How to train your giant fire-breathing cat

[secondlina]

 

I went to see "How to train your dragon" yesterday.

Oh, where to begin the review? Well, I guess by describing something I call the "Howl syndrome". The Howl Syndrome is something I use to designate movie that differ greatly from the (good) source material but still give out a good movie. Like "Howl's moving castle". Miyazaki's film was very different then Wynne Jone's novel. Yeah, I fangirl both.

"How to train your dragon" also falls under that category. 

The original books follow the adventures of Hiccup, the world's nerdiest viking, as he goes off in a group "you're becoming a man" hunt to capture and train themselves dragons. Most of the viking youth train their dragons like one would break a horse. Hiccup, due to his small stature, cannot break his dragon, so he has to refer to the "How to train your dragon" guidebook's "you are desperate" pages that involve talking to a dragon and treating like an equal. So, in the book, everyone gets to ride dragons. Hiccup is just the only one to realize that dragons have a functional cerebral cortex. Toothless, in the books, is pretty aggressive, unrespectful and is also a very common dragon. And the main villain is a dying, desperate sea snake.

The movie also follows the adventures of the world's nerdiest viking Hiccup.



However, the movie is a bit less original then the books. it follows the classic "Romeo and Juliet Bromance" tale of a boy and his *insert animal here*. Dragons attack village for food. Vikings defend village and hate dragons. Dragons hate viking. Boy who is different and uncool discovers dragons are actually kind creatures who seem to be very catlike. Boy is discovered by girl and takes her on a non-sexual carpet ride. Father of the boy and other vikings turn on boy because he loves dragons and do something stupid. Boy save everyone. Yay, we all get dragons! Oh, and Toothless is now a rare dragon with a really special power.

So, the movie pretty much does all the clichés, but it does them well. You're loving it, every step of the way. The movie awakens that little kid inside you that always wanted a fantasy pet, kinda like Dragonheart did, but without Sean Connery being pimp and with actual good acting. The animation is breathtaking. The character expressions are AMAZING. And seeing dragons behave like cats is adorkable. 

I also appreciated the movie villain and what happens to Hiccup in the end. 



So, all and all, "How to train your dragon" is a good movie. Fans of the book, like me, might be puzzled by the fact that the characters seem to be there in name only and that the story is all different. But, if like when you watched "Howl's moving castle", you forget the source material and just enjoy the movie, you're on for a fun ride.

Oh, the music is amazing too.

I actually liked this more then Alice. Bravo dreamworks, you win this round.

-Isa

Comments

[ichiban-victory.livejournal.com]

From what I understand, the movie originally closely followed the book, but Dreamworks felt the movie was too 'kiddy' to make, so halfway through Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois (who brought us Lilo & Stitch) were put in charge and they altered the movie to what it is now. I do want to see the movie, in fact I'm trying to inspire the roommates to want to see the movie. I've a feeling I won't be seeing it until I return home though...

From the previews, the only thing that bothers me about the movie is how much 'Toothless' looks like Stitch. It has Chris Sanders' artwork written all over it, from its chubby legs to round head with big eyes. ^_-;;

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Ah, I though he did look like stitch. This explains it. I actually really like Chris Sanders' artwork. I though the artwork in the credits looked mighty familiar.

As I was telling someone just yesterday, some things are better illustrated with words and other things are better with images. As much as I liked the original books, I admit that it would have been a hard movie to make. And, as much as the movie is riddled with clichés, when clichés are well-used, like in this case, they make a great movie. I love both the book and the film, even though they differ greatly. Basically, same feeling as "Howl's moving castle".

YOU have to see this movie. This movie was basically made for you.

[ichiban-victory.livejournal.com]

I like Chris Sander's style, too, it's just a bit strange seeing a CGI dragon done in his style. ^_-;

I do plan on seeing the movie. If I have my way it'll happen today, but if not today...maybe this weekend when Rexburg becomes a ghost town. Might make life more exciting.)

[angelchan-2004.livejournal.com]

Everyone I know has been saying such wonderful things about this movie. I haven't read the books, but the whole idea just seems appealing (and I love what I've seen of the main character in trailers).

You draw Hiccup adorably~

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Both the books and the movie are excellent, but very different. Though the characters have the same names, pretty much everybody but Hiccup varies greatly from one version to another, so don't expect to see one in the other, but feel free to enjoy both!

Hiccup is the best nerd viking Evar!

[elfgrove.livejournal.com]

I loved this movie so much. I haven't read the books, but I'm not sure I will. As you said, cliched as the plot was, they executed it so well that you loved every minute of it. The fact that so much of the Hiccup/Toothless bonding was done in motion and expressions without words just worked beautifully to me (and I fear that magic isn't in the book).

I don't know. Loved it so much. Want to see it again.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

The book is more fun because of the constant irony. Which you still found in movie!Hiccup. But I have to admit, those silent bonding scenes with the swelling music? AWESOME.

This movie is total bromance. A boy and is dragon and the boy's dad with his buddy (when they clentched hands saying "Yeah, we are gonna give this bitch a run for it's money!" I almost screamed EPIC BROMANCE!!!!!!!)

Dude, and Toothless scratching his way out of a pit of rocks to go save Hiccup? Amazing :D

[elfgrove.livejournal.com]

Mmm. Irony is delicious. Mayhaps I should then. We'll see.
EXACTLY. Magic in execution. <3

It is. I love all the platonic love relationships so much. Gobber & Stoick and Toothless & Hiccup are just great and really believable. It fills me with giddy glee to see a movie do those so well these days.

Toothless's entire "YOU DO NOT HARM MY BOY" reaction when he first met Astrid was fabulous. Giant puppy-kitty to the rescue!

Of course, Hiccup's personality made the movie for me too. Geek/Engineering FTW and sarcasm. "Duh Duh Dun. We're dead." and "Gently... Thanks for nothing, you worthless reptile."

[spankingfemme.livejournal.com]

Oh this is good to hear! =D I saw the preview for this and really wanted to see it :) Now that I know it's a thumbs up, I can go see it in the theater. I am really looking forward to the new Clash of the Titans movie to! Woot! XD

[earthstar-moon.livejournal.com]

I'm seeing the movie Friday I can't wait.

It's funny, when I saw the first trailer, I thought it would be too goofy for me, but then I saw the second trailer and realized it had an actual plot.

Cliches can be fun to watch when presented well. Look at Avatar, it has a way overused story, but everybody loves it. ^_~

[kokumi009.livejournal.com]

wow. everyone's been saying how cute and fun this movie is. might as well give this a try and it's been a while since i last saw animated dragons!

[engelen.livejournal.com]

... Howl <3
hahahaha, random XD