Review - How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

       Hey guys, Chuck here, and this is my review of How to Train Your Dragon, Universal and DreamWorks' live-action reimagining of the 2010 animated film of the same name, which in turn is based on the novel by Cressida Cowell. This movie was written and directed by Dean DeBlois, and stars Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, and Peter Serafinowicz. 

      So, to quickly recap the original How to Train Your Dragon animated series, the story follows Hiccup, a Viking from the isle of Berk, who manages to befriend and form a bond with a dragon. Specifically, a Night Fury that he named Toothless. The friendship between Hiccup and Toothless goes on to have an impact on the rest of Hiccup's clan, who all begin to befriend various dragons that aren't a danger to them. And, these friendships between Vikings and dragons is explored over the course of a film trilogy, that sees Hiccup and Toothless face various new threats and make some new allies. 

      As for this new version of How to Train Your Dragon, the movie is almost completely identical to the 2010 animated original. Every key sequence, every creature design for the dragons, every human character, everything that worked about the original film is on full display here, but with a more photorealistic look to it. This is predominantly due to the fact that Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed this movie, was ALSO the co-writer and co-director of the 2010 animated original. In a way, this makes it more seamless in how the film translates from animation to live-action. 

      The visual designs for the dragons was perfectly matched from the original, with an added luster of photorealistic textures to make them fit better in a live-action setting. And, this especially applies to Toothless, whose expressions and characteristics that made him so beloved in the animated original are on full display here, and the scenes involving Toothless and Hiccup were absolutely fantastic. 

       The performances were also fantastic, with both Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid being the top highlights of this version of the movie. And, much like with Rachel Zegler in Snow White, there was some minor backlash about Nico Parker's casting as Astrid, but y'know what? She was absolutely fantastic, and fit very well in this version of the story. Actors like Julian Dennison as Fishlegs, Gabriel Howell as Snotlout, Bronwyn James as Ruffnut, and Harry Trevaldwyn as Ruffnut were so fantastic. But, the other big standouts to me were Nick Frost as Gobber and Gerard Butler as Stoic, the latter of whom was in the animated original as the voice of Stoic. 

       Overall, I enjoyed the live-action How to Train Your Dragon for the sweeping visuals, the brilliant cinematography, and the incredible music by John Powell. Definitely worth checking out on the big screen, especially for how incredible the flight scenes look when Hiccup is flying on the back of Toothless. 

       Alright guys, this is Chuck signing off, and I'll see you guys in the next review.