Share inspectrex's profile
inspectrex
inspectrex's stats
- Review count3
- Helpfulness votes0
- First reviewDecember 20, 2009
- Last reviewJuly 3, 2010
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.7
inspectrex's Reviews
Overall rating
3
/
5
An acceptable START
PostedJuly 3, 2010
inspectrex
from Milwaukee, WI
This is a decent movie. Not great, not mindblowing (except for the bending effects), but decent. If you're new to the series you will see just enough to want more. If you're fans of the show there are two tracks: 1. Dissapointment, (knowing there won't be a proper conclusion if the box office is too small) . 2. Appreciate it for what it is, rightfully criticizing what was wrong but realizing its a decent start.
In our opinion he did just well enough to deserve a second shot.
My famiy are longtime fans of the show. Understanding there was no way M. Night could capture 3 years worth of deep characterization in a two hour movie (and knowing a trilogy is planned pending box office performance), we prepared to accept some foibles. If you want the full experience watch the show start to finish in order.
In terms of character only Iro & Zuko came through true to the series. You could feel the love Iro has for Zuko as well as his spirituality. Zuko's tortured nature definitely shines through.
Unfortunately the other main characters came through flat and one dimensional. Aang displays none of the carefree attitude which makes him the other side of Zuko. I think he only smiled once during the whole film. The young actress playing Katara admirably tries to emote the complex relationship to Aang (mother & future companion), but due to her age and experience level could not quite hit it. Sokka isn't allowed to be a true comedic foil. Instead of being a jokerster who secretly is the glue holding the team together (and leading the team through the journey), he's only a coatrack for Katara's bad bending.
The show took so many small steps to develope the characters and story that I will give M. Night credit for cutting out what he needed to while hinting to other things he could not delve into. I hope the library (complete with larger than life owl-librarian) does make an apperance in the next film.
GIVE HIM ANOTHER SHOT! We could end up with a masterpiece like the Empire Strikes Back.
P.S. The kids say more Momo and Appa.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Overall rating
4
/
5
Old (but good) formula
PostedApril 19, 2010
inspectrex
from Milwaukee, WI
If you're looking for an inventive plot, or ground breaking animation look elsewhere. If you're looking for a solid family movie which will entertain those of all ages that looks great in 3D this is the place!
How to train your Dragon delivers good family fun. There is only a hint of preachy-ness when it comes to tolerance but it never becomes too heavy handed (looking at you Wall-E & Avatar).
If you see it in 3D I promise you won't be disappointed.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Overall rating
4
/
5
Family friendly & visually stunning
PostedDecember 20, 2009
inspectrex
from Milwaukee, WI
Its not perfect but I guarantee you will enjoy the ride.
Pros: Best visual presentation. Ever. Period. Plot was easy to follow (see cons). Action sequences were fantastic. Was long but didn't feel like close to 3 hours (and I had small children w/ me who were fine the entire time). Anyone can find something to like about this movie.
Cons: Formuliac plot. Blurs border between preaching (eco-friendliness, evil corporation/military) and storytelling.
From now on any movie with CG effects will be compared against it, and come up lacking.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.