HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Post Release Discussion

Ahhh, I wasn't expecting this type of praise. Even as a fan of dragons, the trailer really left me cold; cold to the point of not caring enough to see it in the theater.

You have my interest piqued now!

I'd like to take the anxious offspring, but I've heard rumblings there's some "scary" stuff in this. Anyone care to comment or elaborate?

Trailer seemed to suggest quite Shrek-esque humor in this.. so is there? I'm inclined to avoid that. But I unabashedly loved Kung-Fu Panda, and if this is comic fantasy done right I might go & check this out too.

It kinda warms my heart to see Dreamworks Animation slowly getting their shit together.

Our local movie critic seemed to be lamenting the fact that the film didn't have that kind of humor, so take that as you will.

Then again, he called The Reluctant Dragon a "1980s movie and TV series," so he clearly doesn't know what the fuck he's talking about.

I remember seeing the first trailer for this and groaning to myself. Damn if I'm not really looking forward to this now.

Suprised (and pleased) to hear that it's good. Those ads during the Olympics kinda killed all of my enthusiasm for it.

Money's awfully tight, but my wife & daughter have been dropping hints that a 3D viewing is desired.

Looks like Pixar's got another hit on its hands!!!


Seriously though... after reading this piece this morning, I'm really excited to see the movie tonight.

Thanks for the incentive, Tommy. This sounds like it's the one for me to try out the 3D thing finally. My first since, well, COMIN AT YA!

Nice plus: raves for the Powell score. I can't overstate how important a good score is for my movie experiences. (Or how a shitty, innapropriate score can scuttle something posthaste.)

I loved Kung Fu Panda. If this is as good as that I'll definitely see it.

As tommy five-tone already stated, Pixar would not be ashamed to have produced this. But frankly, I'm glad they do what they do. And if Dreamworks continues to make movies like this and Kung Fu Panda, I will be very happy to have both studios doing what they do best.

This was a FUCKING BLAST. It's what I hoped for all those years ago when I went to see Reign of Fire. And just so you know, I had previously not been looking forward to it much, if at all. The trailers did nothing for me.

THIS is the way you do formula. Brisk, energetic, and fun. 98 minutes to tell a familiar story about accepting who you are (same as Kung Fu Panda and most Dreamworks movies). Make sure to see this in 3D for the flying sequences. Comparisons to Avatar will be frequent, I think. The film practically dares you to compare it by providing several thrilling flying sequences. And they kick Avatar's ass in terms of how varied and thrilling they are. And they are gorgeous. And this is coming from someone who thought the best use of 3D in Avatar came from the flying sequences.

To answer some questions above...

The humor is definitely more in line with Kung Fu Panda as opposed to Dreamworks' other movies (you know the ones I mean...). It's a fantasy movie featuring vikings and dragons, but the dialogue and tone is kept contemporary when it comes to the humor. But that it. No barrage of pop-culture references. The humor generally comes from character interactions.

Oh, there is a bit of D&D nerd humor when it comes to the fat kid. I found it cute.

As for how suitable the film is for youngsters... It IS rated PG. And it is a loud movie. John Powell's epic score, dragon roars, the whoosh of their wings, the rumble of epic dragon breath, etc. There are several moments that can definitely startle them. They startled me.

There are also several moments of intense peril, usually involving characters falling to their doom. The 3D enhanced such sequences for me. Really exciting.

A lot of the dragons are cute (the sheer variety of dragon designs is a lot of fun), but there are a couple that are seriously monstrous. I could see a kid getting scared by them.

A couple of my friends found Baruchel's voice grating. I thought he delivered a perfectly fine performance. I guess it just depends on what you think of his voice. I also thought Butler did a solid job as his dad. I never forgot it was Butler, but I was fine with that. Probably because I can see Butler being a viking in real life.

I'm definitely gonna go see this again while I have the chance.

Just had to add my love for this movie. It was fantastic.
The first time I felt my IMAX 3D money was spent wisely. Genuinely thrilling and hugely entertaining. My expectations weren't very high either (Craig Ferguson?) but it blew me away. I couldn't stop smiling throughout the entire movie it was so great. Great character design, animation, voice work, everything. I'll second the flight scenes vast superiority to Avatar. I really liked the score. Definitely going to see this one again in IMAX.

Oh, definitely ditto on not being able to stop cracking a smile during certain sequences. I think I actually experienced tears of joy at certain moments. No joke.

Not really because of the story or drama. Just because it was truly the "immersive" theatrical experience we'd been promised with 3D. A real thrill ride.

Dive-bombing porn...

I didn't see this in 3D but I fucking loved it anyway. I might have enjoyed even more than my 6 year old daughter if that's possible. Thought it was ballsy to have the movie end with Hiccup getting irrevocably maimed. It was definitely by-the-numbers for the most part, but like someone else said, this is HOW you do it.

Loved the score and the flying sequences, especially the show-don't-tell sensibility of them. I'd also like to congratulate whoever designed the way Toothless moves and fights, spitting lightning balls and all. Tremendous.

