With how obsessed I am with Pixar, it's surprising that it took this long for me to watch The Good Dinosaur. I had read reviews saying it was no where near typical Pixar quality, but I didn't care, it was still Pixar. The movie wasn't bad, but considering Pixar's track record, it was a bit of a disappointment.
For starters, it had an unoriginal and boring plot- with the story of two friends becoming lost then trying to find their way home and the adventures they run into on the way home. We've seen it a million times, and especially when their last movie was Inside Out, the simplistic plot just wasn't cutting it.
There's no denying that the backgrounds, setting, and environments of this movie are beautiful and almost lifelike, with possibly the best background animation I have ever seen. I mean, some of the shots are so photo realistic they look like you filmed somewhere like Colorado then just stuck the characters on it. Speaking of Rarely does one find a movie or show where there is more than one character with a physical of which, the characters seem out of place with how cartoony and unrealistic they are. They look like stickers on a photograph.
The music is decent, but nowhere along the lines of Michael Giacchino.
The characters are also decent, with Arlo and Spot both being fairly likable, albeit not complex. What is great though, is their relationship. It's a bit strange at first, with a pet and owner type relation, but not how you would normally see it. Arlo is a dinosaur and Spot is a boy, and it is Spot who acts like an animal and Arlo who is the intelligent, self-aware creature. It is really bizarre, especially seeing dinosaurs practice ranching and agriculture, but at least it's unique.
Where this movie really shines is in said relationship between boy and dinosaur. In particular, one scene, where the two use symbolism in sticks and circles to demonstrate their lost loved ones- Arlo, his father, and Spot, his parents. It is a sad and heartfelt scene, one that shows that even though it isn't as great as Up or Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur still has the heart and soul of a Pixar movie.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Avatar the Last Airbender
This is a show that I have been meaning to watch for a while, but never truly started. Just recently, I actually started it and have watched all of season 1, and let me tell you- this show is fantastic.
For those of you unfamiliar with Avatar the Last Airbender or who have only watched the awful, live-action movie, stop reading and start watching. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed. But, you should probably read the next paragraph, which is a summary of the show.
Anyway, the show, which features people called Benders who are able to manipulate one of th four elements: water, earth, fire, or air. Each one of the elements had a civilization, all of whom lived in peace through the Avatar, a bender serving as a link between the mortal and spirit worlds and able to bend all four elements. The peace ended when the Avatar disappeared and the Fire Nation attacked. Zip forward 100 years and the Avatar is discovered by Katara and Sakka, two members of the water tribe. As the name of the show implies, this incarnation of the Avatar is an Airbender named Aang, and the last of his kind. The rest of the show follows Aang as he masters the elements and learns how to become the Avatar to defeat the Fire Nation.
In terms of story, Avatar the Last Airbender has a stereotypical but still intriguing story. While we have seen the Reluctant Hero as the Choosen One a million times, there is something about Avatar that makes it different and more likable. Those somethings are in the other aspects of the show.
One of those somethings is the animation, which is somewhat of a cross between Western animation and anime. This leads to a rich art style that lends itself well to both stylized characters and awesome fight scenes. The area of the show that has the best animation is easily the bending. We get to see fireballs, tornadoes , rockslides, and tsunamis all in the same show, all controlled by people who move in ways inspired by Chinese martial arts. It's pretty cool.
Also, the music in this show is amazing as well, drawing influences from Asian dance, tribal, and war music, and featuring unique instrumentation.
But, perhaps the most acclaimed part of Avatar the Last Airbender is the characters. All of the main characters, both protagonist and antagonist (with the exception of a couple villains), are sympathetic and likable characters, all with their own story and own conflict. The most polarizing character is Zuko. I will not go into more detail now, but will do a character analysis of him when I finish the show. All I will say about him is that he marches to the beat of his own drum and isn't really a hero or a villain.
All in all, I recommend Avatar the Last Airbender to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or interest. This is an extremely charming and acclaimed show, and you can most certainly expect future blog posts on it.
For those of you unfamiliar with Avatar the Last Airbender or who have only watched the awful, live-action movie, stop reading and start watching. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed. But, you should probably read the next paragraph, which is a summary of the show.
