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?

Tuck Everlasting

Tuck Everlasting.  Directed by Jay Russell.  Walt Disney Pictures, 2002.  90 Minutes.

Genre:  Drama, Romance, Fantasy, Family

Rated: PG

A classic story about immortality, independence, and love.  Winnie runs away from home and finds, or rather is found by a family, the Tucks.  She falls in love with Jessie Tuck, but spending eternity with him would mean she could never go home, and never be safe.  She learns that death is as essential to life as love and freedom.  After watching go out and live, LIVE!

Discussion:

·         At the end of the movie, what did Winnie choose to do?  Would you have done the same?

·         If the Man in the Yellow Suit had become the owner of the spring, what do you think would have happened to the town of Tree Gap, or even the world?

·         Why does Angus tell Winnie not to fear death? 

If you liked the movie, you MUST read the book by Natalie Babbitt. 

Book:  Babbitt, Natalie. (1975).  Tuck Everlasting.  Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.  ISBN:  0374480095

You may also feel inspired to read (or re-read) Peter Pan, the story about the boy who wouldn't grow up.

Barrie, J.M.  (2003).  Peter Pan, 100th Anniversary Edition.  New York, NY:  Henry Holt and Company.  ISBN:  0805072454

Activity idea: 

Tuck Everlasting is about mortality as much as it is about immortality.  Compare the advantages and disadvantages of mortality and immortality and read about or discuss different interpretations of the afterlife with your family and friends. 

Also, what about all those wheel and time metaphors?  Have you ever wondered how people actually keep time?  Well, they have been doing it forever, and to find out how, why not dissect a watch?  Or find a book that tells you how it works or how to create your own time-telling devices like a sundial or a waterclock.

Drop us a line and let others know what you thought about the book, the movie, and if you would choose immortality over death.