Customer Review

Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2013
The animated series "Dreamworks Dragons: Riders of Berk" faithfully continues the story line begun in the feature film "How to Train Your Dragon". As with many animated productions, the program appeals to young people, but much of the dialogue is in the adult idiom. In particular, the story continues the adventures of a group of 6 adolescents in a fantasy (with some historical context of what life must have been in a Viking village), but facing typical adolescent issues. These adventures inevitably involve the kids' interactions with some adults of the village. Several wholesome themes are developed in these stories: integrity, compassion, problem-solving, compromise, social skills, and probably a host of others. As in the feature film, violent scenes are depicted, and some mild vulgarity appears as is typical among adolescent peers. These do not detract from a generally uplifting message for youth and adult alike. The very young might be entertailed by the animated action, but may not grasp the significance of certain decisions the kids in the story make, nor their potential consequences, perhaps much less the allusions to stereotypical adolescent behavior. The young Viking hero (Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III) is not without his own imperfections, and it is important to him to accept, confront, and adapt these, and pursuade his friends and fellow villagers alike, to do likewise. The dragons, of course, are characters essential to the story-line, and themselves show many endearing characteristics, much like family pets who behave more like partners in problem-solving. The series has much to recommend it for viewers of all ages. For first-time viewers it is not recommended that the series' on-line wiki be consulted, because of the numerous spoilers. It will be sad when the series, now in its second season, finally goes out of production.
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Product Details

4.7 out of 5 stars
1,139 global ratings