When How to Train Your Dragon first premiered in March 2010, being at a young age, it was one of the first films to leave such a lasting impression on me. Young enough to be swept up in the film’s sense of wonder, I was still old enough to recognize its stunning beauty and emotional depth. Fifteen years later, the film has not only stood the test of time, but is also widely considered as DreamWorks’ finest effort, launching a franchise that has remained remarkably consistent in quality. While How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World had a sense of finality to it, it wouldn’t have been surprising if DreamWorks had decided to extend the story, regardless of whether the original creative team was involved. However, instead of continuing the franchise with a fourth installment, writer-director Dean DeBlois chose a different path: returning to where it all began with a live-action remake of the original film.
The announcement sparked skepticism within the film community as many were disappointed that one of the original creators would choose to remake a film that, despite being only 15 years old, still holds up both technically and emotionally. The aptly-titled How to Train Your Dragon is a difficult film to evaluate in isolation, as much of its reception hinges less on the execution, and more on the question behind its whether or not it should even exist. Enjoyment of the film will largely depend on whether audiences view it as a respectful reimagining, or a creatively bankrupt endeavor; a shot-for-shot remake of a beloved classic that didn’t need revisiting. As a result, one can’t help but wonder whether the same budget and talent could have been better spent expanding the franchise in new directions, or by creating something entirely original.
That being said, as a live-action recreation of the original, it’s undeniably impressive how much care and precision went into capturing the magic of the animated film. The visual detail is striking, using modern technology to bring the world of Berk a bit closer to reality. DeBlois does an admirable job reimagining Berk with a grand sense of scale, period authenticity, and a clear depiction of the destruction wrought by the conflict between dragons and Vikings.
Mason Thames is a spot-on choice for Hiccup. He has the look, the voice, and captures Hiccup’s precociousness and internal struggle with real depth, especially when it comes to portraying his bond with Toothless. His chemistry with Nico Parker is also a highlight. She brings a spirited, lively energy to Astrid and makes the character feel authentic. Gerard Butler returns as Stoick the Vast with surprising gusto; he fully leans into the role, delivering a really fun performance from an actor who is often on autopilot.
Visually, the film is stunning. The dragons, in particular, are a standout, one of the few areas where the live-action version genuinely surpasses the original. While Toothless remains largely faithful to his animated design, the other dragons are rendered with a new level of realism and intensity. They feel more lifelike and formidable, especially the massive queen dragon that dwells on the island. Her sheer size and presence are jaw-dropping, and the scale of her scenes were very impressive to watch.
All that said, it’s hard to fully embrace a film that mirrors the original so closely, reusing the same shot compositions, score, and much of the script. As a technical achievement and theatrical experience, it undeniably delivers, recapturing the magic more effectively than most live-action remakes. But ultimately, the original continues to hold a unique sense of creativity and wonder that this version, by design, can’t quite replicate. As a companion piece, it’s certainly worth watching, but its purpose remains difficult to justify beyond nostalgia and novelty.
Trailer
Score: 70/100
*still courtesy of Universal Pictures*
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