Episode 20: How to Train Your Dragon and Love Your Enemy, with Monica Theiler of Moonglow Animation

On this episode of Toon My Heart, host Tracy Herold is joined by animator Monica Theiler, founder of Moonglow Animation, to talk about Dreamworks' 2010 animated film How to Train Your Dragon. Based on the book by Cressida Cowell and brought to life by the writing/directing team of Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, who previously collaborated on Disney's Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon launched an incredibly long-lived franchise, encompassing sequels, TV shows, comics, an arena show, a theme park, and of course, Dreamworks' first live-action remake, out in theaters now. But at its heart is a simple a profound message about overcoming fear with love, and learning to love your enemies, just as Jesus Christ taught his followers in the Sermon on the Mount. We discuss how that message is brought to life through the story of Hiccup and Toothless' blossoming friendship on the Isle of Berk, as well as lots of other fun topics, including: Our thoughts on the live-action remake trend; What the Bible says about dragons, whether dragons were or are real, and whether it's okay for Christians to enjoy stories about dragons; the symbolism around weaponry in the film; how Hiccup reminds us of Jesus; and more!

Find Monica Theiler at www.artistmonica.com, on Instagram @artistmonica, and on YouTube @artistanimatormonica
Visit MoonglowAnimation.com

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Also mentioned in this episode: 

• G.K. Chesterton on dragons and fairy tales
• "How to Train Your Dragon: Behind the Scenes" by Tim Nasson
• "How to Train Your Dragon" by Matt Risley
• BearlyBiblical.com
• "Even How To Train Your Dragon's Live-Action Director Has Found The Movie Trend 'Disappointing.' Why He Made The Movie Anyway" by Sarah El-Mahmoud
• "How to Train Your Dragon Review: A Pointless Shot-for-Shot Remake" by Jonathan Sim
• The Plausible Impossible on Disney+
• "Tannin" entry from Strong's Concordance
• "Spurgeon Verse Expositions - Isaiah 43:18-43:28"
• "BibleProject Guide: Dragons in the Bible"

Thanks to the following folks on X for sharing their comments on the live-action remake trend for this episode's discussion: @realpopchrissy, @KevinTRod, @_rockinmrmagic, @KerryStapp, @desertofreelpod

Music by REDproductions, sourced from Pixabay.com
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