Anyway, the show, which features people called Benders who are able to manipulate one of th four elements: water, earth, fire, or air. Each one of the elements had a civilization, all of whom lived in peace through the Avatar, a bender serving as a link between the mortal and spirit worlds and able to bend all four elements. The peace ended when the Avatar disappeared and the Fire Nation attacked. Zip forward 100 years and the Avatar is discovered by Katara and Sakka, two members of the water tribe. As the name of the show implies, this incarnation of the Avatar is an Airbender named Aang, and the last of his kind. The rest of the show follows Aang as he masters the elements and learns how to become the Avatar to defeat the Fire Nation.
In terms of story, Avatar the Last Airbender has a stereotypical but still intriguing story. While we have seen the Reluctant Hero as the Choosen One a million times, there is something about Avatar that makes it different and more likable. Those somethings are in the other aspects of the show.
One of those somethings is the animation, which is somewhat of a cross between Western animation and anime. This leads to a rich art style that lends itself well to both stylized characters and awesome fight scenes. The area of the show that has the best animation is easily the bending. We get to see fireballs, tornadoes , rockslides, and tsunamis all in the same show, all controlled by people who move in ways inspired by Chinese martial arts. It's pretty cool.
Also, the music in this show is amazing as well, drawing influences from Asian dance, tribal, and war music, and featuring unique instrumentation.
But, perhaps the most acclaimed part of Avatar the Last Airbender is the characters. All of the main characters, both protagonist and antagonist (with the exception of a couple villains), are sympathetic and likable characters, all with their own story and own conflict. The most polarizing character is Zuko. I will not go into more detail now, but will do a character analysis of him when I finish the show. All I will say about him is that he marches to the beat of his own drum and isn't really a hero or a villain.
All in all, I recommend Avatar the Last Airbender to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or interest. This is an extremely charming and acclaimed show, and you can most certainly expect future blog posts on it.
Godus
Godus is a mobile game where the player gets to basically 'play God'. Yes, I know that my blog is focused on music and animation, but seeing that this game employs both, I don't see why I can't review it.
My first remarks are that the gameplay is really innovative and original, unlike anything I've seen before. The way that the game is set up, where you become more powerful as you go, keeps players playing out of a need for more power. That sounds like a bad thing, but it is a game where you literally play God.
Another aspect of the game that is pretty well done is the graphics. While they aren't as incredible as some other Indie games (Godus is an Indie game), as the gameplay is the focus of the game, they are unique and kind of cute. I especially love how the land is presented in layers: it is a cool way to look at the land and makes for some pretty spectacular geographic features, in the form of rivers, oceans, cliffs, and mountains.
The way that the Astari are presented is kind of cool as well. They aren't truly evil, they just want to convert people to their own religion. Also, when you play the game, new features are unlocked through cards and stickers, with the stickers being found in treasure chests hidden throughout your land. But, this relates to the Astari in that through opening some of the chests, you get a narration piece by piece, a story if you will, that tells the origin of the Astari. I think that this aspect of the game is one of the best.
Overall, Godus is a great game with unique gameplay that keeps you playing.
Anyway, as aforementioned, in this game you play as a God. The game starts with you assisting a couple of people to a 'promised land'. To be honest, I started this game a while ago and don't fully remember how it starts. When the people get to the so-called Promised Land, the game instructs you to sculpt the land and inspire them to build housing, known as abodes within the game.
The rest of the game involves you sculpting the land, literally using your finger to change the way the land looks. You can do just about anything your heart desires. You are also trying to gain as many followers as possible, through telling your people to build more abodes. They then offer you belief, which is the currency in the game, mainly spent towards sculpting the land and by using your powers, which consist of both good and bad things. You can even start a meteor shower!
As the game progresses, you unlock both farming and mining, which create essential resources. You may also start to notice other people- noisy, mask-donning people called Astari. They mostly stand outside your civilization and harass your Followers, but every 24 hours, their village throws a celebration. If they are happier, your Followers join them, and vice-versa. Therefore, the happiness of your Followers is perhaps one of the most important aspects of the game.
All in all, Godus is a well-made game that I have noticed only a few flaws in. For example, the biggest bug is in the loading of the game- the game is played landscape and sometimes loads portrait style and won't auto rotate. I discovered a trick to overcome this- shut out of almost everything else that you aren't using, including Godus. Then reload the game, being sure to keep it portrait but flip it once the white screen appears. If that doesn't work, restart your device.
Of course, what's a review without my honest opinion and interpretation of the game?
Of course, what's a review without my honest opinion and interpretation of the game?
My first remarks are that the gameplay is really innovative and original, unlike anything I've seen before. The way that the game is set up, where you become more powerful as you go, keeps players playing out of a need for more power. That sounds like a bad thing, but it is a game where you literally play God.
