Movie Review: How to Train Your Dragon (2025) – A Familiar Journey
Director: Dean DeBlois
Writer: Dean DeBlois
Stars: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler
Synopsis
As an ancient threat looms over both Vikings and dragons on the isle of Berk, the bond between Hiccup, an inventive young Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes pivotal for both species to shape a new future together.
A Resurrected Classic
Fifteen years have passed since the release of the beloved animated classic, How to Train Your Dragon. With a mixture of skepticism and hope, I ventured into Dean DeBlois’ live-action adaptation. While the trend of cash-grab remakes has soured many viewers on Hollywood’s reboots, something about this franchise felt more genuinely nurtured, compelling me to give it a chance.
An Intriguing Shift in Direction
DeBlois, known for his animated masterpieces since Lilo & Stitch, steps into live-action for the first time. This pivot is as intriguing as Brad Bird’s transition from Ratatouille to Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. Although this remake may not reach Bird’s heights, one can appreciate DeBlois’ ambition to revitalize the story amid new challenges.
A Copy/Paste Experience
If you’re hoping for originality, be warned: this experience feels like a side-by-side comparison of the animated and live-action films, with seemingly no changes. While the live-action format offers a fresh visual stratum, the plot, dialogue, and even John Powell’s musical score remain almost entirely unaltered from the original.
Critics might view this as a shameless attempt to milk the franchise for all its worth, particularly given its release coincides with Universal’s Epic Universe. Yet, within these constraints, DeBlois seems to grapple with delivering a familiar story in a new medium.
Visual Wonders and Missing Emotional Depth
Visually, the film falls short of the emotional intensity of its animated predecessor. The climactic sequences, instead of evoking excitement, feel like disconnected action setpieces. Even the return of Stoick the Vast (played by Gerard Butler) lacks the compelling backdrop and gravitas of the animated scenes. The synthetic backgrounds and a lack of coherence detract from what could have been a gripping confrontation.
Highs of IMAX Thrills
Where this film does distinguish itself is in its large-format photography. DeBlois employs IMAX cameras to create some truly breathtaking sequences. The awe-inspiring flight scenes offer adrenaline rushes that make you feel like you’re soaring alongside Hiccup and Toothless. The lifelike CGI, especially the design of Toothless, is impressive, bringing a near-living fragility to the Night Fury.
Character Dynamics That Miss the Mark
The relationship between Hiccup (Mason Thames) and Astrid (Nico Parker) also falters. Their chemistry feels forced, leading to moments that lack the resonance of their animated counterparts. The dynamic shines when they are competing rather than united, hinting that the emotional stakes could have been heightened with better writing and character development.
The Respect for Source Material
Despite its shortcomings, DeBlois’ respect for Cressida Cowell’s source material shines through. You can sense his dedication to honoring the original narrative, even if it occasionally appears overwhelming under the weight of nostalgia.
Conclusion: A Satisfying Yet Flawed Ride
In summary, How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is an engaging yet flawed journey through a familiar landscape. While the remake succeeds in certain areas—like breathtaking visuals and a deep-rooted respect for its origins—it fails to capture the emotional depth that made the original so special. As I exited the theater, I felt a sense of moderate satisfaction, albeit with cautious optimism for what this experiment could lead to in the future.
Grade: B-
For those delving deeper, consider exploring insights from The Verge, where you can find additional analyses on cinematic adaptations.
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