How to Train Your Dragon

How to Train Your Dragon. Directed by Chris Sanders & Dean DeBlois. Dreamworks, 2010.

Rated PG

This film is fantastically funny and action packed!  Here are some questions to think about while watching:

• Hiccup is sort of a scrawny nerd—hardly a Viking’s description. But what else sets him a part from the others?

• The group of teens is a scraggly bunch, but in the end how do they come together?

• Are the adults reliable? Why or why not?

• Speaking of adults, what’s up with Hiccup’s dad?! Why do you think he treats Hiccup the way he does? And what does Hiccup do to defy his dad?

• Overall, what comes out of Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless? How do they help each other?

• Which dragon is YOUR favorite?!

FYI: This movie was actually a book first!  It's even funnier in print--but keep in mind it's kinda of a lot different than the film (in a good way;). If you're interested check it out!

 


After watching the film please leave us your feedback! What was it about this film that impressed you? What was lame about it? Feel free to respond to any or all of the questions listed above!

Activity idea: After watching the film try reading the book and compare and contrast the various elements in both movie and book. Use some of the discussion points already listed above or come up with new discussion points and develop them further! Or come up with your own dragon, either by description, artwork, or BOTH! 


Trailer link: youtube 
Book cover link: amazon

Spirited Away

Rated PG

A fantastical journey that leaves a young girl much more prepared for the chaotic, corrupted, beautiful, and glorious aspects of growing up in the real world.

Discussion:

• After meeting Chihiro what is your opinion? Did it change by the end of the film?

• What can the abandon amusement park symbolize?

• The character No Face lashes out due to loneliness, but Chihiro defends him. Why?

• What do you think the message of this film is?

Intrigued by the animation in this strikingly beautiful film? Check out the director’s, Hayao Miyazaki, other films! My personal fave is Princess Mononoke, which looks at the age-old battle of nature and man.

Image link: teachwithmovies

A great book to pair with this film is T.A. Barrow’s The Ancient One. This book is about a young girl trying to save a forest only to be catapulted back in time 500 years! Once there she is thrown into a similar situation.

Image link: robertlhunton



What are your thoughts on this film? Creeped out by a certain character? Why? We may share the same one! Please give us your feedback in the comments below!

Activity idea: Hayao Miyazaki's films all have very similar themes such as mythology, Japanese history, the environment, and strong lead roles. Take two of his films and analyze at least one common theme. Another route you may want to look into is Miyazaki's choice in animation. How does this choice enhance his films?

The Sandlot

Who’s The Great Bambino? Scotty Smalls is clueless, but in order to fit into the new neighborhood his mom and stepdad move to he pretends to know. The neighborhood kids are serious baseball players and Smalls gets the chance to join their team. Unfortunately, due to his ignorance on The Great Bambino his life goes from good to worse and he and his teammates scramble to right a big time baseball WRONG!

Discussion:

• Who or what gets Smalls into baseball?

• Why does Benny give Smalls a chance? How does he help Smalls?

• How do the neighborhood kids bond? What keeps their friendship strong?

• Is teamwork important? How do the kids overcome The Beast?

• What was your favorite sandlot moment?

Love baseball? Try these awesome young adult books about the classic American sport:

Heat by Mike Lupica
Cover art link: allquizzes

The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter
Cover art link: leb

Heart of a Champion by Carl Deuker
Cover art link: booksamillion












And heck, want more movies dealing with kids and baseball? Check out:

Rookie of the Year
Image link: mimi

and Angels in the Outfield
Image link: impawards

Juno

Rated PG-13

This quirky film about a young teen getting pregnant mixes humor with life’s challenges. Juno decides to opt out on getting an abortion and chooses the adoption route, which is laden with hijinks and emotional discoveries that force Juno to realize the severity of her situation.

Discussion:

• After Juno finds out she’s pregnant whom does she turn to first? Why not her parents?

• Juno attempts to go to the abortion clinic, but changes her mind. Why?

• Juno sort of has an arrogant view of the world, but what incident (other than her pregnancy, but related to) shakes her core and forces her to reevaluate her decisions?

• Are Juno’s parents supportive? What are some examples of their support or non-support?

• What are your thoughts on Juno's choices? Is she a changed person? 

Dig the tunes of the movie? Then check out the killer soundtrack! It's totally awesome -- honest to blog!

Image link: blogs.mess

Interested in this topic further? Try these great young adult novels:

Forever by Judy Blume
Cover art link: avidbookreader

Someone Like You by Sarah Dressen
Cover art link: swap













Interested in books about young guys dealing with the struggles of teen pregnancy? Check out these amazing young adult titles:

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson
Cover art link: bookapex

Slam by Nick Hornby
Cover art link: trashionista
















Tell us how you felt after this movie or respond to some of the discussion points. What about that whack vernacular?! Did you find yourself loving it or despising it? Give us your feedback in the comments below!


Activity Idea: Juno deals with some controversial issues that some teens, unfortunately, have to face. Juno chooses to take one path, but what if she went another way? Write a story depicting another route Juno could have taken and the impact that path might have on her life. 

Empire of the Sun

Rated PG

Jamie Graham is a spoiled British kid obsessed with jets and growing up in China. In 1941 Japan occupies China while WWII rages on. Separated from his parents Jamie/Jim struggles to survive in a war torn world. 

• How does Jamie change throughout the film?

• Is Basie a true friend to Jim? Why or why not?

• What does Jim do to survive? How does he live compared to his pre-occupation life? 

Interested in books about WWII? Check out these great titles:

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Cover art link: goodreads

 



Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli

Cover art link: puffin

Under a War-Torn Sky by L.M. Elliott
Cover art link: fantasticfiction

The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen
Cover art link: bp

  
Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Cover link: bp














- check out the film adaptation as well!

Image link: bp