Another aspect of the game that is pretty well done is the graphics. While they aren't as incredible as some other Indie games (Godus is an Indie game), as the gameplay is the focus of the game, they are unique and kind of cute. I especially love how the land is presented in layers: it is a cool way to look at the land and makes for some pretty spectacular geographic features, in the form of rivers, oceans, cliffs, and mountains.
The way that the Astari are presented is kind of cool as well. They aren't truly evil, they just want to convert people to their own religion. Also, when you play the game, new features are unlocked through cards and stickers, with the stickers being found in treasure chests hidden throughout your land. But, this relates to the Astari in that through opening some of the chests, you get a narration piece by piece, a story if you will, that tells the origin of the Astari. I think that this aspect of the game is one of the best.
Overall, Godus is a great game with unique gameplay that keeps you playing.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
My Singing Monsters
This game is an app developed by Big Blue Bubble where you breed and collect monsters. These monsters each have a unique 'song' that, when they come together, forms a song overall. There are two versions of this game, My Singing Monsters and My Singing Monsters: Dawn of Fire. The latter is the sequel, and while it features fire monsters as well, I do not like it as much as the original. The graphics are little bit convoluted, and some of the monsters are downright annoying. Also, the game is set up way differently, where leveling up your monsters unlocks new areas, not buying new places. Personally, I find that aspect of the game tedious and not as fun- you have to be checking the game constantly in order to create new items to give to your monsters.
On the other hand, the only true complaint I have about the original game is that some of the timers in the game are way too long. For example, many of the breeding/incubating timers, especially for the dual element monsters, are way too long. I mean, I understand the long timers for 4 element, legendary, and ethereal monsters- they are rare for a reason. But the two element monsters should not take 8 hours to hatch and breed. Also, the prices can be a bit ridiculous, especially to upgrade the castles and feed your monsters, but that is a bit more tolerable.
Otherwise, I love this game. There are only a few monsters that I just can't stand the song of- namely the Blabbit and Entbrat. The rest of the monsters I either like the song or can tolerate it.
The island songs I either love or can tolerate. Here is a countdown and description of the songs in order of what I think of them
9. Water
To put it simply, this song is boring, and it is really easy to hear the Blabbit, which I already mentioned is one of the only monster songs I can't stand. The song is just there- it doesn't really get interesting at any point, and is very laid-back.
8. Air
This song is kind of ugly. Some of the harmonies are not well done, and the song is too busy. Also, the Schmoochle sounds like the chipmunks from Alvin and the Chipmunks- not a good thing. I will say that this song sounds better faster, and at the very least the part played by Riff is fabulous and well-done.
7. Gold
This song has one thing going for it- you can put almost every monster on it. Of course, this means some monsters clash with each other, and also, this song isn't very original. It is clearly a rip off of Pachelbal's Canon in D, and some of the monsters that usually don't sound bad sound really bad, like the Potbelly, Schmoochle, and the Furcorn.
6. Earth
This song is an entirely different style- it is more along the lines of what an orchestra would play, with an organ and an epic choir. I like the song a lot, but have a few problems with it. Firstly, the Bowgart needs to be on that island. Second, the Cybop and Potbelly are really annoying on this island.
5. Tribal
A bit of a different song, this island is a social island, where you create or join existing tribes, each of you contributing a monster. I will say that this song can either be really good or a bit bad depending on the monster, but it's featured monster, Kayna, is amazing.
4. Shugabush
The closest this game ever gets to a song with lyrics, this song has some pretty good instrumentalists and a nice song, but it is hard to distinguish between all of the string players. I like being able to hear each individual part, and you can't do that with this song. But, it is still a good song, and is similar to a song by a band.
3. Plant
As your first song in the game, this song had better make a good first impression on you. I will say this, the monsters you first get make hearing this song over and over again when you are first song a bit annoying, but as you get the song more and more developed, it gains more charm, especially when you partner the Ghaz and the Shugabush. But that stupid Entbrat!
2. Cold
A song that almost sounds like a possessed version of a Christmas song, this song is reminiscent of a drinking song or something along those lines, with its minor tonality and Mammot-based song. I also really love the strong percussion on this island, especially with the Thumpies. My real complainant with this island lies in the fact that I like this song better without all the techno stuff as the island is advanced. But, that Furcorn makes up for it! Also, it has the only enjoyable season monster song.
