The Sea Beast: How To Train Your Kraken

Having multiple ocean based animated films at top of mind; (L, D, + R’s Bad Traveling, Luca, and Cartoon Saloons Song Of The Sea), I can’t help but compare the detail, or lack thereof, of characters here to the ones in the aforementioned films. There’s a noticeable unnatural smoothness to the characters faces, skin, and lack of expressivness in the eyes. But maybe my standards are a bit too high.

Aside from the subpar character rendering, the creature effects (seemingly the priority for the animation team) look incredible. The environments (the lighting, shading, and water physics) look equally as impressive.

The overall story is an interesting take on the hero mythos, not taking at face value the stories you’re told about your lineage, and learning not judge a beast by its… colors?

Boisterous, blowhard voice acting reminiscent of his role in Benjiman Button is brought here by Jared Harris. Seems like the colorful leader of the Boys Karl Urban is one slip up from dropping the c-word, but does a great job here anyway. And rounding out the cast is 18-year-old Zaris-Angel Hator, who brings just the right amount of spunk to her role.

Overall, The Sea Beast is a great addition to the Dreamworks/How To Train Your Dragon lexicon of original, kid friendly fare but with a message adults can enjoy as well.