The first GREAT movie of 2010

Rating: 10/10 (29 March 2010)

This story captivated me from the get-go. From the moment we see Hiccup take down Toothless, I was enthralled with the story. Characterization was excellent by all the voice-actors and animators. But it was and is the story that really makes this movie worth the price of a theater ticket. As the story moves forward, Hiccup's growing friendship with Toothless along with the expectations of his tribe known really keeps a viewer on the edge of their seat wondering what will happen next.
The revelations in the film about the dragons pull at one's emotions. One theme that runs throughout the story is the concept of overcoming prejudice. Hiccup is perceived by everyone as "the useless" and the dragons as vicious beasts that the vikings should always "kill on sight". As the story progresses those perceptions change -- first the villager's perception of Hiccup and then the error of everything the viking's supposedly "knew" about their supposed enemies -- making it all look like foolishness in the end. And the resolution definitely makes you smile. The STORY is what really makes this movie.