How to Train Your Dragon: A Photo-Realistic Remake That Struggles to Recapture the Magic
How to train your dragon? As we discovered back in 2010, it takes not only patience and fish but also a sprinkle of magic. Fast forward to today, and director Dean DeBlois has once again taken us on this high-flying adventure with a photo-realistic remake of his original animated classic. But why are we revisiting this beloved tale?
A Nostalgic, Yet Familiar Journey
A Classic Reimagined
In the original “How to Train Your Dragon,” we were introduced to a charming world where a Viking outcast named Hiccup formed an unlikely bond with a fierce dragon known as Toothless. This vibrant story, highlighting interspecies empathy, captivated audiences worldwide, becoming a 21st-century classic. However, in this latest adaptation, we find ourselves circling back to familiar territory, often echoing the original’s plot almost verbatim. Can we truly call this a reboot when DeBlois hasn’t stepped away from the franchise for long?
A Story of Friendship and Change
Delving into the core of the story, Hiccup’s journey continues as he navigates the complexities of friendship and prejudice. As young Vikings grapple with their ingrained beliefs about dragons, Hiccup learns that not all dragons are the enemies they’ve been taught to view them as. This pivotal message remains essential: a boy raised in a violent environment begins to question the normalization of violence.
“Give me something to shoot at,” Hiccup laments, longing for acceptance among Berk’s warrior class. Raised under the watchful eye of his father, Stoic the Vast (voiced once again by Gerard Butler), Hiccup is trapped in a cycle of aggression. Yet, the film poses an important question: what if empathy is the true path to strength?
Updates and Modern Touches
Subtle Changes in Character Dynamics
One noteworthy update is the diversification of Berk’s inhabitants; no longer a homogeneous community, its fighters now comprise an international coalition. Hiccup’s love interest, Astrid (played by Nico Parker), represents the struggles and tenacity of immigrants, bringing a fresh perspective to the story’s dynamics. Her interaction with Hiccup highlights the complexities of privilege and acceptance in a community plagued by fear.
Dark and Gritty Aesthetic
However, not all changes are positive. The film’s aesthetic leans heavily on a dark and gritty realism that sometimes detracts from the fantastical elements that made the original so enchanting. Nighttime and interior shots, laden with shadows, leave viewers straining to discern the unfolding action.
The Case for Animation
The Heart of Animation
Animation possesses a unique power to evoke empathy in a way that live action often struggles to replicate. Our hearts resonate more profoundly with animated characters—a friendly dragon or a whimsical rabbit—compared to their live-action counterparts. The transfer from 2D to 3D diminishes the emotional weight we once felt, making the film feel colder and less inviting.
The irony is that animation allows us to connect with characters that aren’t real, yet the remake seems to mistrust its audience’s ability to engage with a world that doesn’t mirror their own.
Flawed Execution in Flying Scenes
Even the exhilarating flying scenes between Hiccup and Toothless don’t quite soar as expected, lacking the visceral thrill we remember. It’s almost reminiscent of kids waiting for a mechanical bull to start up; there’s excitement but not enough authenticity.
Conclusion: A Mixed Bag
This new iteration of “How to Train Your Dragon” is a testament to the enduring message of understanding and compassion. Yet, as a photo-realistic remake, it struggles to reclaim the magic that originally made the story iconic. While it reintroduces charming characters and familiar themes, one can’t help but feel that it lacks the spark that originally ignited the franchise.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, while the visuals may be stunning, the heart that once beat vibrantly at the core of the story feels muffled. This nostalgia-drenched adventure leaves us questioning: was this remake necessary?
For those seeking to relive the magic, it may be worth returning to the original animated classic, where the dragons fly free, and the heart still shines bright.
Additional Information
How to Train Your Dragon
- Rated: PG for sequences of intense action and peril
- Running Time: 2 hours, 5 minutes
- Now Playing: In wide release
Discover More:
Rediscovering childhood treasures through a new lens can be daunting, but the essence of stories often remains timeless.
