3D animated adventure set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, based on the book by Cressida Cowell. This is from DreamWorks Animation (Shrek, Madagascar).
On the island of Berk where fighting dragons is a way of life, a teenage Viking called Hiccup (Jay Baruchel, Knocked Up) is out of favour in the eyes of his tribe and his chief, his father Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler). When Hiccup is included in Dragon Training, he takes the chance to prove to everyone that he's a natural fighter. But instead of fighting them, Hiccup winds up befriending a dragon, and attempting to set a set a new course for dragon and Viking relations.
Do yourselves a favour these school holidays and get yourself and your kids along to the Isle of Berk, to a cliff-top village with a fire-breathing problem. The story is simple but satisfying – it’s a straightforward ‘boy and his dog’ tale with added Vikings and overgrown, winged lizards.
It’s also the best-looking animated flick in a while thanks to visual consultant Roger Deakins (regular Coen brothers’ cinematographer). He did the same job for WALL-E. This movie offers up plenty of fire-lit scenes, full of flickering orange highlights and long black shadows. Then there are misty forests, hazy sunsets… it looks very cool, especially in three dimensions.
The 3D is best put to effect in the thrilling flying sequences, allowing for a real sense of soaring through the clouds (more than once was I clutching my armrests), and the simulation of hand-held camerawork energises the arena battles.
An action climax is suitably over-the-top and makes good use of three-dimensional fireballs and high-flying camerawork. This adventure story is an exciting ride for kids and an absorbing spectacle for adults.
By Andrew Hedley, Flicks.co.nz
the voices and animation are perfect there are NO improvements for this movie
I LOVE THIS MOVIE
Ttis movie is greatfun,tho title is a little misleading.
sad movie!! the dinosaurs are sooooooooo cute !!! haha
The start wobbles, but once boy and dragon connect, this becomes a thrilling flight.
A 3D movie that will intrigue kids and adults alike but might play raggedly in both camps.
Works enough miracles of 3-D animation to charm your socks off.
How To Train Your Dragon is the story of Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) a scrawny wannabe Viking, who works as a trainee blacksmith while his Viking father and leader Stoick (voiced by Gerard Butler who appears to be channeling Leonidas from 300 at times) tries to protect their village from the invading forces of dragons.
A thrilling drama interspersed with amusing comedic elements (rather than the other way around).
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 25th Mar 2010.
Release date: March 25th 2010.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