1. Ethereal
I am in love with the song, and it features my favorite monster- the Sox. I just love that saxophone sound so much! Also, it has the coolest looking monsters, and it's the only song that isn't in four, and it mixes synthesized sounds with acoustic instruments making it have a unique sound that sounds like it comes from another planet. I have nothing but praise for this song. I just wish that the creators would add 3-element ethereal monsters so we could get an even better song.
In conclusion, this game is enjoyable and will keep you playing until you get the full song.
videos used:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfHumniCPwU&index=4&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X95EpYFlqDY&index=3&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtFCiyfMYFQ&index=1&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOERzzfxW9Q&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7&index=9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9BAEUcQ1wk&index=5&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOERzzfxW9Q&index=9&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnzrNGxYjxo&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7&index=8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdxVjK6ObJE&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7&index=2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdxVjK6ObJE&index=2&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hev_IXpCA0&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7&index=7
On the other hand, the only true complaint I have about the original game is that some of the timers in the game are way too long. For example, many of the breeding/incubating timers, especially for the dual element monsters, are way too long. I mean, I understand the long timers for 4 element, legendary, and ethereal monsters- they are rare for a reason. But the two element monsters should not take 8 hours to hatch and breed. Also, the prices can be a bit ridiculous, especially to upgrade the castles and feed your monsters, but that is a bit more tolerable.
Otherwise, I love this game. There are only a few monsters that I just can't stand the song of- namely the Blabbit and Entbrat. The rest of the monsters I either like the song or can tolerate it.
The island songs I either love or can tolerate. Here is a countdown and description of the songs in order of what I think of them
9. Water
To put it simply, this song is boring, and it is really easy to hear the Blabbit, which I already mentioned is one of the only monster songs I can't stand. The song is just there- it doesn't really get interesting at any point, and is very laid-back.
8. Air
This song is kind of ugly. Some of the harmonies are not well done, and the song is too busy. Also, the Schmoochle sounds like the chipmunks from Alvin and the Chipmunks- not a good thing. I will say that this song sounds better faster, and at the very least the part played by Riff is fabulous and well-done.
7. Gold
This song has one thing going for it- you can put almost every monster on it. Of course, this means some monsters clash with each other, and also, this song isn't very original. It is clearly a rip off of Pachelbal's Canon in D, and some of the monsters that usually don't sound bad sound really bad, like the Potbelly, Schmoochle, and the Furcorn.
6. Earth
This song is an entirely different style- it is more along the lines of what an orchestra would play, with an organ and an epic choir. I like the song a lot, but have a few problems with it. Firstly, the Bowgart needs to be on that island. Second, the Cybop and Potbelly are really annoying on this island.
5. Tribal
A bit of a different song, this island is a social island, where you create or join existing tribes, each of you contributing a monster. I will say that this song can either be really good or a bit bad depending on the monster, but it's featured monster, Kayna, is amazing.
4. Shugabush
The closest this game ever gets to a song with lyrics, this song has some pretty good instrumentalists and a nice song, but it is hard to distinguish between all of the string players. I like being able to hear each individual part, and you can't do that with this song. But, it is still a good song, and is similar to a song by a band.
3. Plant
As your first song in the game, this song had better make a good first impression on you. I will say this, the monsters you first get make hearing this song over and over again when you are first song a bit annoying, but as you get the song more and more developed, it gains more charm, especially when you partner the Ghaz and the Shugabush. But that stupid Entbrat!
2. Cold
A song that almost sounds like a possessed version of a Christmas song, this song is reminiscent of a drinking song or something along those lines, with its minor tonality and Mammot-based song. I also really love the strong percussion on this island, especially with the Thumpies. My real complainant with this island lies in the fact that I like this song better without all the techno stuff as the island is advanced. But, that Furcorn makes up for it! Also, it has the only enjoyable season monster song.
1. Ethereal
I am in love with the song, and it features my favorite monster- the Sox. I just love that saxophone sound so much! Also, it has the coolest looking monsters, and it's the only song that isn't in four, and it mixes synthesized sounds with acoustic instruments making it have a unique sound that sounds like it comes from another planet. I have nothing but praise for this song. I just wish that the creators would add 3-element ethereal monsters so we could get an even better song.
