How to train your Dragon (2010)

A boy who wanted to prove his worth and a dragon who gave him the courage to find it!

DreamWorks Animation and Pacific Data Images in association with Columbia Pictures present…

From great animated works of “The Prince of Egypt”, “Shrek”, “Kung-Fu Panda” and of course the lovable “Megamind”!

DreamWorks definitely added more levity and changed the game in animated films. They do have a place in our hearts indeed; this company has been providing friendly competition to Disney and Blue Skies Studios in providing well loved stories, family oriented and still gives the right amount of adventure and action to complete its intended purpose!

I’ve never seen an animated film involving these type of themes for a long time. To think, I could only remember a classic tale “The Flight of Dragons”. Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr. the same tag team that helped made Silver Hawks and of course Thundercats into animated series icons!

The film made me indulge to its magical world filled with powerful Sorcerers, Knights, Kingdoms and of course dragons! The moment that I was watching this CGI feature, I knew I’m going to be in for a treat! Everything is in place, all perfectly made into another of cinema’s masterpiece!

From the Island of Berk where Dragons are common to us as ordinary flies, they have been causing much distraught to the land. Taking away livestock and destroying everything in their path, the Vikings stand their ground to face these troublesome flying reptiles and they don’t have it any other way!

Gerard Butler (300, Law Abiding Citizen) lends his voice to Stoick the Vast, the leader of the Vikings whose headstrong, brutish exterior is given more due for his dedication and leadership for his fellow men. His love for his son has even made complications to both their relationship and their duties for the people.

A tale of a young boy misplaced by his own disposition in life, isolated and left to tend and support the island’s warriors in the blacksmith’s shop. Jay Baruchel (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) breathes life to Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III the main protagonist who still needs to do a lot of soul searching and purpose with his life. Trying to prove that he can be an asset in his Father’s army, he finds ways to make things right but still being ignored even by the townsfolk.

It was either fate or destiny that he was able to slingshot one of the most sought after dragons: the Nightfury who is both the best in stealth and has impeccable aim on targets. His objective was to make his Father proud while being away on a mission and finish his training course.

I loved the way he delivers his character; his voice matches his spirit, a normal boy with great potential and ingenuity. His on and off disappearances from town finds a way to the little dragon’s heart! The dynamic between Hiccup and Toothless is one of a few in films that make the flow of the story work and provide its intended goal.

Supporting casts led my America Ferrera (Ugly Betty), she plays Astrid Hofferson, the supposedly best in the ranks of fresh meat, she is quickly annoyed and frustrated with what Hiccup was able to accomplish to add more insult to injury he even gets the accolades of their friends. Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and others gave a well deserved performance as well.

The film packs breathtaking visuals that definitely is palpable to the senses! A story that has both genuine and heartfelt defining moments that melds its taste for adventure and action being rolled into one! Voice cast was terrifically performed and has brought forth each and every character into the spotlight. I always go on how the story is done and the people that has placed their backs into it, even most of them has not been given much projects yet, but they were able to make it happen and provide, instill courage and acceptance so they can inspire and aspire fans and audiences alike!

Directors Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders did an amazing job providing the right pacing and tempo of the story that makes it one of the best animated films to be produced! To add, Chris and Dean also lends their input with Cressida Cowell ‘s book as Screenplay Writers.

Maryann Brandon who edited blockbuster films like “Mission Impossible 3”, “Star Trek” and recently Super 8 all have been collaborated with J.J Abrams which I believe is really someone who can be a force to reckon with. Her sidekick Darren Holmes has made great things in his resume as well including Disney’s “The Lion King”, “Ratatouille” and WB’s “Iron Gian”t; all films have been able to produce big box office ticket sales.

Kathy Altieri of the Animation Department brings her gifts, her involvement with Production Design gave How to Train your Dragon spectacular scenes and images! Previous works is traced through Disney Films and for all the hard work they placed in this film it rose to one of the best grossing animated films.

Now, the town that earlier had pest control problems have actually turned into pets, from dragon slayers to dragon masters! A new adventure awaits new battles to fight and a new friend to fly with as a sequel is in waiting! So keep the skies clear and put your pedal to the metal because it’s a fun filled ride!