How to Train Your Dragon Thoughts (TAKE 2)

[emeraldstag]

How to Train Your Dragon

I had this review post ready nearly a week ago, but then Firefox crashed on me and for some reason Dreamwidth didn't cache my complete post only the bare bones outline I had at the start. With how I've been struggling to writing down anything for the last few weeks you can imagine how I felt after that happened. Now, a few days later, I'm ready to give this a second try and share my thoughts about this fantastic movie. If you haven't seen it, you really should try to because you won't be disappointed. :)

After a very long four months, I finally made it back to the theatres to see HTTYD, and I had a level of anticipation I didn't expect when I'd first heard of the movie last Fall. It was an IMAX 3D showing but with it being weekend #5 and a Saturday morning the seats were fairly empty. That lowered the influence a crowd can have on the ambiance of a movie, but HTTYD did not need the help.

The one disappointing aspect to the movie for me was its presentation in 3D. Maybe it was the fact that the last 3D movie I'd seen in theatres was the beautiful Avatar but for the most part it felt like the movie was embossed at most. I've since read that the aerial flights are supposed to be the shining example of the 3D but I was too entranced by the plot and action to notice. One thing I like about recent Dreamworks movies is that they're following the direction of Disney is not using big names to carry an animated film and letting the characters/story do that for them. The only voice I had a problem with was Jonah Hill, but I think that has more to do with my dislike for his presence in every film these days than the character which I think he was a good fit for.

The characters were amazing, not only their designs but the unique names they were given. I enjoyed Hiccup's pursuit to be respected by his peers and make a difference, getting noticed by Astrid once he was handling the dragons after trying so hard with no luck before and of course his interactions with the adorable Toothless. Also Ruffnut is such a great character that is hard not to like even in the limited screen time.

I really can't wait until the DVD comes out because I need to see HTTYD again. I'm ecstatic to hear that a sequel is in the works and I look forward to further adventures with these characters. Apparently the movie and the characters were based on a book which I need to read now (all good things come from books). I've also taken to surfing through DeviantArt checking out HTTYD art on there, and next I'll probably start searching for fic. I'm really blown away by how much I love this movie.