How to Train Your Dragon Movie Review

If you’ve never been to the isle of Berk to see this story come to life, or if you’re there again to watch how the dragon is trained, you’ll love that director Dean DeBlois is taking you there to witness this dynamo of a tale come to life. ​

He has an intense grip on the storyline since he’s been making these films since 2010, loosely based on a book series by author Cressida Cowell. It has since spawned two sequels, How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019), short films, video games, TV series, and theatrical play. There’s even another movie planned for release in 2027, and how it went with this one, I, for one, am looking forward to it because if you’re looking for an example of how one should present a live-action remake, look no further than this DeBlois film here. 

It’s magnificent! The CGI takes over when the animation has to stop. While you’re watching Toothless take Hiccup for his first ride, it looks almost real. It’s so beautiful and delightful, you wish it were. Composer John Powell, whose recent work includes Wicked, is back to work on the score. His music makes you soar to heights you’d never think you’d reach, much like characters when they take their rides on dragons. 

The actors were perfectly cast. Though Gerard Butler played Stoick in the animated films, his voice was equally powerful here. Mason Thames (Hiccup) looked and sounded so much like the part that you’d think the original sketch was made from an image of him. Nico Parker (Astrid), with her massive eyes full of wonder, had to be tough and loving both, and handled everything thrown at her with genuine effortlessness.

Many of the scenes appeared to be an almost shot-for-shot remake of the original animated film, down to the smallest of details, but I didn’t mind. If you don’t like that, I won’t lie to you. About a quarter of the way through, you know you’re not getting anything new. Somehow, the revisit feels new, as this is heartwarming, and also because you may need it right now.

Secondary characters, such as those in Dragon Slayer training with Hiccup, held the same pizzazz in this film as in the original. Especially when they’re poking fun at Hiccup and one another. Harry Trevaldwyn (Tuffnut) is frustratingly good when he boasts about himself. All their lines are amusing for the younger ones, as well as adults. If you’re looking for any fighting skills, look elsewhere. Kids and adults alike will gag when the fish-eating scene plays out. What was poor Mason made to eat?!? That food item may be something I have to look into… of what to avoid! Whatever it was, it didn’t look pleasant.  

DreamWorks allows us to rediscover the love between a boy and his dragon, and for this, you owe them a big round of applause. The movie was glorious back in 2010 and is again fifteen years later. The build-up to the end was superb. The “queen” coming out of the hive was well done and should be seen on the big screen to fully appreciate the hours of work put into this one scene.

You make it to the end and wish there was more, but your mind can’t let go of how magical a relationship Hiccup and Toothless have. Somewhere after they first touch, you’ve fallen in love. Observing this puppy/kitty of a dragon trying to please his bestie with his panting and showing off his enormous green eyes is magical. And that will carry over into a well-made remake, no matter how similar it is to the original. You’ll revel in the fact that it doesn’t waste your time. The little ones are going to love every moment. Enjoy watching them smile!