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Films

Related: TV discussion forum.

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Original poster

How to Train Your Dragon

26 replies

serenity · 08/03/2010 07:54

Saw this film over the weekend and it was fabulous, it really was. The animation is gorgeous, incredibly detailed and very cinematic. Some scenes, particularly the airborne ones were even beautiful.

The story was good too, I have no idea how close to the book it is, as none of mine have read it (although we're all going to now!) but the Hero was funny, snarky and likeable, the Dragon was just adorable (want one!) and all the supporting characters were interesting and developed enough for you to actually like them.

I went with DS2(9) and DD(6) and BF(38 and convinced it was going to be bad) and they all loved it too.

It's out on 31st, and I'm recommending everyone to go and see it (don't usually rave about films on here unless someone specifically asks about them, but this one deserves it!)

OP posts:

Original poster

serenity · 08/03/2010 07:56

Trailer

OP posts:

seeker · 08/03/2010 08:02

That's good news - my ds is a REAL fan of the books, and he is worried because he has heard that it's miles away and his favourite character doesn't even appear. Is there a character called Fishlegs? Oh, and is it true that the dragons are big? In the book, Toothless, for example, can get down the front of Hiccup's tunic.....

Original poster

serenity · 08/03/2010 08:06

Fishlegs is in it, but Toothless isn't small,(Hiccup rides him....!) although there are small ones too. The author was at the screening yesterday and she seemed over the moon with it, so I assume that even if there are changes they're still within the 'spirit' of it iyswim.

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seeker · 08/03/2010 11:13

Do read the books if you liked the film - they are brilliant. And there are some wonderful audiobooks read by David Tennant that are favourite long journey stories in this family.

fullmoonfiend · 08/03/2010 11:32

my boys adore the book and are bitterly disappointed by the thought of the movie, which has taken the basic premis of the booksand, er , that's about it.
Toothless (and they way he talks) is one of their favourite things about the books.
However, having seen a 3d trailer yesterday, I think it looks like a fabulous film regardless. Now I have to persuade them...

stealthsquiggle · 08/03/2010 11:37

What age group are the books aimed at and which one should we start with?

DS and I saw a poster for the film when I took him to see Avatar and he was enchanted with the idea (the dragons were far and away the best bit of Avatar for him) but I had never heard of the books. I am thinking film first and then books, now that it is almost out?

fullmoonfiend · 08/03/2010 11:46

books good for 7+. My eldest who is 12, still reads them (privately!)and enjoys them.
How to Train Your Dragon (2003)

How to Be a Pirate (2004)

How to Speak Dragonese (2005)

How to Cheat a Dragon's Curse (2006)

How to Twist a Dragon's Tale (2007)

A Hero's Guide to Deadly Dragons (2008)

How to Ride a Dragon's Storm (2008)

How to Break a Dragon's Heart (2009)

seeker · 08/03/2010 11:46

We started with the talking books - and ds read his first one for himself (he had already heard it so it was easier for him) when he was about 6. He's re-reading and reading every new one at 9. We all love the audiobooks, though, even super-grown up and sophisticated dd who's 14!

There are some fabulous rude bits and the Viking names are brilliant. Norbert the Nut-Job is a particular favourite as is Dog's Breath DurrBrain and Stoic the Vast.

fullmoonfiend · 08/03/2010 11:50

going to look out for the talking books seeker, thanks for that! They will help on our 8 hour drive to cornwall come the summer

Jux · 08/03/2010 12:16

Thanks. DD's been reading the Hiccup books for a few years now, and though they're a bit 'young' for her she still loves them. We'd seen a trailer for the film and intended to see it anyway, but it's nice to know from one who has actually seen it.

stealthsquiggle · 08/03/2010 12:25

Thanks all - I shall book cinema tickets for school holidays and put the books on an Amazon wishlist or two!

AttilaTheMeerkat · 28/03/2010 18:47

Have to agree with Serenity here - saw this yesterday with my DS (it was a 3D presentation) and we both thought it was well worth it.

It was one of the very best childrens' animated films I have seen in a long time.

ToccataAndFudge · 28/03/2010 18:48

DS1 went to see this with a friend yesterday (they're both 9 - it was his friends birthday "party" - taking (just) DS1 out for a movie and pizza hut).

They both loved it.

stripeyknickersspottysocks · 28/03/2010 18:49

I read the first book last month and enjoyed it. Will have to take DD to see the film.

OrmRenewed · 02/04/2010 17:32

Brilliant! Loved it.

And that was just me

I want a dragon, why can't I have a dragon DH has agreed that it might be a good idea for me to get a little 125 motorbike, so why won't he let me get a dragon instead?

fishie · 03/04/2010 22:15

fab film, so good. do all go and see it. we had 3d and some of it was staggering.

i hate films usually so this is wild enthusiam.

DidEinsteinsMum · 03/04/2010 22:19

Shh - you can get how to talk dragonese for £1.99 with a happy meal voucher, we got both books on the voucher - which is fab as ds is too young to read on own so the activity pack on is brilliant. its all activities with very little colouring in- more for slightly older kids then the usual stuff.

feedthegoat · 03/04/2010 22:22

What sort of age group is it suitable for? My 4 year old ds has asked to see it but I wasn't sure if it is aimed at older children.

He does have a good attention span (has been to the cinema to see Monsters Vs Aliens and Planet 51 as enjoyed it). He likes things like Shrek and Star Wars if helps put it into context.

blametheparents · 03/04/2010 22:39

Went yesterday with my DS (age 8) and DD (age just 5) and both loved it. DD wants to see it 'again and again and again'

I am also very excited about the trailer for The Karate Kid - 80s nostalgia!

plus3 · 07/04/2010 19:53

Well we saw this by accident DS 6 and DD 3.5 were off to see Nanny Macphee but got the cinema wrong so saw this insteed. Was quite worried on discovering it was a PG but both DC absolutely loved it - fantastic film.

Snooks14 · 10/04/2010 20:24

My son is 6 and mad on dragons and we are going to see it this week while off for the Easter hols so good to see so many good reviews. And for those who love dragons my DS got a brilliant book free from the library for taking part in a Bookstart thing - it is called Dragons but is a fab book with some brilliant pics.

saffycat · 12/04/2010 19:23

Am thinking about taking my DS(11) and DD(5) to see How to train your dragon for a birthday treat. If you have seen it do you think it would be entertaining for an 11 year old as well as a 5 year old?

LIZS · 12/04/2010 19:30

We saw it before Easter. ds 12 and dd 8 both thporoughly enjoyed it and it was pretty entertaining for me too ! 4-ish yr old behind wasn't so enthralled. When there was narrative rather than action he kept asking where the dragon was, chattered incessantly and got up to go to the loo. The plot went completely over his head. So I'd say it was better for your 11 yr old than 5yr old !

catinthehat2 · 12/04/2010 19:49

Probably. My DH rated it highly, so I should think it would suit an 11 yr old.

Libra · 12/04/2010 19:51

Saffycat - I took DS1 and 2 over the holidays and DS1 is nearly 16!

Both enjoyed it and DS1 thought it was much better than the books.

OK, he did hide when he saw some girls from school in the lobby, because there is little cool factor in going to the cinema with your mum and little brother, but was fine once the cinema went dark!!

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