Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Amanda Carlson 06.04.15 / 6pm

   I watched the first film with my younger cousin and went to see the second with her as well. I found myself enjoying the film, even though it is marketed to a younger target audience. The film had meaning to it with a moral. The film centered on friendship, family and partnership. Throughout the whole film, there were instances where the main character got out of a situation with the help of his friends, family or even his dragon. The film did a wonderful job with mixing emotions with humor so you got attached to the characters and were rooting for them at the end.
2. andreabaltodano 06.05.15 / 10am

   Mia,

   I watched the first film, and I completely fell in love with it. I can honestly say it is one of my favorite animated films. I also thoroughly enjoy the message behind it, which is overcoming any prejudice and discrimination over a certain species, and learning how to live together as one. The plot has many comedic points and does a great job at making the audience laugh with innocent and fun jokes.I would have to say that I believe that the first movie was a lot better, which is why I do not have much hope for sequels. Nonetheless, it was a still a great film to watch, and has you feeling like a kid again!
3. Kaitlin Hoover 06.06.15 / 3pm

   I personally love How to train your dragon. I agree, the director did a really great job with showing friendship between a dragon and a person. I think the movie is much deeper than that though. It’s a story about courage, and doing what you think is best and being able to stand up to your parents even though it can be hard to do so. The animation in this film is breath taking, so much work went into this film it does not get enough credit for. The story line for this film is really easy to follow even if you haven’t seen the first movie. I believe the first movie is actually a bit better, it has a non-linear story line. This movie is linear and even though it is really sad, it ends on a positive note with a deep message.
4. emma madrigal 06.08.15 / 10pm

   i have not watched this animated film but from what i have heard from different people it is a touchy movie that makes you want to cry, because i am an emotional person I’m pretty sure i would cry if i watch it. It is good to know that there are still good movies out there for children that can make them reflect and learn to be a better person. The best thing of a film is to get a positive message of the story and apply it in our lives and learn from our mistakes. Im looking forward to watching this movie with my kids and see their reaction to the movie. this is a pursuasive passage that makes you want to look more into this movie and to know more of how to find good movies like this one.
5. ChloeHurtado 06.09.15 / 2pm

   I have only seen a few clips of the film, How to Train Your Dragon, but from what I have seen, I really enjoyed the film. This funny, entertaining animated film about dragons instantly captures your attention. The message behind the film is also really important because they learn to not discriminate or be prejudice towards different species of Dragons. Overall a very good review, expect maybe next time, try not to give away the ending for those who have not seen it fully yet!
6. Ariel Harbin 06.09.15 / 11pm

   I never saw the first movie either but I took my little brother to go see this movie in theaters. He never saw the first film either but he seemed to understand the story line and what was going on in the plot so I agree with you that it was easy to enjoy. Neither he nor I seemed to get caught up about what happened in the first movie so I think the director did a good job of making the movie stand well on its own. I usually don’t like animated movies very much but did really enjoy this film, I thought the plot was well thought out and while it was a nice film to take a child too I saw a lot of the adults in the theater smile and laugh and even cry when the father died, as did I. So it was very relatable not only for kids but for all ages. And themes such as friendship and perseverance are good, wholesome points for any film. Overall I really enjoyed this film and loved watching my little brother’s reactons to it.
7. Erik Rosten SBCC 06.13.15 / 8pm

   I saw How to Train your Dragon 2 in theaters. I hadn’t seen the first one, but thought the second one was clever and was a perfect example of how amazing animation has gotten in the last few years. I saw the movie with a friend – the movie is not strictly for younger audiences. It is a G rated film, but the themes are powerful and important. I did like your review but I’ve already seen the movie and perhaps some formal analysis on the movie could be enlightening. I’ve yet to read a full in depth analysis on a disney or pixar animation movie and would love to read one sometime as movie reviews usually make me look back on a movie just a tad differently!
8. Anthony Babka 06.19.15 / 11pm

