How to Train Your Dragon: A Bold Exploration of Friendship and Adventure is a cinematic masterpiece that challenges the imagination, asking viewers to envision a world where Leonardo da Vinci might recreate the Mona Lisa in a new light.
Back in 2002, visionary filmmakers Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois captivated audiences with their groundbreaking animated feature, Lilo & Stitch. Their journey continued as they directed the iconic 2010 film How to Train Your Dragon, setting a high bar for animated storytelling. Recently, both films have been reimagined, released within weeks of each other. While the Lilo & Stitch remake made some daring changes that sparked mixed reactions, it also showcased a willingness to innovate and excite audiences.
In contrast, the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon presents itself as a near-exact replica of the beloved original film. After viewing both versions consecutively, it felt as if I was experiencing the same story all over again. You might argue, “What did you expect? It’s a remake!” However, with the sheer volume of remakes dominating Hollywood today, one might wonder why the industry opts for reheated stories instead of crafting fresh narratives. The original film was delightful, but if we’re revisiting it, I hope for new flavors and perspectives to accompany it.
Interestingly, my anticipation for a remake stems from a desire to discover new interpretations rather than seek familiar echoes. The 2002 rendition of Lilo & Stitch was a fresh take, and I had hoped to see how Dean Fleischer Camp would approach it. Yet here we are again with a live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon, directed by Dean DeBlois himself, who has helmed all previous installments of this beloved franchise. While he is undoubtedly a talented director, his return to his own narrative feels more like a rehash than a rediscovery of artistry.
The original How to Train Your Dragon is a stunning achievement that resonated with countless children and families, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history. How does one even attempt to recreate such a masterpiece? The challenge is reminiscent of the difficulties faced during the making of the The Lion King remake, where the original’s brilliance led to hesitance in altering its foundation. After all, if something is perfect, why change it? Unfortunately, the The Lion King remake faltered due to its failure to evoke genuine emotion, a pitfall that How to Train Your Dragon avoids, yet it still lacks the spark of originality.
This latest film isn’t a complete failure; it serves as a family-friendly option for a day out at the cinema. Surprisingly, I found enjoyment while watching it, and it does not commit any major missteps, unlike some past live-action adaptations of classics like Snow White and Mulan. This adaptation sticks closely to the original narrative, but its faithfulness becomes a double-edged sword. For those familiar with the original film, this version offers little in the way of new experiences or insights. DeBlois seems to have exhausted his creative offerings on a story he has already told, rendering this second telling somewhat redundant.
From the film’s opening moments, as we return to the enchanting world of Berk, it’s clear that much of the dialogue has been directly borrowed from the original. I estimate that around 70% of the lines are either identical or closely mimic the original’s script. Each scene adheres to the same structure and pacing, making it feel less like a new story and more like a nostalgic replay of a film we loved 15 years ago. This lack of innovation can be disheartening, as DeBlois didn’t seize the opportunity to explore fresh ideas. When faced with perfection, the challenge of creativity often becomes an exercise in restraint.
The film exemplifies Hollywood’s tendency to play it safe, relying on proven scripts rather than risking new concepts. They know families will flock to theaters, ensuring a profitable return at the box office. Moreover, children enamored with this film will undoubtedly pester their parents to visit the Isle of Berk in the new Epic Universe at Universal Orlando, driving further financial success. This situation raises concerns about artistic integrity, as it feels more like a corporate strategy than a genuine storytelling effort. Just because this remake maintains the essence of the original doesn’t absolve it of being a mere cash grab.
Once upon a time, originality was celebrated in the film industry. Animated features were expected to showcase fresh ideas, while sequels and remakes were relegated to direct-to-DVD status. Today, the focus on intellectual properties has turned this trend on its head, with sequels and remakes becoming the bread and butter of the industry. The landscape of creativity has shifted from a thriving ecosystem to one that is largely reliant on nostalgia. Filmmakers seem more inclined to recycle hits rather than craft new experiences. This adaptation includes a couple of scenes that feel extraneous and don’t enhance the story, aside from providing some context for Stoick the Vast‘s absence during the second act.
This is disheartening, especially considering the talent involved. Mason Thames delivers a remarkable performance as Hiccup, impressing viewers with his ability to bring depth to the character. His previous work in The Black Phone showcases his range, and he truly embodies the spirit of this film. Additionally, having Gerard Butler reprise his role as Stoick adds a layer of authenticity, as his dynamic persona infuses the character with energy. The breathtaking flying sequences, particularly in IMAX, showcase the film’s visual splendor. John Powell‘s musical score remains a highlight, ensuring that the film captivates its audience. Nevertheless, the underlying issue remains: if the future of cinema involves transforming animated classics into live-action versions through AI, we might find ourselves with retellings that lack true innovation.
This film has garnered more favorable reviews than other live-action remakes due to its dedication to preserving the emotional core of the original story, particularly the bond between Hiccup and Toothless. While there is much to appreciate, the familiarity of the film ultimately detracts from its potential. The CGI work on Toothless and the other dragons is commendable, showcasing the VFX team’s commitment to creating photorealistic characters. However, the commitment to faithfulness becomes a pitfall, as the filmmakers’ reluctance to deviate from the original narrative stifled creativity. While it’s understandable to want to honor the original film, a remake that fails to innovate leaves fans feeling disappointed and yearning for something new.
Without taking risks, How to Train Your Dragon becomes a painfully predictable experience. While it’s not the worst live-action remake—many others have made poor creative choices—I find myself respecting those attempts more because they dared to explore new territory. This film, in contrast, feels timid in its execution. The announcement of a live-action How to Train Your Dragon 2 only reinforces the notion that the industry prioritizes reheating familiar stories over crafting new culinary delights. At this point, my enthusiasm has waned, and I find myself longing for original narratives that excite and inspire.
RATING: 5/10 – A Mediocre Reflection of the Original
According to ComingSoon‘s review standards, a score of 5 signifies a “Mediocre” film. The positives and negatives balance each other out, resulting in an unremarkable viewing experience.
Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our review of How to Train Your Dragon.
