After six years, the dragon Toothless returns to the big screen looking much like he did in the animated film from 2019. The world around him, though, is much different.
The latest “How to Train Your Dragon” film is a remake of the 2010 animated feature. Like its cartoon counterpart, the picture centers on the young, awkward Viking Hiccup (Mason Thames), who doesn’t have the same battle prowess of his father, Chief Stoick (Gerard Butler).
But he makes up for it with his inventiveness, which he uses to one day catch one of the dragons attacking his village. He can’t bring himself to slay the dragon when push comes to shove, though, and instead decides to learn about the creature and train it.
It’s definitely a plus for young viewers to have live action fantasy adventure films to enjoy. There’s not really as many of them being made these days, so to have a hero’s journey filled with dragons, action and spectacle is good on the family picture front.
This movie, to an extent delivers that for movie goers. It offers some exciting set pieces, a few good thrills and a classic hero’s journey centered on a boy and his dog (or dragon in this case). On that note, “How to Train Your Dragon” is fine. However, it’s not quite a powerful cinematic experience, either.
The fact is, this movie is extremely faithful to its source material. While that was a respectful thing to do, it also means that the film regularly feels derivative. Sure, the movie has a solid story, but it is taken directly from the animated feature. The same is true for the film’s gags, dialogue, and even visual action sequences.
There is certainly some novelty at play seeing something that was animated be brought to life on the big screen. Viewing creatures, a world and heroes that were once animated be tangible, with an environment that feels lived in, does connect the audience with the movie on another level.
Yet, looking at both, this one falls short of its animated predecessor. Some of the gags, jokes and lines are much better applied with the cartoonish charm of the animated feature. The stunning animation, especially in the flight scenes, earn the 2010 flick many more points, too.
There’s a feeling some scenes didn’t need to be an exact remake, but rather new versions that still capture the spirit of the predecessor. This is something that the 2023 “Little Mermaid” did fairly well. This “Dragon” simply needed some tweaks to really be its own thing, a spiritual successor.
Writer/director Dean DeBlois, who helmed the animated features, returned to lead this one and the vision was at least there. Him and his crew are able to put something together that looks good for a major release. The cast is alright, too. Thames, who was great in 2022’s “Black Phone,” is solid in the lead role, and it worked out having Butler return to the role of Stoicik.
Toothless also looks really good in live action. Altogether, it combines for a slightly above average watch. There are impressive visuals, the cast is OK and the entertainment value is there. But the heart, charm and energy that was in the original feature was lost in the creation of what’s nearly a shot-for-shot remake. 3.15 out of 5.
Matthew Liedke on Film 
Good review. I actually loved this remake. Yes, I still prefer the original animated one over this one, but it is far superior to many of Disney’s live-action remakes of late.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I mostly agree, but I will say I really enjoyed 2023’s Little Mermaid.
LikeLike