How to Train Your Dragon 3D - Review

How to train your dragon is a charming animated film, based on the book of the same name by the British author Cressida Cowell. It is one among the several books in a series of adventures of Hiccup, the young hero and his world of dragons. The success of Harry potter and the Twilight series have prompted film makers to relook at the genre of children’s fiction for inspiration. Goes without saying that it has also lead to children’s authors sprouting in every nook and corner. The trend, yet to catch up in India will be something to look forward to considering our endless supply of fairytales and fantasy.

Hiccup is the son of a Viking chief Stoick the Vast, a well respected leader of the dragon slayers in the Island of Berk. Hiccup, unlike his brethren is tiny in size and does not live up to the expectation of his father. When he finally does manage to trap a dragon, he is unable to kill it. Here starts the story of a beautiful friendship between the two. As hiccup tries to fix the tail of the dragon who he now calls Toothless, Hiccup realises dragons are more fun trained than killed. Thanks to the experiments with his secret friend, he emerges as the best student in dragon combat training. Among the students is Astrid, who after the initial suspicion is partner to the secret. Hiccup now faces the tough task of convincing his tribe that dragons can be friends and win his father’s confidence as a true Viking. The cheerful ending has a mean little twist, but something that can be forgotten before you get out of the theatre.

Jay Baruchel playing Hiccup is extremely compelling as the sarcastic and bored teenager. Gerard Butler, who is the voice of Stoick, is admirable and nothing like what we have seen him previously. It’s best to forget his involvement while looking at the hefty bearded warrior especially if you have been a sucker to Butler’s rom-coms like me. The 3D element is subtle and adds to the fantasy experience. Considerable effort that’s gone into sketching out the different types of dragons is obvious. They are a delight to watch in all possible colours and sizes capable of firing any kid’s imagination.

Apart from just presenting a story, the film is ideal for a kid living in today’s world. It tactfully and subtly deals with several issues of the times. The misfit teenager, difficult father –son relationship, expectation vs interest, man vs beast battle, love and respect against cruelty etc are just a few. The film turns out to be a brilliant way to spread some good thought, sans a moral science format. An ideal vacation outing for not just the kids and their parents, but the entire neighbourhood.