How To Train Your Dragon features a great mix of character design, story, and 3D visuals in this touching film about a boy and his dragon.

The 3D aspect in particular is important, since many believed that 3D blew is wad after the monster which was Avatar swallowed the competition whole. Yet those who doubt any future in 3D will be gobsmacked by what How To Train Your Dragon has to offer.

But that is not reason alone to watch the film: there is depth to its dazzle, with a great story filled with memorable characters top lining what is sure to be the feature animation film to beat thus far this year.

The film centres on an isolated isle inhabited by Vikings and pestered by dragons. Weekly kid Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) dreams of achieving his path to manhood by becoming a dragon slayer like his father (a finally tolerable Gerard Butler).

That changes when Hiccup befriends one of the most feared dragons known as a “Night Fury”, yet which he christens “Toothless”, a sleek black beast which has to be one of the cutest creatures to appear in an animated film in some time.

The friendship between the two establishes the films rich emotional core, which writer / directors Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders fine tune to perfection.

Many moments shared between the pair features no dialogue, yet manage to hold the viewers attention through their interactions with one another. Adults will especially be caught out by how their relationship will resonate after the credits role.  

Springing from their partnership comes several flight sequences which are downright spectacular to watch (especially in 3D), with a dazzling finale featuring more dragons in action than you can shake your 3D glasses at.

Most impressive of all, though, is the attention to detail in the character designs of both man (every crevice in these ugly Viking mugs stand out) and beast, with a legion of dragons each given a different look and personality (no doubt the toy line will be great).

All in all, How To Train Your Dragon is quite the feat for Dreamworks, and is sure to give Pixar a run for their money.