‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Family Movie Afternoon - A Review

Last Sunday, the church offered the perfect refuge from the rain with its ‘pay-as-you-can’ Family Movie Afternoon—a welcome bonus in the post-Christmas squeeze. The choice of the 2010 classic, How to Train Your Dragon, was inspired. The atmosphere was wonderfully warm and communal. With about 35 of us packed in, seating was democratic: children claimed cushions on the floor, some adults availed themselves of the chance for a well-earned nap, and everyone moved freely to stretch legs or refill on snacks. A particular highlight was the heroic at-seat tea and coffee service—a stroke of genius that meant no one missed a moment of Toothless taking flight.

It was a joy to watch the younger generation mesmerised by the dragons, while some of the older people got a nostalgic buzz. A few happy tears were definitely shed by the end.

Were we entertained? Absolutely. As a piece of immersive, community film-going, it was unrivalled. A cosy, heartfelt, and brilliantly simple way to spend a wet afternoon. Five stars for those who organised it, five stars for the movie, and five more for the feeling!