   I went to go see this film with my girlfriend and her little brother and I actually really liked this film. I don’t usually enjoy animated films but I felt this one evoked a mature emotional response, especially towards the end. The plot kept me interested and I thought the whole battle between the two clans was pretty cool. I also just thought that the cinematography was pretty good. The characters were all drawn really well and the colors in the film just popped out at me. And finding his mom in some cave was just a curve ball I was not expecting. So overall I thought this was a good film not only for the kids it’s intended for but for the adults that sit through it with the kids.
9. Katie Chastain 06.26.15 / 1pm

   I really liked your review on How To Train Your Dragon 2! I have not seen either of the movies, but a lot of the kids at my work have been talking about the films. I completely agree that films made for children impact them and your idea about the film “speaking to one’s own friendships” and that it “it’s easy to relate to” completely ties in with those ideas! Also, having a strong character in children’s movies allows the children to admire the character, mimic their traits, and overall enjoy the movie! Thank you for your review, now I want to go watch the movie! ☺
10. Rebecca Herrera 07.02.15 / 10pm

    Hello Mia!
    Thank you for sharing your review. It was very informative and well written. I have not watched the How to Train Your Dragon movies but I have heard great things about them. I enjoy movies that stress important themes such as friendship. I think this is a great message for the targeted audience. I too like movies that induce emotion in the viewer. From what you described it sounds like the movie has a good plot with a hostile antagonist, which makes for a exciting climactic scene. The story reminds me of a children’s literature book titled The Dragonling, which is also a story about a boy who befriends dragons, despite his entire village thinking dragons are dangerous beasts.
11. Devan Frethy 07.10.15 / 4pm

    I loved the first movie and the second movie. I have 2 daughters and am around kids all the time so I’ve seen just about every child’s movie that’s out. This has to be one of my favorites. I definitely liked the storyline and liked how in the second one they decided to bring in Hiccup’s mom. I thought it was also really cute how at the beginning of the movie, the villain, Drago just wanted to capture all of the dragons, but at the very end of the movie, Hiccup ended up getting him to like the dragons and realize that they aren’t bad.
12. Alex Karnazes 07.13.15 / 11am

    Mia, when you stated that the movie How To Train Your Dragon 2, released in 2014, was difficult to follow because you had not seen the first film I think it is always important for directors to make the film’s plot clear even if the viewer has only seen the sequel. This way the film will not lose revenue from discouraged viewers who are under the impression they will not understand the recreated film if they have not first seen the original one. When considering blockbuster films like Harry Potter or the Oceans 11 line, the writers ensured comprehension by creating a similar plot yet with a new twist original to that specific version. By adding characters, changing the based era or adding a new moral or overall goal the films all related to each other to ensure the viewer understood each version. When discussing the film you critiqued, How To Train Your Dragon 2, released in 2014, the advanced technology of the modern day should guarantee directors have the available resources to create a film understandable to all viewers no matter how many versions have been watched (depending on the genre and targeted age group of course ☺).
13. Skyler Johnson 07.18.15 / 7pm

    I really enjoyed your review of the film How to Train a Dragon 2. I agree that the movie is very relatable because of its very down to earth themes. The movie’s emphasis on friendship and the power of love over adversity is powerful and leaves a lasting impression on the audience because that is what they want to see happen. I agree that the film is easy to relate to because everyone has experienced a similar situation, although nit with a dragon, in the realm of complicated relationships. Your review has helped me find a deeper meaning in the film and broadened by thoughts.
14. Parker Anderson 07.20.15 / 10am

    I also really enjoyed watching this film without having seen the first movie. At first, I thought it was going to be some generic children’s animated movie, but as the plot thickened, I started to get really into the entire universe. I thought some of the dragons were extremely cool–especially the big ones! To see Toothless develop the ability to shoot blue fireballs and take turns faster with his spine bones sticking out was a great development for the dragon in a fun way. I hope they do make a third movie where there is even more action and development for Hiccup and Toothless to become even more powerful warriors. I’m aware that the second one took a time leap away from the first one, so to see a time leap in the third where Hiccup is an adult would be very fun to see.
15. Katie Cummins 07.25.15 / 4pm

