Thoroughly enjoyed - Strangely realistic!

Rating: 8/10 (21 March 2012)

I did some research after seeing the movie, specifically how the team behind this animation really did their own research - specifically how some animals work. They incorporate cats, dogs, birds, and a small menagerie of other animals into how their dragons act, and it's a fascinating watch.
There's very little to say bad about this movie.
I loved how pretty much every little thing was relevant. Hiccup's skill comes into play. The one teenage viking who acted like a Dungeons and Dragons player - his nerdy behavior came into play. Everything just... came back and it's nice to see a setting actually remember to use itself, you know? Too many times I watch movies with heroes and villains forgetting that they have certain powers. (For example; Cloud in Advent Children; Why didn't he just use that 'instant kill' move in the very beginning of the fight?)
I also liked how the Nightfury didn't befriend Hiccup immediately, as the trailers had me believe. It felt like a realistic portrayal of an animal to human relationship. I was reminded of how a horse doesn't always immediately trust a potential rider until a respectful hand-to- snout happens. (I didn't research that, I just remember seeing it in other media)
I loved the sarcastic snark of Hiccup, how his entire life has forced him to use his brain precisely because he didn't have the muscle to back anything else up.
While it was fairly predictable (This is essentially a kids movie after all), it didn't take away from the experience and I'm a sucker for animated movies. It's not perfect, but I don't go in expecting perfection.
Definitely worth a watch.