Dreamworks animation is starting to get it right

Rating: 8/10 (29 March 2010)

I have never really been a BIG fan of Dreamworks Animation. And in saying that, yes, i am not the biggest "Shrek" lover. My theory is this......with Dreamworks animated films, the movie always has a spectacular first act, and usually has a pretty decent third act.......but the reason why the third act is always decent is because the second act always sucks. I kid you not, watch almost every Dreamworks animated movie and there is always.....ALWAYS a scene where our main character is walking alone by themselves kicking over rocks in an open field because they feel down about some stupid thing they did. Im sorry, but can we maybe switch it up a little? However, "Kung Fu Panda" did give me a glimmer of hope.......hopefully this movie can carry that torch.
Finally, Dreamworks has got it right. They replaced the middle cheesy sequence with an actual storyline. The storyline is nothing above and beyond like PIXAR......but it is very entertaining non the less. The pace in this movie is done very well. Like most Dreamworks movies, i slowly begin to loose interest. But not with this one. It constantly feeds you entertainment with its story, and especially its character drive. Sure it doenst have you laughing non stop, but it replaces those laughs with a genuine story. From start to finish, i never lost interest. And i really think this storyline worked because they followed the same ethics that "Kung Fu Panda" and every PIXAR movie does......and that is bringing the movie full circle. Example: through an entire movie, you drop little pieces of a puzzle.......different problems or dilemmas that the main character is facing. Then you drop even more pieces.....pieces that make the main character happy. Then at the very end, the movie fits them all together for you........this movie did a fantastic job of doing just that.
Also, one thing that i must point out more than anything else is the animation. This is hands down some of the most well crafted animation i have ever seen with my own two eyes. At times, i would literally wipe the drool from my face. Especially the sequence when our main character, Hiccup, takes flight with his dragon for the first time. I was in complete awe at how well it was done.
Bottom Line, i will say that "Kung Fu Panda" is still my favorite Dreamworks movie......but this is still very worthy of mentioning. It really is entertaining from start to finish, and will produce fun for both adults and children alike. This has set a very high bar for future 2010 animated movies.