In conclusion, this game is enjoyable and will keep you playing until you get the full song.
videos used:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfHumniCPwU&index=4&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X95EpYFlqDY&index=3&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtFCiyfMYFQ&index=1&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOERzzfxW9Q&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7&index=9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9BAEUcQ1wk&index=5&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOERzzfxW9Q&index=9&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnzrNGxYjxo&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7&index=8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdxVjK6ObJE&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7&index=2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdxVjK6ObJE&index=2&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hev_IXpCA0&list=PLMQkzlqhokI2nOc9MSRRaLJEMQXBhdZv7&index=7
How to Solo
If you are a member of a jazz ensemble, you may be asked to or want to solo. In jazz, 9 out of 10 times that solo will be improvisation. Improvisation is a skill, like playing an instrument, although some are naturally better at it. Fortunately, there are a couple things you can do to help make your solo sound convincing.
Follow the Chords
If your director is considerate, they will provide you with either the chords, scales, or notes of the solo section. If not, they will be written in your part or you can ask the piano player- the chords will be in their part 99% of the time (I'm a pianist- I know). If you are unsure on how to read the chord notation, then just google it. Most chords will be there, and those that aren't are usually just minor alterations to other chords. Either way, once you know the notes and the chord changes, just use the notes of the chords, particularly the thirds and the sevenths.
Account for the Style
Different styles of jazz will have different solo styles. There are some that are perfectly fine resting or playing separated notes or long notes: in other words, limited motion. Other songs, most notably big band swing and Latin, require constant motion- trying using running eighth notes for those solos, and doing more with the articulation. In any event, make sure to listen to a recording of the chart to get a feel for the style, and maybe even transcribe a little of the solo.
Phrase the solo
In general, solos will be around 8-24 bars in length, with most being a multiple of 4. On occasion, you may be asked to do a solo the length of the entire song. For those, ask your private instructor/director. Otherwise, phrase your solo so the solo gradually builds as the solo advances, growing in complexity and volume, and even working your way up the scale.
Pick a Motif
The song you are soloing in will always, like any song, include a melody, or another motif, within the music. To make your solo sound like it belongs in the song, try using or manipulating one of these themes in your solo. Just make sure that your solo is not the exact same thing, or it won't be improvisation.
In conclusion, if you follow those tips and use your imagination, you should come up with a good solo. Remember, vary the solo each time and try to expand on it each time.
Follow the Chords
If your director is considerate, they will provide you with either the chords, scales, or notes of the solo section. If not, they will be written in your part or you can ask the piano player- the chords will be in their part 99% of the time (I'm a pianist- I know). If you are unsure on how to read the chord notation, then just google it. Most chords will be there, and those that aren't are usually just minor alterations to other chords. Either way, once you know the notes and the chord changes, just use the notes of the chords, particularly the thirds and the sevenths.
Account for the Style
Different styles of jazz will have different solo styles. There are some that are perfectly fine resting or playing separated notes or long notes: in other words, limited motion. Other songs, most notably big band swing and Latin, require constant motion- trying using running eighth notes for those solos, and doing more with the articulation. In any event, make sure to listen to a recording of the chart to get a feel for the style, and maybe even transcribe a little of the solo.
Phrase the solo
In general, solos will be around 8-24 bars in length, with most being a multiple of 4. On occasion, you may be asked to do a solo the length of the entire song. For those, ask your private instructor/director. Otherwise, phrase your solo so the solo gradually builds as the solo advances, growing in complexity and volume, and even working your way up the scale.
Pick a Motif
The song you are soloing in will always, like any song, include a melody, or another motif, within the music. To make your solo sound like it belongs in the song, try using or manipulating one of these themes in your solo. Just make sure that your solo is not the exact same thing, or it won't be improvisation.
In conclusion, if you follow those tips and use your imagination, you should come up with a good solo. Remember, vary the solo each time and try to expand on it each time.
Dreamworks Dragons
The hit franchise How to Train Your Dragon includes not only two movies, specials, and an arena show, but an entire t.v. series as well called Dreamworks Dragons. Currently on its fourth season, the show has been featured on both Cartoon Network and Netflix, with the later seasons being only available on Netflix.
In general, this is a much better Dreamworks movie-based show than the others, and has a similarly darker tone. But, while the animation is still fantastic on its own, the superior animation of the movies, especially the second, is very noticeable. Also, the movies are both very dark, deep, and mature, and the show tends to stray from that a bit. There are moments where the characters don't act like themselves, and where the humor is obviously aimed at a younger audience. Despite this, the show in general is well done and boasts good stories.
