The live-action How to Train Your Dragon is a sweeping, faithful adaptation of the animated franchise’s world inspired by the original books by Cressida Cowell.
The new take grounds the coming-of-age story in a visionary opening entry that invites new and old fans to a Viking world where dragons could actually exist.
Hiccup’s journey from dragon slayer to dragon trainer remains as timeless as ever.
Overall, How to Train Your Dragon delivers an epic adventure that lays the groundwork of Toothless and Hiccup’s story.
For a fun time at the movies with your kids, or even just the kids at heart, How to Train Your Dragon is a must-see quest.
Based on Cressida Cowell’s original books, the animated franchise’s world is faithfully and expansively adapted in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon. DreamWorks’ original trilogy director Dean DeBlois embodies the essence of the cherished franchise and adds a new level of drama to the series’ magic. In an imaginative first installment, the new take places the coming-of-age tale in a Viking world where dragons are conceivable.
Hiccup made real is Mason Thames (The Black Phone), who serves as the audience’s charming interpreter of dragons, allowing them to view them differently than his Viking family, who actively hunt the terrifying but dangerous mythical creatures. Even though Toothless is just a cute, gentle giant Nightfury dragon, his encounter with him serves as a potent hook into the story of love, community survival, and harmony with the various types of life around us. As timeless as ever is Hiccup’s transformation from dragon slayer to dragon trainer.
A major theme throughout the story is the relationship between Hiccup and his father, Stoick. In the animated movie, Gerard Butler plays the same character, but he adds even more depth by exploring the pressures and demands of raising a child who is about to enter adulthood and the expectations that go along with it. Despite Butler’s tough demeanor as a Viking leader, there are moments when his acting vulnerability really comes through in contrast to Thames. Butler offers a more complex, poignant, and powerful interpretation of the cartoon character, highlighting the fact that no parent is flawless. His push for a world where dragons are the enemy gives the film’s central conflict a timeless quality that is particularly relevant to the father-son bond in a society that must overcome fear and adapt like Hiccup does.
Through Bill Pope’s lens, the Isle of Berk’s fantastical worldbuilding is given new life as a place where Vikings and dragons are actually fighting. Together with DeBlois’ vision, the cinematography soars to create one of the greatest family fantasies to date. It is a thrilling journey that establishes the ensemble tales that we are eager to watch develop further. Nico Parker’s portrayal of Astrid, who Hiccup finds inspiring in their romance, is a brilliant performance.
As Parker and Thames’s worldviews collide in hopes of a better Viking future, their chemistry only heightens our excitement for what lies ahead for the two romantic leads. There aren’t as many supporting characters as fans might have hoped for, but that raises the possibility that the movie franchise will expand into television shows in between the scheduled sequels, similar to how the animated movies did with their cartoon series that focused on the dragon trainers filling in the blanks.
The rich lore of Berk is ready for investigation, and DeBlois skillfully rekindles the passion of his cherished universe for a fresh generation. All things considered, How to Train Your Dragon is an incredible journey that establishes the tale of Toothless and Hiccup. Toothless’s CG animation seamlessly carries over his familiarity from the animated films, which feature a cute cat/dog energy, but this time it’s a dragon.
How to Train Your Dragon, which is full of touching tales, creates the impression that a journey is just getting started and has the ideal balance of nostalgia in a fantastical yet familiar setting. Through the film’s CG visuals, DeBlois skillfully combines the emotional core of Cowell’s book series with his talent for animated storytelling, thereby raising the stakes in the epic and action-packed dragon battles.
As a franchise fan, I am excitedly awaiting the release of my favorite series, the Easter eggs, and am so ready for How to Train Your Dragon II. The movie How to Train Your Dragon is a must-see if you want to enjoy a fun movie night with your children or even just the kids in your life.
Opening on June 13 is How to Train Your Dragon.
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