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"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new."
-Anton Ego, Ratatouille

With aspirations to become an arts/entertainment reporter or critic, I have started this website to post weekly reviews of the latest cinematic offerings from Hollywood and around the world. Currently studying Film and Journalism at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, I hope my reviews here are the start to a long and fulfilling road down the path of reporting.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

A Boy and His Dragon

How To Train Your Dragon

*** out of ****

Directed by: Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders

Featuring the Voice Talents of: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Craig Ferguson and Jonah Hill

Running time: 98 minutes

If Pixar is the valedictorian of animated film studios, then Dreamworks Animation would be the class clown, with their lighter, cheekier, and more colourful kids fare. But the latter company is moving closer to adopting that former studio’s genius, and these attempts are on full display in How To Train Your Dragon.

Based on the first installment of Cressida Cowell’s children’s books, Dragon is a charming tale of Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a young Viking living on an island routinely plagued by dragon attacks. The village's inhabitants are dead-set on annihilating the creatures.

Hiccup’s beefy father, Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler provides the voice), even wants his wimpy son to toughen up and learn how to slay the ferocious beasts. But, when Hiccup finds a wounded black beast (who he names Toothless) and helps to mend its wounds, an unlikely friendship is formed.

Dragon shares a suspicious number of similarities with the blockbuster Avatar. Its flying sequences have an exhilarating swoop and the animation bursts with a bold visual palette, much like Cameron’s billion-dollar grosser. The animation is DreamWorks’ most stunning yet.

The dragons are fascinating and vividly designed. The Vikings... not so much.

Those bothered by bland characters, a familiar story structure, and bombastic war-and-peace overtones may be wishing that the screenwriters (the co-directors, DeBlois and Sanders, who also penned Mulan and Lilo and Stitch) had received as much training as Toothless.

But, DreamWorks Animation has learned a valuable lesson from Pixar storytellers: subtle, poignant, dialogue-free scenes – like the ones that populated Up and Wall-E to great effect – are key in captivating an audience. The quieter moments, when Hiccup ushers a peace with his scaly companion, ensure that Dragon finally gets off the ground.

With these lovely bonding moments, this world of warfare and wonder becomes something that’s tangible, humane and inviting. After many scenes of hyperactive action, the film can finally breathe - and it doesn't need fire to do so.

With its heart intact, Dragon is not only a soaring spectacle but a rousing love story – one between a boy and his dragon.

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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousApril 2, 2010 at 10:54 PM

    I enjoyed this review. I marvel at your ability to be as well versed about an animated child's story as an epic costing millions of dollars. Your understanding of film and appreciation for each aspect in the craft of film making and story telling continue to inspire your readers. Keep up with the reviews.

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