    I have never seen “How To Train Your Dragon 2” but I did see the first film. Your review made me want to see the second one because your positive remarks reminded me of how well done the first one was. I like your incorporation of personal opinion in this review, however, I think you could have left out the part where you explained the ending of the film. You have a great summary here but want to be sure to keep the ending open so the reader doesn’t come across a spoiler. Maybe instead you could have incorporated a description of a scene you enjoyed. I really like your comments on how this movie touches on the themes of friendship and loyalty. I found that the first movie also incorporated a lot of great messages through it’s heartfelt story. Good job!
16. Royce Richichi 09.11.15 / 3pm

    The first “How to train your Dragon” is one of my favorite animated films, the film actually made me tear up at times especially at the end. When I saw that there was going to be a sequel I was so stoked to get to see it. After seeing the second one I didn’t quite enjoy it as much as I did with the first but I would have to agree with you when you said it’s an easy movie for people to enjoy. although this time around i didn’t quite get the feeling of crying at the end i think that it was still a great film.
17. Alix Martinez 09.24.15 / 7pm

    I have seen both “How To Train Your Dragon” movies and I enjoyed them both. I do prefer the first one over the second but watching the characters develop is one of the most valuable aspects of the film. I agree that it is an easy film for all ages to enjoy. Both movies portray the same theme of friendship and love. If you found the second film to be enjoyable I really recommend seeing the first movie! Reading your review really makes me want to watch them again!
18. RoyHinman 10.07.15 / 11am

    I liked your review of How to train your dragon 2. I enjoyed this film and agree that even though it is animated and is about a boy and his dragon, it does speak to the bond between friends. I think the scene where Hiccup meets his mother and finds out that she has mastered the ability to train dragons as well is a very special part of the film (like mother like son). This movie is very easy to watch and good for all ages. Thank you for your review and definitely watch the first one! :)
19. odevenne 10.12.15 / 8pm

    Interesting review, Mia. It’s unique that you chose to review a film that would typically be considered a children’s movie. However, the themes that you found from the film can inspire a wider audience. I have not yet watched this second movie, but your review makes me want to! I highly recommend watching the first “How to Train Your Dragon” movie. As you said, the implicit meanings of both films emphasize the the power of love and friendship. These positive attributes should be expressed in more of our modern films. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I’ll definitely consider watching this movie soon!
20. Melissa Bennett 10.12.15 / 10pm

    I didn’t see the first How to Train Your Dragon movie either. However, they gave you enough past information that it wasn’t required for you to see the first movie in order to appreciate and enjoy this one. I found all of the characters to be easy to relate to in some sort of way, but I feel like Hiccup really stole the show. The overall message that friendship and love will overcome anything is very nice, and they used some scenes even slightly dark for a kid’s movie (such as Hiccup’s father dying and his funeral) for even older audiences to relate to it.
21. Olivia Taverner 10.14.15 / 11am

    I have seen the first How to Train Your Dragon and I was actually shocked at how good the movie was. I remember sitting in the theatre just watching the trailer for it and I thought it was going to be a terrible movie. But when I actually watched it I realized it was really well animated, the dialogue and writing was both comical and heartwarming, and you really fall in love with the relationship between Hiccup and Toothless. You realize they are both character who don’t fit in because of how different they are, toothless hurting his tail and Hiccup not being strong enough. But together they are able to not only overcome their flaws, but to accept them. The movie has a really good message and storyline and I would’ve never thought that because of the title of the movie. I guess it goes to show how misleading titles can be and to never judge a book by its cover. I loved this analysis because she perfectly explains my exact feelings towards these movies. They were able to make dragons perceived as friends, and not dangerous enemies and like you say that friendship and love can conquer everything.
22. Joel Crossfield 10.16.15 / 5pm

