Written & Directed By Dean DeBlois; Starring Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Peter Serafinowicz, Nick Frost, and Gerard Butler.
Based on DreamWorks Animation’s 2010 Academy Award nominated film of the same name loosely adapted from Cressida Cowell’s 2003 novel. The story is set on the mythical land known as the Isle of Berk. As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike, the friendship between a young, inventive Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) and a Night Fury dragon named Toothless becomes the key to both species forging a new future together.
I myself happen to be a huge fan of the How to Train Your Dragon saga. I first saw the original movie in theaters on opening day when it came out, and was immediately won over by the whole thing. If you ask me, all three installments combined make up one of the very best animated film franchises of all time. When it was announced in 2023 that a live action remake was happening, I was very surprised. The franchise isn’t even that old, especially given that the original trilogy only ended just a few years ago.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you should know how much I never have interest in any of Disney’s live action remakes of their beloved animated properties. The originals already work so well, that I don’t need to see them reimagined in another cinematic medium. My initial feelings on this one was that this was clearly DreamWorks’ attempt to cash in on the whole craze. Although what sparked my curiosity is that Dean DeBlois, the writer/director behind the animated trilogy, is at the helm.
When Simon Wells, a veteran of the animation industry, was asked about this on the Kingdom of Dreams podcast, he mentioned his excitement because of Dean’s involvement. Especially given how Disney has never bothered asking the people who made the original animated films to even take part with their live action remakes. He feels these types of projects need someone who understands the nuts and bolts of what made the story work in the first place, like the original writers/directors, to be at the helm. Hearing Simon’s explanation made me realize what a great point that is (@59:04).
Under DeBlois’ direction, you can tell how committed he was to getting this right. Visually, he manages to bring the world of Berk to life thanks to Dominic Watkins’ production design, Lindsay Pugh’s costumes, as well as Alessandro Bertolazzi’s hair and makeup work. A lot of the visual effects are really good (even if some of them don’t look quite as accomplished as others). The dragons alone not only resemble their animated counterparts, but also look so lifelike. The flying sequences are very thrilling to behold. John Powell also returns to do the score, reviving his iconic themes in addition to creating some soaring new ones.
When it comes to the actual story, it’s very close to the original animated film. If you’re familiar with it, there won’t be any surprises while watching this one. I can understand those who’d complain about the lack of originality. Although this being a half hour longer, it does at least provide a little more breathing room. Not to mention that certain characters have been beefed up a bit. Even in the scenes that were recreated from the original, they do hit differently in live action (in a good way).
As the main hero, Mason Thames absolutely nails Hiccup. He perfectly captures the awkwardness and humor of that character, feeling as if he came right out of the cartoon. What continues to be the heart and soul of this franchise is the relationship between Hiccup and Toothless as you really feel for both characters as their chemistry evolves throughout the film. Gerard Butler gave some of his very best work as Hiccup's father, Stoick the Vast, in the original trilogy, and continues to do so as he reprises it in live action. While Nico Parker showed quite a bit of potential as Hiccup’s love interest, Astrid, she at times kind of pales in comparison to what America Ferrera brought to the role. Although I’d like to put in a good word for Nick Frost, who’s pretty memorable as the blacksmith of Berk, Gobber the Belch.
This live action How to Train Your Dragon may not be remarkably different from the original. The story may still be much better suited for animation. With that being said, I still had a good time with it. If both sequels get remade with this much care and respect, sign me up! It’s now playing in theaters everywhere. Although I’d recommend catching this in IMAX.
Rating: 3.5/5
Based on DreamWorks Animation’s 2010 Academy Award nominated film of the same name loosely adapted from Cressida Cowell’s 2003 novel. The story is set on the mythical land known as the Isle of Berk. As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike, the friendship between a young, inventive Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) and a Night Fury dragon named Toothless becomes the key to both species forging a new future together.
I myself happen to be a huge fan of the How to Train Your Dragon saga. I first saw the original movie in theaters on opening day when it came out, and was immediately won over by the whole thing. If you ask me, all three installments combined make up one of the very best animated film franchises of all time. When it was announced in 2023 that a live action remake was happening, I was very surprised. The franchise isn’t even that old, especially given that the original trilogy only ended just a few years ago.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you should know how much I never have interest in any of Disney’s live action remakes of their beloved animated properties. The originals already work so well, that I don’t need to see them reimagined in another cinematic medium. My initial feelings on this one was that this was clearly DreamWorks’ attempt to cash in on the whole craze. Although what sparked my curiosity is that Dean DeBlois, the writer/director behind the animated trilogy, is at the helm.
When Simon Wells, a veteran of the animation industry, was asked about this on the Kingdom of Dreams podcast, he mentioned his excitement because of Dean’s involvement. Especially given how Disney has never bothered asking the people who made the original animated films to even take part with their live action remakes. He feels these types of projects need someone who understands the nuts and bolts of what made the story work in the first place, like the original writers/directors, to be at the helm. Hearing Simon’s explanation made me realize what a great point that is (@59:04).
Under DeBlois’ direction, you can tell how committed he was to getting this right. Visually, he manages to bring the world of Berk to life thanks to Dominic Watkins’ production design, Lindsay Pugh’s costumes, as well as Alessandro Bertolazzi’s hair and makeup work. A lot of the visual effects are really good (even if some of them don’t look quite as accomplished as others). The dragons alone not only resemble their animated counterparts, but also look so lifelike. The flying sequences are very thrilling to behold. John Powell also returns to do the score, reviving his iconic themes in addition to creating some soaring new ones.
When it comes to the actual story, it’s very close to the original animated film. If you’re familiar with it, there won’t be any surprises while watching this one. I can understand those who’d complain about the lack of originality. Although this being a half hour longer, it does at least provide a little more breathing room. Not to mention that certain characters have been beefed up a bit. Even in the scenes that were recreated from the original, they do hit differently in live action (in a good way).
As the main hero, Mason Thames absolutely nails Hiccup. He perfectly captures the awkwardness and humor of that character, feeling as if he came right out of the cartoon. What continues to be the heart and soul of this franchise is the relationship between Hiccup and Toothless as you really feel for both characters as their chemistry evolves throughout the film. Gerard Butler gave some of his very best work as Hiccup's father, Stoick the Vast, in the original trilogy, and continues to do so as he reprises it in live action. While Nico Parker showed quite a bit of potential as Hiccup’s love interest, Astrid, she at times kind of pales in comparison to what America Ferrera brought to the role. Although I’d like to put in a good word for Nick Frost, who’s pretty memorable as the blacksmith of Berk, Gobber the Belch.
This live action How to Train Your Dragon may not be remarkably different from the original. The story may still be much better suited for animation. With that being said, I still had a good time with it. If both sequels get remade with this much care and respect, sign me up! It’s now playing in theaters everywhere. Although I’d recommend catching this in IMAX.
Rating: 3.5/5