How To Train Your Dragon Review

The Live Action Film We Have Been Waiting For!

The world of Berk and all its dragons are back on the big screen but this time around Dean DeBlois goes bigger and bolder making it live action. Now I know what you are thinking and yes this film is almost a beat for beat remake of the original animated one however the overall runtime is increased from 98 minutes to 125 minutes. Dean adds to the overall story and lore in ways that will have fans loving every added moment. 

Berk is a rugged island filled with vikings and dragons fighting over livestock. However one viking by the name of Hiccup wants to change this as he takes a stand against traditions and befriends a dragon he has named Toothless. Not only is Toothless a dragon but he is a Night Fury, one of most sought after dragons to hunt down because of how rare and feared they are rumored to be. Their unlikely bond will challenges viking traditions and sparks a transformation in their society

With it being live action and 16 years from the original, of course the cast is going to be changed around in order to bring in young actors to fill the roles but one actor does return to their role with that being Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast. With the help of Lindsay Pugh and her costume design he fits right into the live action just as he does in the animated one. As for Hiccup and Astrid both are played by brilliant young actors in Mason Thames (The Black Phone) and Nico Parker (Suncoast). Both capture the charming nature of their animated counterparts while also displaying compelling chemistry that adds to the emotions and development. When it comes to the rest of the teens Fishlegs (Julian Dennison), Snoutlout (Gabriel Howell), Ruffnut (Bronwyn James), and Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyn) they all have their moments to shine comedically. One character in Snoutlout gets a newly added depth to him that only helps make him more likable. I can’t forget to mention Nick Frost who plays Gobber the Belch who takes what we know of his character and adds a little spin to his quirky yet lovable personality. 

While the film does add almost 30 minutes of added scenes and moments it never really drags out pacing wise. Rather it adds to the charm of Hiccup, depth of some of the side characters, and the lore behind the dragons. As for some of the younger targeted audiences it might not fully keep them engaged like the quicker and more fast paced animated one does. As for the visuals the CGI for each of the dragons is beautiful keeping their iconic designs and to pair that with cinematography Bill Pope you have a visually stunning film that could be in the running for best visuals at this years Academy Awards. From the stunning cliff sides of Berk to the more desolate island of the Dragons Nest it all feels real while still maintaining the magical love for it all. 

In the end, How to Train Your Dragon’s live-action adaptation proves to be a heartfelt and visually stunning reimagining of a beloved classic. While it stays faithful to the original, the expanded runtime and deeper character moments give it a fresh emotional resonance. The new cast breathes life into the iconic roles, and the breathtaking visuals elevate the story to new heights. Though it may not move as swiftly as the animated version, it offers a richer, more immersive experience that longtime fans will appreciate. This is a bold and loving live action remake that soars on its own wings.

5/5 stars