World-Building: Awesome
Characterization: Awesome
Plot: Awesome
SPOILERS AHEAD
How to Train Your Dragon is an excellent movie. Asides from the fact that it involves dragons it has a good plot, great characterization and great world-building. The story is about Hiccup - a scrawny young viking lad who has more brain than brawn and suffers social consequences. He is dying for the chance to kill a dragon, which is the only sure way to earn status and respect in his viking village. The movie starts off with a funny introduction to his village - which I will not spoil for you! - and quickly jumps into the action as the village is attacked by several dragons.
The characterization of Hiccup was probably the best thing in this movie (except for the dragons of course!) His character grows and changes throughout the film as he learns to accept himself and work with his strengths. His relationship with his father is also good, though his father is a bit of a caricature at points. The other characters were also well done to varying degrees and even when this film used humor it didn't do it in such a way that spoiled the characterizations or was jarring for the world-building. I actually really enjoyed the humor in this movie, it worked because it fit in with the world in which the story took place.
Speaking of which, the world building was excellent. Everything flowed smoothly and there were many details that gave it depth. The variety of dragons was great, even though we only got to see a few of them play a role in the main events the "Dragon Manual" and all the conversations made it clear that there were many more out there. They also had very cool powers. What made this doubly awesome was Fishlegs' constant commentary where he describes the dragons' powers in terms such as "Firepower 15!" "+5 speed" and so on.
The plot was also great. I was going to give is a slightly lower rating, but decided against this because the main character doesn't come out of this experience safe and sound and completely unblemished. He actually suffers a serious life-altering injury. This is awesome just because of how rare it is to find this kind of realism in such stories.
The soundtrack was also great.
Finally, I love that the actors didn't try to change their accents for this. At least, it didn't sound like they did. For example, we had a very North American sounding accent for Hiccup, who was played by Canadian Jay Baruchel and then his father, Stoic the Vast, was played by Scottish Gerard Butler. They kept their accents and it worked. I was not forced to listen to North Americans attempting to sound British or the equally annoying experience of listening to British actors attempting American accents. I wish more directors would follow this example!
In conclusion, this is a movie that I have watched several times already and will most likely be watching again! I would highly recommend it. Don't wait - go watch it now! :D
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