The beloved animated film How to Train Your Dragon has returned, this time as a live-action remake. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the same man who brought us the original trilogy, this version tries hard to bring back the magic of the original. But while the heart is in the right place, something feels a little off. It’s a good movie, no doubt, but it doesn’t hit quite the same way as the animated one did.
Old Story, New Look
The story is still the same. Hiccup, a young Viking boy who isn’t like the others, meets and befriends a dragon he names Toothless. While others in his village fight dragons, Hiccup sees something different. He wants peace. It’s a touching story about friendship, trust, and embracing differences in a world that often pressures everyone to conform.
Now, seeing this story with real people and real-looking dragons feels fresh at first. The dragons look realistic. The village of Berk looks just like we imagined. The waves, fire, and skies all look big and bold on the screen. But even with all that, the emotional magic doesn’t hit as strongly this time.
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Acting is good, but not great.
The actors do a decent job. Mason Thames as Hiccup tries hard to show the fear, confusion, and bravery of the young Viking. Nico Parker as Astrid lends strength to her character as well. But compared to the original voice actors, the emotions sometimes feel a bit flat.
In animation, Hiccup’s expressions and Toothless’s movements were so full of feeling. In live-action, it’s harder to pull that off. Toothless still looks cute and wild, but his face doesn’t say as much anymore. Maybe that’s just how it goes when you turn a cartoon into something real.
The visuals are stunning.
One thing the movie does right is the visuals. The flying scenes are beautiful. When Hiccup and Toothless fly through the skies, it feels big and magical. The action is smooth, the fights are exciting, and the dragons look powerful.
The attention to detail is also impressive. From the wood carvings in Berk to the dragon scales, everything looks like a lot of time and effort was put in. Kids and adults alike will enjoy watching the screen light up. But again, looks alone aren’t enough if the heart feels a bit missing.
Music Brings Back Memories
One of the best things about this remake is the music. The original theme by John Powell is still there, and it brings back a wave of nostalgia. Whenever the old theme plays, you remember how you felt the first time you saw Hiccup and Toothless fly together.
The music is a big reason why the movie still soars, even if only for a while.
What’s Missing?
Here’s the real truth. The magic of the animated How to Train Your Dragon was in how different it felt. It wasn’t just about dragons. It was about growing up, about not fitting in, and about finding your place. The animation style made it all feel light and deep at the same time.
The live-action version tries hard to keep that spirit. But sometimes, it feels more like a copy than a reimagining. It’s like singing the same song, but with less emotion.
Also, the pace is slower. Some scenes feel longer than they need to be. And for people who already know the story, it might feel like a long wait for something they’ve already seen before.
Should You Watch It?
Yes, especially if you loved the original. It’s always nice to see your favorite story in a new form. Families, especially kids who didn’t grow up with the 2010 version, might enjoy this more than older fans.
Just don’t expect it to feel brand new. Think of it as a tribute rather than a completely fresh take.
The How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake doesn’t change the story much. It doesn’t bring a new angle or twist. But it’s still a beautiful journey filled with friendship, courage, and amazing flying scenes. It may not breathe new life into the tale, but it does fly high enough to be worth watching.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
It’s like visiting an old friend—comforting, familiar, but you also miss the spark you first saw in them. If you go in with that in mind, you’ll still find joy in this soaring adventure.