I loved loved loved this movie. Yes, the story is familiar ground, but its not less exciting and fun because of it.

1) The final fight with the big dragon might be one the best action sequences of the year.

2) There cannot be enough praise for John Powell's score. Truly epic and majestic.

SPOILER:

I laughed HARD at the fat-ass dragon's atomic bomb crash landing. A big HOLY SHIT cackle.

Just saw it....

It was AWESOME!

It's the first time I've come out of the theater with my two girls to have them thank me profusely for taking them to see a movie.

The voice work, score, visuals, effects are all spot on. I loved Jay's voice, its grating quality totally suited Hiccups character. And the D&D references really made me guffaw, it was so unexpected! Also, you can definitely see Chris Saunders hand in the animation, which is an added bonus as I loved Lilo and Stitch.

It is loud, I don't think I would take my 4 year old to see this, but it was perfect for the 7 and 10 year old. The four year old can see it at home when we get the DVD, and we will be getting the DVD. To be honest, I'll be tempted to get a 3D television just to see this movie again, so definitely spend the bucks and see it in 3D.

I'm gonna go see this again tomorrow night with another group of friends. Hahahah.

Nice. I need to see it again, too before Titans kicks it out of theatres. I never understood the Avatar blues until this movie. Berk beats Pandora any day of the week and I really want to go flying again...

Wonderful, wonderful film. Maybe the best animated film Dreamworks has done.

It's about time. I've not seen a Dreamworks film since Shrek 3, and I only got about 30min into that one. I guess my ass needs to see Kung Fu Panda as well.

You won't be disappointed in PANDA, Nick. It's great!!

Wow, I wasn't planning on seeing this one, but all the love it's getting is making me rethink that plan. I'm a sucker for dragons but admit they've rarely been done well in movies. Plus, my (tomboy) oldest daughter is dying to see it, so I guess I'm out of excuses!

When I went to see Hot Tub Time Machine yesterday, there were a whole bunch of kids and parents getting out of a showing of this and everyone was yammering away excitedly as they walked out.

Took my son Friday afternoon, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was a really good movie. And the one thing I noticed...as much as we've been saturated in CGI, when the flying scenes come along and you can't really see the people in shot, just the landscapes and dragons, you almost wouldn't know this was a strictly animated film. I definitely recommend it if you're on the fence about seeing it.

There is one point in the movie where the vikings approach an island that is shrouded by fog which made it look as if the outcroppings of the cliffs were floating in the sky.

I'd like to think that this was a last minute addition by Dreamworks to poke fun at Avatar. Probably isn't... but whatever!

Just watched it with the lil' ones and the missus -- short of great but still an excellent time.

Kung Fu Panda still my favourite, though.

Even going into it with elevated expectations from this thread, I was still surprised by how good it was.

The way the score swells as Hiccup navigates through Toothless's drawing, culminating with Toothless letting Hiccup touch him made that moment kind of magical.

And it looks gorgeous. As it probably should, given the 'Visual Consultant: Roger Deakins' credit. Especially the shot from the beach during the battle amongst the clouds, as the flashes from Toothless's fireballs reveal the silhouette of the Ur-Dragon.

I definitely have to see this again.

Getting rid of Sanders and DeBlois may prove to have been a very bad move on Lasseter's part if they can keep Dreamworks' quality this high.

Just came back from my second viewing of this. I've come to the conclusion that this movie works primarily as a fun thrill ride with a simple and satisfying story. I think Kung Fu Panda is more solid as a whole, but damn if the sweet moments of Dragon weren't just as sweet the second time around.

One moment of animation I really loved... when Stoik angrily leaves the room after disowning Hiccup, he does a subtle stumble from the severity of the moment before he marches on. Really nice work.

Whole family loved it (me, wife, 5 year old daughter). Should be seen in theaters. Since this is post release, I'll be spoiling here with a few questions:

1. How many animated kid's films can you name where they permanently maim the main character?
2. What's the message exactly? Shouldn't kill dragons... unless they're kaiju-size?
3. How come the viking adults had Scottish accents instead of Norwegian/Swedish?
4. How great were the designs? I'll answer this one. Pretty dang great.

Action scenes were terrific, "cinematography" was outstanding, environments had a realistic "life" to them even though they were stylized, and character animation was very appealing. I could see a bit of Stitch in Toothless.

Even though it's messy I really loved the "you don't have to fight your father's battles" message. And the FUCKING DRAGON FIGHTS.

Took the nephews (2 boys and 2 girls) to this one (in 3d); they loved t and so did i; loved the character designs and the dragons (then again, i have a soft spot for dragons and vikings since a little kid), and I concur this is a gigantic progress for Dreamwork's animated films.
Amazing animation and designs, and the action and aerial sequences are fantastic.
Agreed that Hiccup not escaping the final battle/fall unscathed was a gutsy move...however, the reveal is followed by my favorite moment in the film, when Hiccup almost falls down taking his first step with his new "foot" but Toothless lets him lean on his head.
A close second is Astrid raising her hand to touch the clouds...so well done.
Loved the cast of kids BTW; they do not get much screen time, but there so well defined and each has their little shining moments.

