How to Train Your Dragon review: Live-action remake is Lord of the Rings-level epic

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Lately, it seems Disney’s live-action adaptations of their classic animated movies have been a mix of hits and misses. However, this doesn’t seem to discourage DreamWorks from considering, “Why don’t we give it a try too?

Indeed, How to Train Your Dragon (2010), a delightful story about Vikings and dragons transitioning from fierce adversaries into friendly companions, is among the most successful and beloved non-Pixar animated films released in the last two decades.

After creating two sequel films, several short videos, and a television show, the next step is to reimagine the story in a live-action format by remaking it.

From my perspective, I’ve often found myself pondering: Is it Beauty and the Beast or Snow White that DreamWorks has brought to life? To put it simply, it’s undeniably the Beast they’ve chosen to tell a tale about, in numerous aspects.

Since Beauty and the Beast wasn’t merely a reboot, but rather a fresh interpretation, or even a modern-day retelling, featuring realistic sets and live actors, in essence, it was a faithful recreation of the original story.

As a cinephile enamored with the world of animation, I must say this latest installment of How to Train Your Dragon follows a familiar yet intriguing path, pushing authenticity even further. Notably, the same director, Dean DeBlois, who brought the previous three films to life, is at the helm once more. And Gerard Butler, our beloved Viking chieftain Stoick the Vast, makes his grand return to the series.

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As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel exhilarated by the current crop of new releases! Movies like “Wicked”, “Nosferatu”, “The Brutalist”, and even the long-awaited sequel “Moana 2” are causing quite a stir in UK cinemas right now. It’s an exciting time to be a film lover indeed!

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In essence, the storyline remains unchanged. The island inhabited by Vikings, known as Berk, is persistently threatened by dragons. Hiccup, the chief’s son, harbors ambitions to become a dragon slayer, but he’s more of a clumsy nerd and fails to meet his father’s expectations.

Later, Hiccup forges a hidden friendship with a breed of dragon often considered terrifying – a Night Fury. He affectionately names this one Toothless. This unforeseen bond between them showcases an unexpected aspect of dragons, and in turn, transforms the way life on Berk is lived forever.

As a movie critic, I’d say this film is a delightful, emotionally resonant journey through the realms of human connections and acceptance. It seems as though the creators have painstakingly honored the original work, almost scene by scene, using an abundance of the same dialogue and even similar camera angles and editing techniques.

In this revised version, there are a couple of adjustments made to the storyline. The bond between Hiccup and Astrid, his feisty Viking companion, has been deepened, but it doesn’t overpower the overall narrative. Additionally, there are some additional character interactions for the young dragon trainers who join forces with Hiccup in their battles. Furthermore, the action sequences and montages feature a few new elements.

To put it simply, I found myself observing a familiar narrative unfold, albeit with a fresh ensemble of actors and a visually darker, moodier aesthetic. It’s as if the filmmakers took the script from an earlier production, dusted it off, and added some intriguing new faces to the mix, all while enhancing the visual storytelling through a more somber lens.

The dragon designs continue to be as playful and exaggerated as before, now with a more lifelike touch, but they blend seamlessly into the real-world setting of the movie, contributing significantly to its distinctive charm. Toothless still stands out among the most endearing yet occasionally fearsome CG characters ever created.

The acting is top-notch, with Mason Thames delivering a remarkable performance as Hiccup, skillfully blending the nuances of a cartoon character with genuine human traits. The aspiring dragon trainers, including Julian Dennison from Hunt for the Wilderpeople, are a joy to behold, and Nick Frost from Hot Fuzz brings his signature world-weary charm to their trainer role.

If you already find the current version faithful, one might wonder about the need for another version. So, what does it bring to the table or take away? Well, it’s missing some of the original’s enchanting appeal and overall aesthetic harmony. As for character development, any advancements are minimal.

Indeed, certain aerial sequences leave you speechless, while the climactic battle rivals the grandeur of The Lord of the Rings series.

The flight sequences are truly awe-inspiring, and the final action sequence matches the epic scale of The Lord of the Rings films.

From a cinephile’s perspective, this movie truly stands out as an exceptional piece, overflowing with warmth, delight, and empowering messages that champion diversity. If hopping onto the bandwagon helps share its beauty with fresh perspectives, then I’m all for it!

Over time, it’s likely that preferences between the two options will be influenced by the initial exposure one has to each.

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2025-06-09 14:04