One thing that the show does very well, perhaps even better than the movies, is introduce new dragons. Compared with the movies, there are many more dragons interacting with the teens in the show. They include the Skrill, Whispering Death, Screaming Death, Scauldron, Thunderdrum, Changewing, Razorwhip, and Sea Shocker, to name a few (there are many, many, more, but that list would be way too long). Each new dragon to the franchise is explained as it usually wrecks havoc on Berk or Dragon's Edge, given a motivation and a complete story revolving around it. And, once the dragons are introduced, they are established within the universe, and will usually show up again in the show another time.
One thing that I particularly find interesting and memorable about the Race to the Edge episodes is their inclusion of aspects in the second movie, only in an introductory way. For example, it shows Stoick meeting his future dragon, the Rumblehorn known as Skullcrusher, and Hiccup first making his flight suit, the outfit he will eventually bare in the second film. This really shows the continuity in the franchise as a whole (maybe not over individual episodes). Speaking of continuity, Race to the Edge has been much better in that regard, developing and staying true to a definite story about dragon trappers.
The show has also done a fairly decent job at adding in some of their new characters. Some of them, aka Mildew and Trader Johann, are downright annoying, but they are supposed to be. Others, like Bucket, Alvin, and Spitelout are boring and one-dimensional. But, the additions of Dagur and Heather are good. While Dagur is not a likable character, he poses a real threat to the teens and is a more interesting character. Meanwhile, Heather is a very interesting, complex character who is likable and hard to read- all that you want in a character who is essentially neutral in the conflict.
I can't say the same about some of the main characters. There are all of two characters who have kept their original personalities in the franchise, and that is Hiccup and Toothless. Everybody else has either been dumbed down to even dumber than they are in the movie- aka Snotlout and the twins- or their character oversimplified to exhibit only one quality that the character original possessed- like Astrid's aggression, Gobber's strangeness, Stoick's commanding nature, or Fishleg's intelligence.
Overall, while the show is far from perfect, it has continued to make strides in the positive direction and is a lot better than some of the current shows.
In general, this is a much better Dreamworks movie-based show than the others, and has a similarly darker tone. But, while the animation is still fantastic on its own, the superior animation of the movies, especially the second, is very noticeable. Also, the movies are both very dark, deep, and mature, and the show tends to stray from that a bit. There are moments where the characters don't act like themselves, and where the humor is obviously aimed at a younger audience. Despite this, the show in general is well done and boasts good stories.
One thing that the show does very well, perhaps even better than the movies, is introduce new dragons. Compared with the movies, there are many more dragons interacting with the teens in the show. They include the Skrill, Whispering Death, Screaming Death, Scauldron, Thunderdrum, Changewing, Razorwhip, and Sea Shocker, to name a few (there are many, many, more, but that list would be way too long). Each new dragon to the franchise is explained as it usually wrecks havoc on Berk or Dragon's Edge, given a motivation and a complete story revolving around it. And, once the dragons are introduced, they are established within the universe, and will usually show up again in the show another time.
One thing that I particularly find interesting and memorable about the Race to the Edge episodes is their inclusion of aspects in the second movie, only in an introductory way. For example, it shows Stoick meeting his future dragon, the Rumblehorn known as Skullcrusher, and Hiccup first making his flight suit, the outfit he will eventually bare in the second film. This really shows the continuity in the franchise as a whole (maybe not over individual episodes). Speaking of continuity, Race to the Edge has been much better in that regard, developing and staying true to a definite story about dragon trappers.
The show has also done a fairly decent job at adding in some of their new characters. Some of them, aka Mildew and Trader Johann, are downright annoying, but they are supposed to be. Others, like Bucket, Alvin, and Spitelout are boring and one-dimensional. But, the additions of Dagur and Heather are good. While Dagur is not a likable character, he poses a real threat to the teens and is a more interesting character. Meanwhile, Heather is a very interesting, complex character who is likable and hard to read- all that you want in a character who is essentially neutral in the conflict.
I can't say the same about some of the main characters. There are all of two characters who have kept their original personalities in the franchise, and that is Hiccup and Toothless. Everybody else has either been dumbed down to even dumber than they are in the movie- aka Snotlout and the twins- or their character oversimplified to exhibit only one quality that the character original possessed- like Astrid's aggression, Gobber's strangeness, Stoick's commanding nature, or Fishleg's intelligence.
Overall, while the show is far from perfect, it has continued to make strides in the positive direction and is a lot better than some of the current shows.
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