Yesterday I saw my favorite movie of the year (so far). It was charming, it was beautifully made, and was just a plain entertaining film. Amazingly, it was a film from Dreamworks Animation.
No, I'm not talking about the latest installment in the Shrek franchise, which was decent if not memorable. I'm referring to the other Dreamworks film to come out, How to Train Your Dragon. I know, I know its been out for two months, but this was the first chance I had to see it. Had I not been a block away from the theater, and not had a free weekend afternoon, it might not have happened. I am very glad I took the time to see it.
My feelings towards Dreamworks Animation is no secret. Pixar is the king of computer animation, without a doubt. I prefer A Bug's Life over Antz, Monsters, Inc. over Shrek, and Wall-E over anything Dreamworks has ever put out. Pixar films can be just as "hip" as Dreamwork's films, but does it seamlessly and with better care. Until Kung-Fu Panda, there wasn't a Dreamworks film I would have preferred over even Cars.
However, I believe Dreamworks might be starting to get it, and might be working to up their game. How to Train Your Dragon was light on the usual Dreamworks pop culture tripe, and heavy on story. It put characters and strong voice acting over stunt casting and flatulent donkeys singing pop songs. Had I been shown this movie without knowing who did, my first guess probably would have been Pixar.
With Kung-Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, and in some respect even Shrek: The Final Chapter, Dreamworks has shown they aren't completely hopeless. This will hopefully put pressure on Pixar to not get lethargic and go the way other animation studios have gone in the past. With Pixar's next two films being sequels, one being of its least "Pixar" film (Cars), I am worried they might finally hit a dry spell. I suppose these easily marketable sequels of their most merchadisable franchises are the price paid for Ratatouille, Wall-E, and Up, but this might the start of a trend now that they are fully under the umbrella of the Mouse. Pixar has gained "proven until disproven" status with me, but we'll have to see after Toy Story 3.
But back to the film at hand. If you haven't seen it yet, being turned off by the not so great commercials and that annoying crap during the Olympics, try to get to the theater. If its out of your area, put it on your Netflix list, or buy it when it comes out. I guarantee you will enjoy this film, or money back on this post. *
*Not valid if for some reason you actually paid me to view this post.