I just KNEW the twins were going to be riding the 2-headed one.

Same here; also, rather amazed how Astrid's character didn't feel clichéd at all ( was expecting a tomboy with a heart of gold the second she appeared); how her flight sequence with Hiccup goes from terrified to toyed with to amazed is a fantastic sequence.
Also rather liked that some of the vikings (at least one is very clear to guess) from Stoik's crew are obviously meant to be the other kids parents.

Notice how Toothless loves being apologized to? Love the way he (I assume it's a he) uses his plasma-breath to make a toasty bed for himself.

Breast hat.

Love the EXTREME close-up of Toothless' eyes when he makes an attempt to kill Hiccup. Then Hiccup's recovery-to-collapse. Brings the house down.

Enjoyed this quite a bit. Toothless is such a wonderful combination of design and animation; really fell in love with the character. Very glad they didn't opt to voice any of the dragons and absolutely have to 2nd (3rd? 4th?) the surprise and appreciation at them maiming the main character, a kid, and how it amplified the bond between Hiccup and Toothless.

One of my favorite shots was after Stoik has his men break a hole into the cliff and launch a flaming ball inside, and as it's flying through the cavern lighting up the walls you catch glipses of hundreds and hundreds of dragons in there. Great stuff.

And to top that moment off, Stoik clearly sees all those dragons and charges in screaming. Awesome.

Also loved:

-The shot of the Vikings staring at the cloudy sky were Hiccup/toothless and the giant dragon fight; it looks like fucking Ragnarok up there.
-The use of runes in the book.
-The mentions of thor and odin.
-The rather gruesome description on how deadly each dragon can be.
-Mug of mead prosthetic!

I did love the 3D but damn, I'm tired of dull bulbs at the theater. With the glasses it looked like I was watching it underwater.

This is what I call epic. What an amazing shot, one that I wasn't expecting. I knew there was some big dragon (wish it wasn't in the trailer) but didn't expect it to be that huge, then fly, then have this fight in the clouds and explode.

I loved that they actually contributed a lot to dragon character design, specially with toothless and the big one.

There was also a scene in the training area with Hicup hiding behind a column that reminded me of this;

In that regard, I'm so glad that I found the trailer uninteresting and forgot about most of it. When the threat of the dragon queen started to be introduced, I was actually surprised.

This movie loses nothing on a 2nd viewing! I've never spent this much money on IMAX 3D before. Definitely my favorite movie so far this year.

Great movie, no doubt about it. I think what relieved me most (apart from being a truly good Dreamworks film) is that there was no shoddy pop-culture references, except for maybe the D&D reference, but it honestly works brilliantly (and besides, I think by now D&D can be counted as a historical reference :B). When I first heard Gerard Butler's voice, I was bracing myself for the inevitable "THIS IS SPARTA" reference, but thank God it never happens. The character designs are excellent, and the voice acting is definitely among Dreamworks' best. I'd definitely like to see a sequel; I mean, there's literally a book of hundreds of different types of dragons that we never see in the movie.
My only beef is that it gets a bit by-the-book at times, but the sheer amount of everything else outweighs it.

BTW Toothless is the reason the Academy Awards should have a 'Best Animated Character' category

I got a kick outta the idea that Stoik was just standing there as this flaming ball was hurdled over his head.
Balls. He haz em.
My wife and I were expecting that the dragons were feeding babies, not an Uber-Dragon. The kaiju fan in me loved his size and design.

Took the day off to take my little brothers to this (they're 5 and 6) on Monday, and we all loved it. For whatever reason, the dragon designs, except for Toothless and the Uber Dragon, didn't really do it for me. They just didn't feel like they fit in with the style of the rest of the movie to me. Lots of sharp angles and what not that didn't really gel with the rest of the picture.

Still, it was a blast. This movie speaks little boy like no other.

There is one 'funny' line in the movie that stuck out like a sore thumb the moment I heard it. Craig Ferguson makes reference to a change in panties. I dunno... is that like a pop-culture reference? Never mind. Doesn't matter. It certainly didn't help that his character sounds a lot like Shrek to me. Damned line made me roll my eyes.

Yeah, there were some choice shots in the film.

What can you say? It's a great family movie, and only the third time in my life that my love of Viking movies hasn't fucked me in the ass.

Thought Baruchel was exceptional, and thought the shot composition was incredible.

The cue Test Drive from John Powell's score may this this year's Reboot for me.

Yup, this one caught me by surprise. Really enjoyed this, and it may be the first Dreamworks animated movie without one wink-nod pop-culture reference (at least I couldn't point any out) or pop song (unless you count the end credits, though I don't think I even recognized the band).

Very refreshing! Definitely the high-point of the Dreamworks animated cannon.

Oh and Powell's score made the stock of this go up a few more points.