How to Train Your Dragon, 3D

Released March 2010
Directed by Dean Deblois and Cressida Cowell
Starring: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill

First Viewing March 26, 2010
Jolly: 3.5/5 stars

There are many movies about going against the norm and initiating social change. How to Train Your Dragon is such a movie but with unbelievable visual effects. The characters are charming, the plot is solid, but it’s really the visuals that steal the show. The setting is a remote Viking village where the biggest problem is dragons. The Vikings are obsessed with killing dragons, and there is pressure on the chief’s son, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), to become a great dragon killer like his father (Gerard Butler). But Hiccup’s aspirations of becoming a dragon slayer are quashed when he bonds with the most sought after dragon instead of killing it. Hiccup learns a lot from his new dragon best friend (affectionately named Toothless) and applies his new understanding of dragons to those he is being trained to fight.

Hiccup’s ability to see past preconceived notions of these creatures allows him to determine the true nature of the dragons’ persistence in frequenting the Viking town. The parallel morals of the story are not judging by appearances and persevering through disability. It’s a good story, not exceptional compared to the standard of animated films, but again what makes this a must see in 3D is the visual effects...and the dragons. I love dragons. As a bonus, the charming Craig Ferguson provides the voice of the mentor to Hiccup; the town blacksmith and trainer for dragon slaying. Some people may question why all the older Vikings have Scottish accents, but to that Mr. Ferguson says “how do you know? Have you ever met a Viking? No?!? Then shut up!” (Just thought I would add in that commentary as it amuses me so - apologies for the self-indulgence).