A few of the plot points feel lukewarm (see Astrid’s quick coming-around, the kid crew coming to the rescue), but the coming-of-age story of a boy finding acceptance (see the bookending “all of me” gestures) within a deeply stubborn culture (see the bookending Berk narrations) burns strong, as do the underlying pacifist sentiments. Superb voicework (dryly witty Baruchel is a great lead–“Thank you for nothing, you useless reptile”) adds plenty of effective comedy and drama to the flying action.
7
joel watches movies 