How to Train your Dragon:

I have been wanting to watch "How to Train your Dragon" ever since it came out in March 2010. For one reason or another I didn't get around to seeing it so when I was shopping on Amazon for something to watch over the Easter weekend I decided to buy it.

How to Train your Dragon tells the story of a young Viking called Hiccup. Hiccup isn't cut from the standard Viking mould but longs to prove himself to his community and most of all to the leader of his village who just happens to be his Dad. What Hiccup lacks in brute strength he makes up for in brains and makes some cool weaponry and one night during a raid on his village by Dragons he manages to take down an illusive "Night Terror"! After going to retrieve his kill so he can show the other Vikings he gets more than he bargained for and an unlikely friendship begins that leads both Hiccup and the Dragon to their true destinies.

The story in this film is unbelievably beautiful; it's a story about family, about fitting in and coming of age but most importantly it's a story about friendship. Even though this is technically a children's story there is a real depth to it that makes it a joy to watch.

All of the characters are well written and wonderfully portrayed, (I particularly like the role-playing nerd), and each and every one feels believable and is easy to warm to. Unlike a lot of films there aren't really any "baddies" which makes a refreshing change.

The film, (like a lot of children's films), touches on some serious issues and the way the Vikings treat the Dragons is clearly a reflection on humanity. Despite the mirror held up to humanity the film never feels preachy but instead is a wonderful piece of family cinematography that simply makes you think.

Dreamworks has excelled itself with the animation for this film. It's stylised but utterly beautiful with lot's of touches that make it so special. Every detail from the ripples on the ocean to the way the breeze moves the character's hair is meticulously animated. It's the attention to detail that makes this film so visually stunning.

I know I am at risk of using far too many superlatives in this review but the voice acting in this film is superb. From Jay Baruchel, (Knocked Up), who voices Hiccup to America Ferrera, (Ugly Betty), who is the voice of Astrix, (the love interest), every voice perfectly fits the character even though we all know that Vikings didn't really have Scottish accents!

I got my copy from Amazon for £5.99, (a serious bargain for such a great film), with free p&p. Play.com sells it for the same price also with free p&p. Asda is a little more expensive at £7.00 but there is the added convenience of getting it along with your weekly shop either in store or online.

I seriously recommend this film to anyone, even if you don't normally do "kid's" films this is a masterpiece that you really shouldn't miss.

Rated PG - "Contains frequent mild threat".
Running Time: 94 Minutes aprox.

This is a film only review of the non 3D version but my copy also has a behind the scenes documentary with the cast and the film makers.