How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Saskia D

  
  Loved it!

• Jacob E

  
  What a bizarre movie. Not in the sense that its ideas and themes are exactly unique (pacifism instead of mindless violence, no one else has EVER done that!), but in the sense that it's bizarre to see such a heartfelt film being made by Dreamworks. Dreamworks is NOT a bad company,… More
  What a bizarre movie. Not in the sense that its ideas and themes are exactly unique (pacifism instead of mindless violence, no one else has EVER done that!), but in the sense that it's bizarre to see such a heartfelt film being made by Dreamworks. Dreamworks is NOT a bad company, it's just that their work is usually inferior to the Pixar movie that comes out that particular year. This is the only time that Dreamworks has ever REACHED the Pixar Pantheon. And you know what? It's a fantastic film, equally enjoyable for adults as it is for kids. The dragon Toothless is an endearing character, speaking with body language in some kind of bizarre mixture between dog and cat and huge freakin' lizard. But the biggest triumph by far is the ending. I obviously won't say what it is here, but the ending is one of the gustiest things I've seen in a major kid's animated film since the Disney Renaissance. Dreamworks may not have a perfect track record, but this film is certainly a significant boost to that track record.

• Albert K

  
  Dreamworks is starting to learn from Pixar. To watch a relationship slowly being created between Hiccup and the dragon was extremely entertaining. However, the humor and the dialogue in this movie was borderline awful. Still a lot of fun

• Joseph M

  
  How to train your dragon dosen't contain as much humour and wit off previous Dreamwork animations but will win you over with it's groundbreaking animation and a dramatic emotional storyline. How to train your dragon is a milestone in animation...

• Spencer S

  
  I know this animated film had its faults, including an unrealistic setting and the same father/son dynamic issues that have plagued child faire for who knows how long, but you have to take that in stride. Yes, the Vikings are Scottish, which is ridiculous, but obviously this… More
  I know this animated film had its faults, including an unrealistic setting and the same father/son dynamic issues that have plagued child faire for who knows how long, but you have to take that in stride. Yes, the Vikings are Scottish, which is ridiculous, but obviously this isn't a real world, as there is a swarm of dragons running around breathing fire and burning down the village. For what it was, it was pretty original, heartwarming, and unbelievably family friendly while still retaining comedy that works for all ages. It's a fantasy story with an original twist, and superb execution, which everyone takes for granted. The story is handled well, the singular hero is an awkward teen overcoming his father, but at the same time he's a brave individual who always has had the values, hopes and dreams of an exceptional person, so though he's seen as weak by the surrounding characters, we the audience always empathize with his plight. DreamWorks is guilty of making disgustingly unoriginal films, starting with the enjoyable and yet bitter Shrek, a film that satirized Disney after DreamWorks' head Jeff Katzenberg was fired from Disney's studios. They went on to make films that mirrored Pixar's but cheaper and less impressive, though recently they have been veering away from giant franchises like Shrek or crap like Over the Hedge and Flushed Away. Nowadays they're turning out hits like Kung Fu Panda and this amazing film. This is up and beyond from anything else they have previously done and it's actually unlike a lot of children films. It doesn't talk down to children, only engages their sense of wonder and astonishment. They can see themselves doing this, living this magical journey, and really that's the kind of films studios should be making, instead of edgy, adult films that stink up the box office and lead to studio's financial slumps. How to Train Your Dragon, though odd to make a sequel, is really the family film we have all been holding our breath for.

• Directors C

  
  The premise was interesting and the film was suprisingly deep. The 3D sequences are really well done and character was really created for the dragons as well as the humans. There was dramatic depth but the only criticism I have is of how much attention was put on these dragons..

• Anthony L

  
  Father/son relationship issues and Vikings with Scottish accents aside, I absolutely loved this non-pixar CGI cartoon. The characters are well throughout and the action/comedy doesn't come at the expensive of story and vice-versa. The animation is great and the voice cast - apart… More
  Father/son relationship issues and Vikings with Scottish accents aside, I absolutely loved this non-pixar CGI cartoon. The characters are well throughout and the action/comedy doesn't come at the expensive of story and vice-versa. The animation is great and the voice cast - apart from the fact they're all Scottish for no good reason, are also good. I'm not sure if a sequel is really necessary but my confidence in Dreamworks has increased immensely after this and Kung-Fu Panda.

• Jason O

  
  This movie could also be called "The Dragon Whisperer." One of the best animated films in recent years.

• Joe M

  
  The only way you won't tear up a little during this movie is if you have no soul.

• zach l

  
  When it comes to animated films this is definitely one of my favorites. Beautiful animation, clever story, and a great score, How to Train Your Dragon is great for any age. Dreamworks did and amazing job on this movie, so amazing I was surprised it wasn't a Pixar film.

• Al S

  
  A spectacular and wildly entertaining action-adventure for the whole family. It`s outragiously funny and epci from start to finish. Ìt`s a must-see for everyone, it has lots of action, humor, emotion and alot of heart.

• Adam K

  
  How to train your dragon was the first 3D film I saw and because of that I think I was half distracted and also displeased with 3D, but this film still managed to impress me and I enjoyed it very much. The acting was good, the animation excellent as usual. Dreamworks have excelled… More
  How to train your dragon was the first 3D film I saw and because of that I think I was half distracted and also displeased with 3D, but this film still managed to impress me and I enjoyed it very much. The acting was good, the animation excellent as usual. Dreamworks have excelled themselves and this was much better than some of the later Shrek's. I had already read the book so I was suspicious of a film adaptation but this was a very funny enjoyable film. A must for kids, and still very good for adults. **** 4 Star

• Thomas J

  
  Fun, cute!

