.)
I was pleasantly surprised with How To Train Your Dragon too. The only thing I didn't like about the movie was the random kiddy jokes (I recall one of the Vikings talking about underwear) that just didn't work for me. But luckily there weren't too many of them and everything else about the movie was enjoyable. I especially love Toothless' design and animation.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I was wondering if there's any way I could contact you outside the blog (like e-mail or Instant Message). I read a lot of your reviews these past few days after stumbling across your blog and would like to offer you my general opinion (rather than comment on every individual post). I was also wondering if you'd like to do a blog link exchange.
Thanks, and keep up the great work =)
Sure! Feel free to send an email to bmethods*****gmail.com, only with an @ instead of the asterisks. I've been reading your blog as well and I agree with a lot of your posts, especially your lists!
ReplyDeleteI don't really know how to do blog link exchanges...I tend to happily sit here doing my thing. But I'd be happy to put a link to your blog in my sidebar!
As for the film, absolutely - Toothless's design is fantastic. I thought the feline influence was genius. You're right about some of the kiddy humour, too, but that kinda washed over me.