DreamWorks Animation
98 min., dir. by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, with Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, and Craig Ferguson

DreamWorks Animation has always had a hard time. Sure, their movies make a ton of money so I don’t think anyone is too worried. However, they are constantly pitted against the indestructible Pixar come Oscar time. That animation behemoth consistently takes home the big prize — and rightfully so, as year after year, Pixar is the studio that produces the film that breaks new ground. However, finally, with How To Train Your Dragon, the tides may have turned. The story is simple and predictable: a young Viking-in-training known as Hiccup befriends a small dragon. However, the Vikings are at war with dragons and, therefore, this friendship is not allowed. To make matters worse, the head of the Vikings just happens to be Hiccup’s father.

It’s run of the mill, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For what it lacks in originality it makes up for with flair and wonderful writing. This should come as no surprise to those who recognize the name Chris Sanders. He’s been working in the industry for years, on such classics as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, and, with his current creative partner Dean DeBlois, making the wonderful and underrated Lilo and Stitch. That team is back here again, bringing everything they’ve learned to the table. Even the star dragon, Toothless, bears a striking resemblance to Stitch. This is a great move, as Stitch was a wonderfully designed creature, hitting the perfect balance of mischievous and lovable.

But Toothless isn’t the only wonderful bit of design. Everything — from the wide array of dragons, to the village and the characters — are all perfectly realized. The animation is beautiful and seamless. It never seems like DeBlois and Sanders are trying to make something just to show off — every move serves the story, the characters, and the overall picture. The many flying scenes (one that is lifted straight from a prior work of Sanders’, minus a certain “Whole New World” song) are an adrenaline rush. I wasn’t able to see the film in 3D, so I can’t speak for that effect. But in normal, old-fashioned 2D, the movie looked spectacular. Every duck and weave the dragon takes is felt through your body. When this movie takes off, it’s a wonderful roller coaster.

The voice work here ranges from very good to great. Jay Baruchel, who doesn’t really turn in bad performances, is an inspired choice for the lead. His voice captures the character’s awkwardness and insecurities perfectly. Occasionally, some of his one-liners will remove you from the experience a bit, but that’s to be expected in this type of film. I would have loved if they had just forgone them, but I understand that motivation. Jonah Hill also pops up in a role that I was surprised to find quite different from his normal choice. The biggest surprise out of the bunch, however, is Gerard Butler. I’ve never been a fan of his, seeing his shouting-lines work in 300 as about the best thing he’d ever do. However, here he exhibits real inflection and personality. As Hiccup’s father, his story arc is the expected one, but regardless, Butler makes you care for them both. It really is the best I’ve seen him do.

How To Train Your Dragon is one of those fantastic animated films that is, quite simply, for everyone. There are great male and female characters, creative creatures, and tons of excitement. While I am positive children will love this movie, I can also say confidently that they aren’t the only ones. This film, like all good ones of its ilk, made me feel like a kid again — staring up at the movie screen, eyes wide and taken away to a magical world.