• Kristijonas F

  
  I didn't see it in 3-D so I can't quite comment on its visual splendor (even though the 2-D version was magnificent); nonetheless, How To Train Your Dragon was funny, emotionally fulfilling, and well acted. Quite the CGi thrill ride this one was. Also - Gerard Butler was a… More
  I didn't see it in 3-D so I can't quite comment on its visual splendor (even though the 2-D version was magnificent); nonetheless, How To Train Your Dragon was funny, emotionally fulfilling, and well acted. Quite the CGi thrill ride this one was. Also - Gerard Butler was a sensation, as always.

• Marc L

  
  You know, me and my brother actually used to make fun of this movie when the commercials went on. Then we actually saw it. And we both agree it was AMAZING! The voice acting is great, the story is amazing, the character development is great. Probably one of the 5 greatest animated… More
  You know, me and my brother actually used to make fun of this movie when the commercials went on. Then we actually saw it. And we both agree it was AMAZING! The voice acting is great, the story is amazing, the character development is great. Probably one of the 5 greatest animated movies I've ever seen. The best thing about it is the story. I think only Monsters Inc, Toy Story and Shrek can even rival it in the story category. The characters were really likeable too. The main character is Hiccup, a young Viking boy who's father is a famous dragon slayer. All his life he has wanted to kill dragons, but he is clearly bad at it. That is until he catches one himself. The rest is self explanatory. Astrid is also a pretty interesting character. We see her develop greatly through out the whole movie. The voice acting was really good too. I particularly liked Jay Baruchel as Hiccup, America Ferrera as Astrid and Christipher Mintz as Fishlegs, definatley the funniest character in the movie. Speaking of humor, this movie was actually surprisingly funny. Fishlegs lines were hilarious. Overall, one of the most truly underrated movies I've ever seen. A major sleeper.

• Randy T

  
  Whimsical, intelligent and genuinely FUNNY!

• Sajin P

  
  The best from Dreamworks studio. Finally they have come up with a movie that has a near perfect blend of heart and intelligence.

• Justin Y

  
  It takes two to bring Cressida Cowell's novel to life, but Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois know <i>How to Train Your Dragon</i>.<p>There is a pretty brief story at just under an hour and a half, but it does get it done. The first half is where things are a… More
  It takes two to bring Cressida Cowell's novel to life, but Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois know <i>How to Train Your Dragon</i>.<p>There is a pretty brief story at just under an hour and a half, but it does get it done. The first half is where things are a little light on plot, as it serves as major build up for the film's final act; however, as soon as things picks up it blows by in a heartbeat.</p><p>The Viking village is set in a great location, which boosts the visuals. The variety of the dragons is a nice touch and the main dragon, Night Fury, is simply adorable and quickly becomes the most likable and care-able character in the film. Even much more so than the humans. The fire shots from the dragons also tend to stand out, especially for the grand finale. Once again, Night Fury takes the cake with his fire effects.</p><p>Jay Baruchel does take some getting used to, but like many other things, he grows with the movie. The rest of the supporting cast including Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, and Craig Ferguson blend in with no problem.</p><p><i>How to Train Your Dragon</i> is geared a little more for a younger audience, yet it is still suitable for the entire family.</p>

• Brad W

  
  What a wonderfully made and incredible film. They hit every right note, but Toy Story 3 is still better. The plot of theis movie was amazing, I really felt better and better watching as it went on. This is the best animation in the entire Dreamworks Animation movie, even better… More
  What a wonderfully made and incredible film. They hit every right note, but Toy Story 3 is still better. The plot of theis movie was amazing, I really felt better and better watching as it went on. This is the best animation in the entire Dreamworks Animation movie, even better than Shrek. It had amazing charcters and some of the best voice acting I hvae seen in a long time. The comedy in this movie is good even if there isn't a lot of it. I was rewally moved by this Dreamworks movie and I hope they'll do more.

• paul s

  
  A delightful little bit of fluff animation that contains a couple of insights; not judging a book by its cover being first and foremost. The story takes place in medieval Scandinavia where a small town is constantly terrorized by various and sundry dragons that, like modern day… More
  A delightful little bit of fluff animation that contains a couple of insights; not judging a book by its cover being first and foremost. The story takes place in medieval Scandinavia where a small town is constantly terrorized by various and sundry dragons that, like modern day wolves, abscond with livestock. The son of the town mayor, a strong willed, but physically weak boy named Hiccup, works as an assistant to the town blacksmith, creating all kinds of wonderful mechanical things while dreaming of being a Viking warrior instead. During one of the dragon raids, Hiccup uses some kind of mechanical crossbow to injure the most terrible of dragons, called a night fury. The following day he tracks the injured dragon but cannot summon up the will or blood lust to kill the creature. Instead, he watches its behavior and slowly but surely gains its trust, which will pay dividends in the future. While this bonding is happening we meet some of the town denizens, all quirky Vikings, including a group of youngsters who, along with Hiccup, receive training in "how to kill dragons". There's many a funny moment as the film sends up the machismo of the Vikings, though beneath it all there is a certain heroic quality as would be expected when their leader, and Hiccup's father, is named Stoic. Obviously, from the names of the characters, the film has a certain tone of whimsy, which works very well (for example, the narration claims that in the village, it snows 9 months of the year and the other three it rains), as it masks the secondary message of allowing yourself to be who you are and not aspiring to be as others might want or expect you to be. In the end everyone is happy (this IS a fairy tale, to be sure), but for some reason, in spite of the flimsy nature of the film, you leave the theater with a smile on your face - it is that infectious and effective. This is a happy film that delivers on its intent; telling a small tale in a big way - it is beautifully filmed with a very good pace - hitting all the right notes without a single misstep.

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