Carl Roberts 
“How To Train Your Dragon is the family film of the year. Charming, funny and delightfully entertaining, a wonderful time is to be had.”
The original How To Train Your Dragon was released into cinemas in 2010. The superb animated movie captured our hearts and gave us a great franchise. It was enjoyable, but we all wondered what it would look like in live-action. Could the film be as delightful? Would we get the same thrills and spills? And how would they make Toothless the dragon look? The wait is over. The live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon has flown into cinemas. Co-produced, written for the screen and directed by Dean DeBlois, the film stars Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, and Murray McArthur, with Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick the Vast from the animated films. Can the film take to the skies and become one of the better live-action remakes, or will it never leave the ground?
PREMISE
On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast, defies centuries of traditional dragon-fighting practice when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
THOUGHTS
Fans can breathe a sigh of relief. The film is a superb live-action remake of the animated original movie. Although the film is an almost shot-for-shot version of the original, that doesn’t matter. What they have created here is stunning, to say the least. Every aspect of what we love about animated films comes to life, faithfully recreated and expanded. The Isle of Berk feels incredibly real, drawing us into everything we see. While we know it’s just make-believe, for almost two hours, we immerse ourselves in the wonders on the screen.
With Toothless the dragon being so cute and cuddly, kids will instantly fall in love with him. Parents should expect to be asked to buy them a Toothless cuddly toy after the screening. Even a few adult audience members may want one too (I know I do!). Ok, so the look of Toothless is more of an animated vision than real life, but that hardly matters. From the second we see him, we are in love with him. Fans will know of the dragon being captured from the animated film, which is recreated here. Some small children may be in tears. But we know that it will all come right in the end.
THE CAST
Mason Thames as Hiccup is perfectly cast. He brings the animated character to life in such a way that we can’t help but enjoy his performance. The young actor superbly portrays every mannerism and look of the character. We genuinely believe Hiccup’s despair, anger, sorrow, and eventual bravery in every scene, such as in Thames’s performance. The same has to be said for Nico Parker as Astrid. We start by not liking her, thinking she’s stuck up, self-centred and mean. By the halfway point, especially at the climax, we love her. She is the perfect foil for Thames as Hiccup, playing off him with grace and warmth. Again, the young actress is perfectly cast as Astrid, brilliantly bringing the character to life.
Julian Dennison as Fishlegs Ingerman, Hiccup’s best friend; Gabriel Howell as Snotlout Jorgenson, Hiccup’s rival; Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thorston; and Bronwyn James as Ruffnut Thorston, Tuffnut’s twin sister, also superbly bring their characters to life. Every one of the youngsters delivers exactly as their characters should be. Fishlegs remains the know-it-all and go-to person about dragons. Snotland is still arrogant but scared throughout. In comparison, the twins stay as they are, too big for their boots and need to be brought down a peg. We know by the climax that these youngsters will prove themselves as the heroes they are meant to be.
NICK FROST
Nick Frost, as Gobber the Belch, is another perfectly cast member. Frost is often hilarious as the character. He is also the dragon trainer whose advice is often condescending and meaningless. Frost excels himself here as the character, breathing life into Gobber and being comic relief throughout. Again, we know he will prove himself invaluable in the final battle, and so he does.
GERARD BUTLER
Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast, the chieftain of Berk and Hiccup’s father reprises hs vocal role from the animated movies. Getting the actor back to portray Stoick in the live-action remake is a masterstroke. His vocal tones are one brilliant thing, but Butler is outstanding as the character. Of course, it is, in reality, a supporting role to the children and Toothless. However, Butler’s return elevates the film higher than it has any right to be. Tough, gruff, but with a softer side lying beneath the surface, Stoick is hard on his son. The scenes of Stoick going into battle, his angry side, and his general demeanour are perfectly recreated here. Butler already knows the character, but he brings Stoick to life so superbly that we are instantly in awe of him.
THE DRAGONS
Of course, the humans play second fiddle to the dragons. Toothless is cute and cuddly as he should be, something lovable from the start. The other dragons are impressively portrayed. In the training arena, we meet five that burst to life with vivid detail. Each one is fearsome and has its own unique traits, yet they never instil terror in us. The way Hiccup manages to name and calm them down is hilarious to see in live-action. The opening sequence of the dragon attack on the village is thrilling and vividly creates an intense atmosphere, setting the stage for the dramatic events to come. The journey to the dragon’s lair, flying alongside many dragons, is breathtaking. As is the queen. But here, I found a problem, as I did with the other dragons being ridden.
The queen and the final battle are a bit too much like the Kraken in the Clash Of The Titans remake. The dragon riders are a little bit too much like something from Avatar. And some battle scenes remind us of Game Of Thrones and House Of The Dragon. However, these a relatively minor niggles that young children won’t pick up on, while adults should simply not care. This isn’t supposed to be reality, nor is it a comparison of the film with the other movies and TV shows mentioned. The audience should sit back and enjoy the spectacle on the screen.
DEAN DEBLOIS
Dean DeBlois returns to the franchise to write and direct again. This is another masterstroke. By allowing DeBlois to write and direct the live-action remake of his original animated movie, the film has far more going for it. It gets an advantage that makes it such enjoyable entertainment. Yes, it is a virtual shot-for-shot remake of the first animated film. But DeBlois gives his live-action movie debut everything he’s got and the film needs. His framing, effects shots, and directorial style suit the movie down to the ground. DeBlois knows what he’s doing, and it shows. In someone else’s hands, the film may not have been the entertainment it is. It is down to DeBlois that the film should, by rights, be as successful as it is.
VERDICT
How to Train Your Dragon is the family film of the year. Charming, funny, and delightfully entertaining, it will ensure that you have a wonderful time. It astonishingly takes what we have seen before in animated movies and brings it into live-action. Cynics may point out that it is a virtual shot-for-shot remake, but that’s up to them. That’s their opinion, and they are entitled to it. For everyone else, it will become a go-to movie for years to come. It is inoffensive, charming, and a superb way to spend a Saturday afternoon with the family. Just watching the byplay between Hiccup and Toothless will bring joy to the audience, especially the young ones who will be entranced by what they see.
With John Powell also returning as the composer for the film, it has the edge to astound, astonish, and become a firm family favourite. Universal Pictures has a monster on its hands, quite literally. Children will fall in love with Toothless, and adults will find everything the film offers quite charming. Its blend of fantasy, family, and fun can’t help but entertain. A sequel has already been greenlit, and I can’t wait to travel back to Berk for another round of fun. How To Train Your Dragon takes to the skies and never hits the ground. A real treat.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
