WHAT DREAMWORKS SAYS:
From the studio that brought you "Shrek", "Madagascar" and "Kung Fu Panda" comes "How to Train Your Dragon." Set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, and based on the book by Cressida Cowell, the action comedy tells the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn't exactly fit in with his tribe's longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers. Hiccup's world is turned upside down when he encounters a dragon that challenges he and his fellow Vikings to see the world from an entirely different poin of view.
OUR REVIEW:
With several viewing options to choose from (flat, 3-D or IMAX 3-D), "How to Train Your Dragon" can be as intense or visual as you want. For younger children, the flat version is probably best as there are several fight scenes and a ferocious dragon in the end reeking all kinds of havoc on the vikings. For older children, the 3-D scenes are best when Hiccup is flying and of course during the fight scenes. Parents should also keep in mind the screaming and growling of the dragons, which is both scary and loud for little ones.
Overall the message of the movie is very positive. It is okay to see the world in a different way than your "tribe". Violence only begats more violence and is not always the best way to handle opponents or controversy. Loyalty and honesty are sometimes hard, but should be kept at all costs. Brains are just as powerful as strength. The movie also has a great equality message for girls and boys, as the female characters are just as strong as their male conterparts. The language is mild, with some name calling, reference to a "breast hat" and use of the word "hell".
