How to Train Your Dragon (2025) - Film Review

      **How to Train Your Dragon, 2025.**

      **Written and Directed by Dean DeBlois.**

      **Starring:** Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Naomi Wirthner, Murray McArthur, Andrea Ware, Anna Leong Brophy, Marcus Onilude, Pete Selwood, Kate Kennedy, Daniel-John Williams, Nick Cornwell, Selina Jones, and Samuel Johnson.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      As an age-old threat puts both Vikings and dragons in jeopardy on the island of Berk, the bond between Hiccup, a resourceful Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes essential for both species to create a shared future.

      Taking the initiative, Dean DeBlois, the creator, writer, and director of How to Train Your Dragon, shows Hollywood how to effectively execute a live-action remake. The key is to maintain the magic of the original material (still anchored in Cressida Cowell's book, but primarily a shot-for-shot reinterpretation of the cherished animated classic) when transitioning across mediums, while achieving a balance of realism, grounded characters, playful humor, and cartoon-like physics.

      Crucially, the primary dragon, later named Toothless, is portrayed with grandeur, possessing expressive green eyes and a physicality reminiscent of traditional animation, despite being a CGI creation. While Toothless appears more detailed and lifelike, elements of his design are clearly derived from the original animated film, allowing him to fit seamlessly within both formats. The integration of dragons in films and television shows likely aids in the smooth visual presentation, avoiding that common discomfort seen in many live-action remakes. The concept of a live-action How to Train Your Dragon resonates more deeply than most attempts, especially since the source material need not adhere strictly to animation, having originated as a book.

      Although the storyline is largely a replica (the runtime is lengthened with minor alterations leading to the same conclusion), the exchanges between Hiccup, portrayed by Mason Thames (who resembles and sounds much like the original voice actor Jay Baruchel), and Toothless, who are initially frightened of one another but ultimately develop a mutual understanding, are delightfully tender. Hiccup does not genuinely desire to harm or kill dragons (despite his initial beliefs), yet he feels pressure from his Viking tribe, led by his father Stoick (Gerard Butler, returning in live-action, complete with exaggerated gear and a majestic beard), who have historically been at war with the dragons. Given Hiccup's slender frame and nerdy nature, Stoick realizes that his son isn’t suited to combat against dragons, regardless of Hiccup's efforts to gain his father's approval. Dragons, having also been responsible for his mother's death, complicate this enduring conflict. Nevertheless, it’s clear to both Hiccup and the audience that he is neither a fighter nor a killer.

      After an attack on their village, the next day Hiccup ventures into the forest (depicted beautifully, filled with mountains, creeks, and more) in search of a dangerous dragon dubbed Night Fury, which he believes he injured from a distance with his heavy-duty contraptions. He discovers the wounded dragon and, rather than finishing it off, uses his intellect to nurse it back to health and teach it to fly again, and even constructs devices for riding while safely serving as a copilot.

      Meanwhile, Hiccup applies what he learns about dragons at a youth training camp designed to prepare the upcoming generation for continuing the fight. This setting introduces additional amusing characters, each vying for glory and recognition through violence in a comedic take on the misplaced heroism and the parental emphasis on strength and toughness. By not actually harming the captive dragons, Hiccup showcases his knowledge of the situation, impressing others in the process.

      Characters such as trainer Gobber (Nick Frost, bringing goofy expressions suited for a live-action animated adaptation) and the statistics-obsessed Fishlegs (Julian Dennison, who effectively employs slapstick humor in realistic environments) contribute to the light and entertaining tone. Astrid (now played by Nico Parker), while not heavily involved in this initial installment, portrays a spirited fighter who attracts the attention of the trainees. Nonetheless, the connection between her and Hiccup is also impactful.

      While the stakes may be lower than typically expected in a family-friendly action adventure (given that anyone familiar with the original knows the outcome), the essence of the story remains intact. This is a rarity for big-budget productions that escalate into large-scale action. Despite this, there will always be a lingering sense that one might instead be watching the original. However, evaluating How to Train Your Dragon on its own merits reveals it to be an entertaining retelling in a fresh format.

      The critical question remains whether the result has