    I am a huge fan of the first one and thought it was really good. I knew they were going to make a second one and was really excited to see what they were going to do. I liked how they went into the future some years so Hiccup is much older and holds more responsibility then before. I could see how if you haven’t seen the first one you could still understand this one because they do I good job recapping the first one in the beginning. Overall loved this movie and thought they did a great job and it was better then the first.
23. kuangzhe xu 10.16.15 / 8pm

    I have seen the first film, but I don’t think the second is as good as the first one， even it’s a little medicore. It may because first How to Train Your Dragon is so good and the second didn’t beyond first one. The only part I like is the football match on the sky though it make me feel a little mess. But I still like the film’s themes about friendship and how a boy become a man, boy need to learn to be tough and brave. I agree with you about how this movie touch its themes. I think this film is suited in all ages.
24. Katrina Storton 10.16.15 / 9pm

    I really enjoyed this film, probably more than the first one because of the fact it went more in depth with the different species of dragons and their abilities. You also learn a lot about the main character’s backstory and the legends of the dragons. This film definitely makes you cry for both sad and happy reasons. I too agree this is a film that any age group would enjoy but I’d recommend watching the first one before the second just for the added clarification.

    I’d also like to make notice of Dreamworks and how much their animation skills have improved for this film. The details were so crisp and I almost feel a bit upset I didn’t go see the film in 3D because of it.
25. Max Weiss 10.17.15 / 10pm

    I watched this movie with my fellow roommates and I moderately enjoyed it. Mind you, my roommates absolutely loved it, and they are both 21 while I am only 18 – so do not take any preconceptions with you when deciding whether or not to watch this movie simply because it is animated! Age is completely irrelevant! Anyways, this film did have a wonderful message. I enjoyed how it involved breaking barriers in society due to existing beliefs which were shrouded in ignorance (Dragons are evil, when they are in fact friendly). I believe this same concept can be applied to many areas in society and I hope this film opens peoples eyes up to that. Anyways, while the message was indeed nice, the film was a bit too much of a cliché Hollywood movie for me to enjoy it. People say predictability is nice when it comes to movies as viewers know what they want and they know what they are going to get, but for me it just does not really cut it.
26. Jessie Aragon 10.19.15 / 11am

    I had watched the first movie How to train your dragon one when I was in High School and loved it. I am a huge kid at heart and I really enjoyed it. When I heard they were coming out with the squeal to this movie, I was so excite and now I am 20 in college. lol Unfortunately, I have still not seen it but really want to. Being in college has made me very busy. Although, I wish you would have listed that your article was going to be a spoiler alert. Even though, when I do see the movie I can see myself still enjoying just like I had with the first one.
27. Claire Bachmann 11.05.15 / 11am

    I was able to see the first movie, How to Train Your Dragon when it first came out with little cousins and loved it. The second movie I saw as well and enjoyed it just as much as the first, mostly because many of the same themes carried over to the second movie. Being able to follow the main character through this new obstacle is cool, especially with the strong messages and theme of friendship and family throughout the movie.
28. donovan 11.06.15 / 4pm

    I love how you said that age doesn’t really matter for a movie like this one. Most adults would believe this is meant for a kid like audience because it’s also animated and rated PG. When i watched the film with my little sister i didn’t expect to come out loving the film more than she probably did. This movie has a great story line and age doesn’t apply for a film like this. The themes in the film is was what really stuck out for me. Friendship, love, courage, and honor, I mean what more could you ask for in a film.
29. Emily Ruiz 03.17.23 / 10pm

    From seeing this film as well as the other films in the series, I have to agree with this review. One of the things that I enjoyed and that was talked about in the review is that how any one can enjoy this film no matter how old a person is. From watching this film, it has a great plot line. And even though it could have been made for a younger audience a lot of the themes and obstacles that the characters have to face can apply to an older audience as well. So, with the themes of friendship, love, adventure and more this is a great and timeless film.

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