DRAGONS!

Our Heros

Have you ever noticed the scar on Hiccup’s chin in How to Train Your Dragon?  I did, but then I’ve watched the movie dozens of times.  Today I learned how he got it, and it’s a lovely, sweet addition to the saga.

Can you see Hiccup’s scar?

Yep, I finally saw How to Train Your Dragon 2 this afternoon.  It’s the first feature film  I’ve ever seen in 3-D.  Truthfully, I barely noticed.  Perhaps my eyes became desensitized to the 3-D after awhile.  Or perhaps I was so caught up in the story, I simply didn’t notice.

Two things I’ve loved about the DreamWorks Dragons television series:  the develpment of Hiccup and Stoick’s relationship; and Hiccup becoming a leader through his role as head of the “Berk Dragon Training Academy.”  It was wonderful to see these two elements carried through in HTTYD2.  Another delightful nod to the series?  Gobber making dragon saddles and performing dragon dentistry.

Comparisons between How to Train Your Dragon and its sequel abound.  It’s only natural, and I’ve done some comparing, too.  But the two are very different films. How to Train Your Dragon is about finding your way in the world, forging a new path  HTTYD2 is more a coming-of-age story, discovering your past and accepting responsibility.

Several reviewers have likened HTTYD2 to The Empire Strikes Back.  It certainly is darker that the first film, the stakes are higher, and the consequences much more dire.

HTTYD2 is extremely emotional—and heart-breaking.  I had read some of the spoilers before seeing the film.  In a way, I’m glad I did, because they were so shocking and unexpected, I can’t imagine what my reactions would have been had I not known about them.

Reunited!

You might think Hiccup finding his mother was a major spoiler.  Rumor had it that DreamWorks was upset the trailers included their meeting, but I’m sure it was intentional.  There was so much more to come, things I wouldn’t have imagined in a “children’s film.”

If you haven’t seen the movie yet, you might want to stop here.  On the other hand, if you don’t mind spoilers, read ahead.

101 Dalmaitons, no, Dragons, er, Followers!

Woohoo!  SciFi Chicks followers have broken the 3-digit mark!  Thank you!

In looking over which posts have received the most views, the popular shows seem to be Supernatural and everything in the How to Train Your Dragon universe—movies, television shows, and books.  Hey, those are my two favorite fandoms, too!

Remember this?

Let’s not forget the Impala!

Yet another deal

Test Drive

The ‘Nuts and Snotlout: sash says “DUMB”

Mac & Cheese & Astrid!

I wish I had some sort of contest or give away to celebrate, but I don’t.  So, how about this:

Your How to Train Your Dragon 2 Musings

Toothless & Cloudjumper want your opinions!

Have you seen How to Train Your Dragon 2?  (I’ve been waiting for the weekend rush to subside.)  If so, I’d love to hear what you think.  Please post your thoughts in the comments section.  You can do a complete review, link to a review you wrote or like, or just say whether you liked it or not.

Thanks, everyone!

[P.S.  Just as this post was published this, another follower joined the fun!  Welcome!  Whee!]

Only 26 Days More Days…

Only 26 days until How to Train Your Dragon 2 is in theaters!

There’s been a ton of How to Train Your Dragon 2 news recently.  The movie was shown at the Cannes Film Festival this past week.  Even Toothless attended!

America Ferrera, Jay Baruchel, Djimon Hounsou with Toothless at Cannes.

Toothless attends a soiree in his honor.

Yesterday Jay Baruchel (Hiccup) tweeted what an honor (he spelled it “honour” because he’s Canadian) it was to have been part of the event.  When Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Fishlegs) asked how it went, Jay said “It fucking destroyed!”  adding the film received a 5-10 minute standing ovation!

IMDB has video interviews with the stars, director, producer, and several other people involved with the film, including my beloved John Powell,who—because it can’t be said enough—was robbed of an Oscar for film score!  John informs us that bagpipes are the only instrument (that he’s aware of) created to threaten, i.e., as a signal of war, which is why they’re so loud.

Speaking of music, three songs from the movie’s new soundtrack have been released, as well as a couple new clips.  Berk’s Grapevine has a post that, in addition to those interviews mentioned above, has two new clips from the movie.  I dare you not to cry at the first one!

How to Train Your Dragon 2 opens June 13th, a week before my birthday.  I’ve already informed my friends that my birthday present be to see the movie in IMAX 3D.  (I’m ok with waiting a week to let the young ‘uns—and teenagers—have their go with it.)

I could not possibly love the original How to Train Your Dragon more than I already do.  Ditto for the soundtrack.  But then, if you follow me, you know of my love for dragons, and especially this wonderful Night Fury.

OhmyGodohmyGodohmyGod!!!1!!

Toothless the Night Fury dragon is getting his own balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade this year!

*dances through the house with child-like glee*