Transforming a cherished tale from book to movie isn’t always straightforward. Even companies like Disney, known for their adaptations, have faced challenges when remaking adaptations. After all, there are numerous potential pitfalls when reinterpreting something that is loved multiple times over. However, if done correctly, it can create a spellbinding experience. Fifteen years after Universal and DreamWorks brought Cressida Cowell’s book to animated life, the live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon has arrived to demonstrate this magic, serving as an impressive illustration of what a live-action remake can achieve. It provides fans of the original with everything they adore while subtly offering something new for those unfamiliar with the world of Vikings and dragons.
The movie “How to Train Your Dragon,” penned and orchestrated by Dean DeBlois – who previously collaborated with Chris Sanders in 2010 – introduces us to Hiccup, a young resident of the Viking hamlet called Berk. This settlement is a hotspot in the ongoing conflict against dragons, fierce beasts that have reportedly been tormenting Vikings for generations. However, this isn’t just a tale of Vikings versus dragons. Hiccup is an outcast within his community, a bit of a clumsy and unconventional character who tends to create more problems than he solves. He yearns to earn recognition by capturing the most elusive dragon species: the fearsome Night Fury. This quest holds great significance for Hiccup because his father, Stoick (played by Gerard Butler), is the village chief – a renowned dragon slayer.
If you’re familiar with the books or movie, you have a good understanding of what happens next. Hiccup’s initial effort to capture a Night Fury results in him discovering Toothless instead, a creature he eventually befriends. Interacting with Toothless helps Hiccup learn about himself and dragons as a whole, gradually suggesting that the Vikings might not be entirely right in their ways towards dragons. At the same time, Hiccup is undergoing dragon slayer training to find his role within Viking society and earn his father’s approval.
In essence, this new live-action version of “How to Train Your Dragon” doesn’t significantly alter the story from the original animation. It closely follows the animated version, with minor adjustments like altered dialogue and slightly modified scenes for narrative flow. However, some might wonder why remake a film so faithful to its source. Yet, contrary to expectations, this adaptation offers unique elements that the animation can’t fully convey. The real-world aspects – like water, human expressions, landscapes – add a layer of depth to the story that animation might miss. For instance, the live-action scenes of Hiccup and Toothless learning to fly together are stunningly captivating. Moreover, the real human expressions in key performances evoke strong emotions that the animated film, despite its quality, doesn’t fully capture. David Tennant, reprising his role as Stoick, brings a fresh physical portrayal of the character, offering a depth that, while not absent in the animation, is more pronounced in live action.
The movie isn’t flawless; the initial segment is somewhat clumsy as certain amusing elements from the animated film don’t quite fit perfectly. Thomas Newman as Hiccup does an admirable job carrying the load, but there’s a sense of emptiness with Gabriel Howell’s portrayal of Snotlout. While Howell isn’t poor in the role, the character and his complex father-son dynamic fall short of their potential. Despite these issues, the adaptation remains faithful to the original, adding depth while avoiding major changes. The end result is a tale brimming with magic that seems even more authentic – and perhaps, just maybe, it rekindles the spirit of believing in dragons once more.
Rating: 4 out of 5
How to Train Your Dragon lands in theaters on June 13th.
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2025-06-10 23:09