There have been numerous films made on battling dragons and legends surrounding them.
How To Train Your Dragon 3-D
U; Animation
Dir: Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders
Cast: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Kristen Wiig
****
What's it about: There have been numerous films made on battling dragons and legends surrounding them.
But nothing compares to the colour and spirit of this one. Hiccup (Baruchel) is a teenager living in a Viking village right out of Asterix's Gaul surroundings.
The folk constantly live under the fear of being attacked by ferocious dragons. 
To protect themselves, the villagers have to constantly train the young ones to master the art of killing a dragon.
Unfortunately, Hiccup despite being the son of their leader (Butler) is anything but a fighter. One day, he encounters the mystical Night Fury a dragon so elusive that no one has ever spotted one.
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After the initial urge to kill it, he soon realizes there's more to these creatures than fiery breath.
Naming the animal Toothless, he embarks on a journey of training him and learning the history of their kind.
The climax revolves around the Vikings reaching a massive mountain that nests the biggest dragon they've ever encountered and using Toothless and his friends to fight him back.
What's hot: Here's a story that's so genuine and heart felt that you actually feel for the characters.
Even through the 3-D glasses, you can feel for Hiccup as he tries to blend in with the crowd or finally realises who he wants to be.
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Immense detail has been paid to make the dragons stand apart from each other. They all have different colours, textures, and appendages that make them look unique.
Toothless despite his ink black appearance has warmth and compassion in his emerald green eyes. Battle scenes between the Vikings and the dragons are spectacular.
Since these animals can fly, having 3-D is an advantage as you watch Hiccup and Toothless soar beyond the clouds and watch the sun set in the horizon.
There are several WOW! moments that will have you ogling at the sheer beauty of the visuals.
Making these characters believable are actors who do an amazing job with their voices.
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Butler puts on an impeccable Scottish accent as the robust father, America Ferrera is adorable as the feisty Astrid, but it's Baruchel who impresses the most as the freckled Hiccup.
Remember it's not a Pixar film, yet the guys at Dreamworks do an amazing job at bringing the story alive. Watching the mother of all dragons rise from the ground in the finale is simply superb!
What's not: Toothless looks like a mash-up between Pokemon and Stitch. Despite the legends of its clan being ferocious, there's hardly anything scary about the dragon.
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Also the pace is uneven and takes off only after a while. There are lots of names, characters and legends that you have to concentrate on, to be on the same page as the script.
It would have been interesting to have some more background of Toothless and his history.
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What to do: Totally enjoyable for all ages, How To Train Your Dragon makes a good watch for its captivating visuals and heartfelt story.
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