How To Train Your Dragon: Review

Let me just cut to the chase.  DreamWorks latest animated picture How To Train Your Dragon may be one of the best animated films I have ever seen.  This film has everything that an animated film needs; humour, action, adventure and of course a love story. The story is about a young and scrawny Viking named Hiccup, voiced by Ottawa-native Jay Baruchel, who wants to become a dragon-killer like all the older and tougher Vikings. Their village is constantly under attack from dragons, but when he takes down a dragon and is offered the chance to kill it he sees fear in its eyes and instead allows it to live.  Thus is the beginning of an unlikely friendship between a dragon, Toothless, and a human, Hiccup.  Throughout the story Hiccup finds out that dragons and humans can co-exist peacefully, but when he tries to tell his community - well; I don't want to give away too much of the plot...

How To Train Your Dragon was co-written and co-directed by Ottawa-native Dean DeBlois - which makes me proud to be from Ottawa.  The animation behind this film was just fantastic and while most movies in 3D are just gimmicks the 3D in this film is finely layered and extremely engaging.  How To Train Your Dragon is a very touching tale and thoroughly engaging from start to finish.  The voice acting was, for the most part excellent as well - the only criticism I would have about the voice acting is that of Christopher Mintz-Plasse, his voice didn't seem to fit his character; however Gerard Butler as Stoick, chief of the village and father of Hiccup was excellent; and reminded me of his role of King Leonidas in 300. 

The great part of this movie is that it's enjoyable for kids and adults alike. It's a refreshing break for parents because they can go to the film and not have to deal with a child's film like Beverly Hills Chihuahua. This film is fun for young and old alike.  There was not a single negative comment about this film after two screenings in the city; and everyone, including myself, was excited to go back and see it again!  Definitely give it a chance this weekend!

4.5 out of 5 stars