How to Train Your Dragon represents DreamWorks’ inaugural venture into the captivating world of live-action adaptations of cherished animated classics. This evolving trend has predominantly been led by Disney, a studio that has experienced both remarkable successes and notable misfires. To my astonishment and joy, DreamWorks appears to have hit a home run right from the outset. The live-action reimagining of How to Train Your Dragon is not merely a replica of its animated predecessor; it transcends it, delivering an exhilarating summer blockbuster that is sure to captivate audiences everywhere.

The narrative will feel familiar to those who have enjoyed the 2010 animated feature, How to Train Your Dragon. In brief, it chronicles the journey of Hiccup, a Viking hailing from a tribe famed for its dragon-hunting prowess. Their village faces constant raids from dragons, and during one such incursion, Hiccup seizes the opportunity to prove his bravery by attempting to capture a dragon. He nearly accomplishes this feat but ultimately chooses compassion over violence, setting free the creature instead. This pivotal moment sparks an extraordinary bond between Hiccup and Toothless, a seemingly fearsome yet friendly Night Fury, challenging the beliefs of his fellow Vikings, including Hiccup’s father.

Experience the Timeless Story of How To Train Your Dragon, Now Enhanced with Stunning Visuals

Stunning Visuals Elevate the Already Exceptional Tale of How To Train Your Dragon

The live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon is not a direct frame-for-frame remake of the 2010 animated film; however, it does recreate several iconic scenes that fans adore. It remains a beat-for-beat retelling, preserving the core story while adding a bit more depth with an additional 27 minutes of runtime. These enhancements include minor additions and embellishments that enrich the narrative, but fundamentally, it mirrors the animated film’s plot. This is fantastic because when a story is as compelling as How to Train Your Dragon, there’s no need for drastic changes.

Combining an exceptional storyline with breathtaking visuals and stellar performances results in a truly remarkable film experience. Achieving this is no simple task, and I believe How to Train Your Dragon succeeds largely due to the talented individuals behind the scenes. Dean DeBlois, who returns as both the writer and director, has played a pivotal role in ensuring that the film resonates with audiences while maintaining the essence of the original.

DeBlois has masterfully crafted a film that serves as both a heartfelt tribute to the original animated feature and an exhilarating summer blockbuster filled with action and emotion. It captures the same excitement and wonder that audiences experienced during its initial release. He adeptly identifies which scenes should remain unchanged and which ones could benefit from a fresh perspective, especially in the live-action format. It’s truly remarkable how well How To Train Your Dragon translates to this new medium, considering the mixed results of many live-action remakes. DeBlois’ commitment to honoring the source material while innovating where necessary is evident throughout the film.

Supporting this vision are two of his notable collaborators. John Powell, the original composer for the animated trilogy, returns to craft the score, which is an obvious choice. From the very first notes that accompany the studio logo, viewers are instantly transported back to the enchanting world of Berk. Additionally, renowned cinematographer Bill Pope, who was recommended by the legendary Roger Deakins, contributes his talents to bring a fresh perspective to the film’s visuals.

Pope’s contribution may be one of the most significant factors behind the success of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon. His cinematography is visually stunning, bringing the world of Berk to life with intricate details, from the inviting interiors of Hiccup’s home and workshop to the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland. The aerial sequences are nothing short of spectacular, filmed specifically for the IMAX format, allowing audiences to feel as if they are soaring through the skies alongside Hiccup and Toothless.

When it comes to Toothless and the other dragons, their visual transformations are remarkable. The visual effects team has successfully adapted their designs from animation to a more lifelike appearance. While it may not be true realism—after all, dragons are fictional—this stylistic choice enhances the overall experience. Among the ensemble, Toothless stands out with a design that remains slightly cartoonish, allowing for his expressive nature to shine through.

I’m Truly Impressed by the Outstanding Performances in How To Train Your Dragon

The Remarkable Parallels Between the Live-Action Performances and Animated Characters

The cast of How To Train Your Dragon genuinely amazed me with their performances. Several actors evoke such strong similarities to their animated counterparts that it was almost uncanny. For instance, Gabriel Howell’s portrayal of Snotlout perfectly captures the essence of Jonah Hill’s original performance, offering both a respectful homage and a fresh interpretation. The ensemble of young actors is exceptional, but much of the film’s success hinges on Mason Thames’ portrayal of Hiccup, which he delivers brilliantly.

Thames, notably younger than Jay Baruchel was during his initial voice work for Hiccup, brings a youthful charm to the role. Baruchel’s Hiccup was characterized by a sarcastic and older tone, while Thames embodies the character’s youthful exuberance and impulsiveness perfectly. His comedic timing is spot on, especially during a memorable scene involving Hiccup and Toothless and a fish—an interaction that, while humorous in the animated film, takes on an even more amusing and messy quality in live-action.

Nick Frost steps into the role of Gobber, previously portrayed by Craig Ferguson in the animated trilogy, and delivers a solid performance that meets expectations. While I can’t say Frost’s portrayal exceeded Ferguson’s, it’s a competent interpretation of the character. In stark contrast, Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick, Hiccup’s father and the tribe’s chief, and his performance is nothing short of delightful. Butler’s understanding of the character shines through, as he effectively captures Stoick’s complexity.

Butler’s interpretation of Stoick builds upon his original performance, enriched by improved costumes, hair, and makeup that enhance his presence. He oscillates between grand gestures and tender moments, providing a range that feels authentic. His performance is characterized by an energetic exuberance that fits the film’s tone perfectly, balancing both humor and drama.

Moreover, the entire cast is cohesive in their approach. From the primary roles to the supporting characters, everyone delivers performances that resonate with the film’s elevated reality. DeBlois’ direction is crucial in fostering this dynamic, guiding the cast to deliver performances that are both engaging and aligned with the film’s whimsical yet heartfelt tone.

How To Train Your Dragon Has Converted Me into an Advocate for Live-Action Remakes

This Live-Action Remake Has Changed My Perception of Adaptations

Even days after viewing, I am still somewhat astonished by how much I relished this fresh interpretation of How to Train Your Dragon. I have typically been skeptical of the trend to adapt animated classics into live-action films, often questioning the notion that live-action filmmaking carries more legitimacy than animation. This perspective grows even more frustrating when a movie labeled as live-action is heavily reliant on computer-generated imagery—essentially animation itself! However, I digress.

My admiration for the animated original remains strong; it is a nearly flawless film. Although we didn’t require a new rendition, the experience of watching How to Train Your Dragon has shifted my viewpoint. This film is an absolute delight, and witnessing it on the big screen was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had in a long time (my audience shared in this joy). While I’m not eagerly anticipating every forthcoming live-action adaptation, I am genuinely excited for How to Train Your Dragon 2.

How to Train Your Dragon will premiere in theaters on June 13, 2025.