HTTYD Meme -spoiler-

Blank meme

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS FILM! I tag ("Just Lauren") because she never finishes a meme. AND she's IN this one. YOU'RE IT!

Memes are a fun excuse to draw lots of fanart. :3 I have a file without all the words on it...just the arts. I might upload some of these pics separately.

Some explanations? Regarding #7, one of the characteristics I loved the most about these creature designs was their vocalizations! It's the biologist in me. Most films use standard "monster noises." These guys make a pretty cool variety of more complex sounds. Regarding #8, I'm afraid that by reading the very different book inspiration for the film, I'll tarnish the story in my own mind. I'm very pleased with the film. Regarding #6, the two lovely ladies are some viking-ified friends. Chel likes to punch me. Very mean. Lauren is just Lauren. She wanted a purple Night Fury. His name is Nox. And I would totally be a penny whistle playing viking. :3 I'm in love with the music of this film! (Plus, I already own and play the penny whistle! Woo!).

*****

Super long, in-depth How to Train Your Dragon reflection time! Contains spoilers--read the following analysis at your own risk.

(If you've read this before it's because I posted a lot of it as a comment somewhere else. It's easier to copy&paste than rewrite the same thoughts.)

Being a weirdo who enjoys analyzing literature, I found myself wondering WHY HTTYD appeals to all of us so strongly... and among many, many other reasons, I've come to the conclusion that it's so appealing because the film itself is everything we look for in a movie without any of the negative aspects of either children or adult films. Unlike most children's films, the characters and story take themselves very seriously, and unlike adult films, this movie is free of the foul language, gory violence, and sexual themes that generally permeate the screen. I'm still impressed that, in spite of the main theme [killing dragons], not single drop of blood is shed on screen, and the only death in the film is of the terrible Green Death, which is just a great explosion of fire. The one time a viking [Astrid] successfully swings an axe at a dragon, her axe is caught in a shield that harmlessly shatters on impact.

Overall, it's a very well-rounded piece of literature with an uncomplicated plot driven by incredibly endearing characters that are portrayed expertly (including an antagonist that takes itself seriously and forces us to take it seriously). And of course, above all this, there is a cohesive, exciting, brilliant score which enhances the film in all the right ways. I've never listened to a movie score that's appealed to me this much--I can't bring myself to skip a single song. That says a lot. And there's so much depth even to the score, with its interweaving of melodies and textures within the themes. Often Hiccup is portrayed as the flute while Toothless is portrayed by the violin. It's incredible to listen to their melodies intertwine and dance, changing according to their moods and perceptions just as they do on screen.

Notice how Toothless's theme, although it begins as a haunting, foreboding violin solo, eventually becomes the playful, bouncing rhythm in "Forbidden Friendship?" Just as that scene shows us a new, playful, endearing side of Toothless, the musical theme that accompanies him shows us a new, playful, endearing side of the previously haunting melody. Soon the violins (which are typically symbolic of Toothless, along with the harpsichord) playing this new variation of the tune are joined by a flute (which typically represents Hiccup). The interactions of the instruments build with the interactions of the characters. So thoughtful!

I could go on and on and on...

But the bottom line is that it's perfect for all ages. Kids know when they're being "talked down to" or "treated like kids," and this movie does exactly the opposite. Its depth (in addition to many other aspects) draws the kids in for reasons they can't describe, and draws the adults in even more because we can relate to the the film and understand our reactions.

And golly, what respect for the characters to treat them as real people who can and do get hurt when they do crazy things. Hiccup losing his leg was the best thing that happened in this film, even more heart-breaking than the moments when we wonder if Hiccup is dead. Part of us knows he's alive, but losing a limb is a very permanent, damaging sacrifice he made in order to bring about change in his world.

Very good reasons to love How to Train Your Dragon. If you haven't seen it, go watch it.