You really do need to learn how to train your Dragon.

Rating: 7/10 (16 May 2011)

When my friend told me I had to watch this, my immediate response was "I'll pass thanks". I'm very glad she forced me into it anyway.
I've heard people say that the plot was boring, clichéd and predictable. Okay so it was predictable, we all knew the kid and the Dragon were going to become friends. After all, it's called "how to train your Dragon" not "how to eat your human", but it was by no means boring. Clichéd? Well yes, the plot line isn't new (social reject becomes friends with the enemy, changes underlying social order and the world becomes a better place). We've all seen it before, but then again it is a kid's movie and no one ever condemns the classic fairy tales for having the same plot (mistreated girl escapes cruel mother figure, meets prince, lives happily ever after). The movie was captivating enough for its lack of originality to be forgiven.
What was troubling about this movie however was not its lack of originality but the underlying message. The main idea behind this film is that we should accept those who are mean to us as opposed to killing them for stealing our sheep. That's all well and good, don't judge a book by its cover and all that, but what happens when you try to train your dragon and rather than being a loyal steed it bites your hand off and gives you a face full of flames? It is just a piece of lighthearted entertainment, but the idea that being nice to the bully will always make him go away is a flawed one at best.
Other than that though, this movie was a vast deal better than I expected. The humour was great (I got a few giggles out of it anyway) and the animation spectacular. Not quite Wall-E spectacular, but certainly impressive in its own right. The characters were lovable and well voiced even though Vikings didn't really have Scottish accents. The relationship between the dragon and the Hero was very well developed and triumphantly heartwarming during the action packed climax.
The verdict therefore: a charming movie, not to be taken too seriously but ultimately very entertaining. You really do need to learn how to train your dragon.