How to Train Your Dragon Review
This is a heartwarming, animated story about a Viking teenage boy named Hiccup. He is a softhearted, sweet boy, who doesn’t fit in with his tribes tradition of killing dragons. When Hiccup encounters a dragon, instead of killing the dragon, which he was supposed to do, he develops a loving relationship with him. While bonding with the dragon, he names him Toothless, and does everything he can to try and stop his father, and their tribe, of slaying this dragon and all the other dragons.
Rating: Five out of five buckets
Release Date: October 15, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: Any age
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Talking Points:
The relationship between Hiccup (the boy) and Toothless (the dragon), is similar to a boy and his dog. While Hiccup is feeling insecure, lonely and rejected, because he’s not like all the other Vikings. Toothless is always there for him; being a very loyal companion and friend. Toothless even risks his life for Hiccup. I couldn’t wait to get home and cuddle with my dog.
The movie could bring up some good parent-child discussions. Hiccup’s dad, the leader of the tribe, is a very big, strong, tough, leader; he wishes his son was more like him and the other Vikings. Though he loves his son very much, he has a hard time relating to him. Hiccup has a hard time communicating with his dad as well. Initially, Hiccup doesn’t tell his dad about Toothless, he even considers running away. In the end they both realize their mistakes, and learn to appreciate and accept each other for who they are.
He has a charming relationship with Astrid( America Ferrera), his “girl buddy,” who later becomes his girlfriend. Initially, she’s the only one that knows about Hiccup’s relationship with Toothless.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Innocent flirting.
Violent Content: Moderate
- A main concern for many parents with younger children, (4 and under), are the intense battle scenes. At the end of the movie there is a massive battle involving a very large, scary dragon. This may scare younger kids, as it did in the theater.
Crude or Profane Language: None
Drug and Alcohol Content: None
When I interviewed people in the audience, some comments were:
A dad said, “The trailer was deceiving, it seemed more comedic, but this was intense, especially for my 4 year old.”
A mom said, “ I liked the message of communicating and not fighting.”
Overall this is a wonderful animated movie. It’s suspenseful, but yet sweet and endearing as well. I recommend this for kids ages 5 and up. I give 5 out of 5 buckets.
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