“How to Train Your Dragon” surprises, charms and soars

Jim Hill

15 years ago

As I was listening to the Vikings in “How to Train Your Dragon” talk about how vile & nasty dragons were … I couldn’t help but think about the attitude that some animation fans have toward Dreamworks Animation.

You know the people that I’m talking about. The ones who – when you say that you actually liked the original “Shrek,” “Over the Hedge” or “Kung Fu Panda” – immediately look down their noses at you as if you’re some brainless boob. Because – as the world well knows – only Pixar is allowed to make truly great animated films these days.

Whereas DreamWorks Animation … Well, they’re the studio that allegedly only makes loud, coarse movies like “Shrek the Third.” Which – while they may sell a lot of tickets – are loaded with pop culture references & crude jokes that immediately date these DWA releases.

It’s attitudes like that make DreamWorks Animation the Rodney Dangerfield of the animation world. That place that makes pictures which are wildly popular with the public but doesn’t get all that much respect from its peers. In short, DWA is that studio that makes fun but immediately forgettable films. Whereas Pixar Animation Studios … They produce art. Movies that are meant to last.

Well, not to knock Pixar (Which is sure to extend its current 10 picture winning streak to 11 once “Toy Story 3” hits theaters on June 18^th), but “How to Train Your Dragon” is no throwaway. Just like Toothless the dragon (i.e. the fearsome Night Fury that drives much of the story of this Chris Sanders & Dean DeBlois movie), this DreamWorks Animation production surprises, charms and soars.

“Dragon” ‘s story is set on the Island of Berk. Where this remote
Viking village has been doing battle with a marauding band of dragons since … Well, since forever.

The film’s hero is Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel), the nerdy teenage son of the Viking chieftain, Stoick the Vast (voiced by Gerald Butler). Hiccup wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and eventually become the greatest dragon slayer in his village. The only problem is Hiccup’s lack of physical stature makes him a very unlikely warrior.

But what this teen lacks in physical strength, he more than makes up for when it comes to mental agility. Which is why – as he works in the blacksmith shop under Gobber the Belch (voiced by Craig Ferguson) — Hiccup is able to invent all these amazing mechanical gizmos. Including a device that could possibly rid their village of the most feared & fearsome form of dragon, the dreaded Night Fury.

When Hiccup actually fires this device one night and then brings down a Night Fury, this teenage boy thinks that – when he comes home with proof that he has actually slain a dragon – his reputation will be made. And maybe – just maybe – the girl of his dreams, the lovely Astrid (voiced by America Ferrera) will finally look his way.

But what Hiccup finds in the forest isn’t some horrible beast. But – rather – a hurt and frightened animal. And as this teen and Toothless (i.e. the moniker that Hiccup eventually hangs on this particular dragon) slowly get to know & trust one another … Well, this incredibly sweet and funny sequence plays out virtually dialogue-free.

Okay, I know. Pixar fans will accuse “Dragon” ‘s production team of lifting that story conceit from “Wall-E” and “Up.” More to the point, fans of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2002 release, “Lilo & Stitch” will undoubtedly see a lot of that little blue alien’s look &
attitude in this big black dragon.

But given that “How to Train Your Dragon” is written & directed by the same guys who did “Lilo & Stitch” … Well, doesn’t it make sense that these two films would share the same twisted story sensibility? Introducing you to wholly original characters that you will quickly take into your heart. Especially during “How to Train Your Dragon” ‘s lyrical flying sequences.

Look, I could go on & on about “Dragon” ‘s clever plot or this movie’s impressive art direction. But to do so would spoil many of
this film’s surprises. But just as the Vikings in this Bonnie Arnold production eventually come to realize that they may have been mistaken when it comes to how all dragons behave … Well, I’m kind of hoping that “How to Train Your Dragon” is the movie that will force some animation fans to reconsider their take on DreamWorks Animation. Makes them realize that not every single picture that DWA produces is mean spirited and /or loaded with glib dialogue. That every once in a while,
this Glendale-based animation studio is capable of churning out a film that will genuinely dazzles you with its humor, heart and intelligence. Not to mention aerial sequences that – in 3D – are sure to wow you.

Long story short: If you haven’t seen a DreamWorks Animation release in quite some time, then you really owe it to yourself to go see “How to Train Your Dragon.” For this Chris Sanders & Dean DeBlois film is far from forgettable. If anything, “Dragon” may be the most memorable & entertaining thing that DWA has ever produced.

So quit draggin’ your feet and go see it already, okay?

Your thoughts?