How To Train Your Dragon

I'm always skeptical of animated movies geared toward both children and adults. I don't know why, though. Nine times out of ten I enjoy them when I actually watch them. How To Train Your Dragon is no exception.

What a delightful film! While it makes no effort to surprise audiences with a complex story and plot twists, it's still very solid. The pacing is just right, and even though predicting the inevitable outcome is fairly simple, you can't help but wonder how it will come to fruition.

The mood of the picture is another perfect balancing act, in my opinion. It would have been easy to get too dark with big, fire-breathing reptiles, but it's all pretty lighthearted.

The only potential problem I foresee with this movie is its scope. Vikings and dragons... There aren't too many young girls I know that are as interested in those things as boys. That being said, I saw it with three girls between the ages of 18 to 24, and they all enjoyed it.