Review by Jon Donnis
Live-action remakes have become a regular feature on studio slates, though few manage to do more than mimic the originals. That's what makes How to Train Your Dragon such a pleasant surprise. With warmth, scale, and real cinematic sweep, this new version of the beloved 2010 animated film manages to stand on its own without disrespecting its source. Directed with a clear reverence for the original story and crafted with a keen eye for visual spectacle, it takes a familiar tale and gives it new wings.
Set on the rugged island of Berk, the film follows Hiccup, played with genuine likability by Mason Thames. He's the physically slight, socially awkward son of Viking chief Stoick the Vast, reprised here with gravitas and welcome familiarity by Gerard Butler. In a world where dragons are feared and hunted, Hiccup dares to be different. After injuring the elusive Night Fury dragon, he finds he can't bring himself to kill it. The dragon, later named Toothless, becomes both companion and co-conspirator in rewriting everything the villagers thought they knew about dragons.
The film stays remarkably close to the animated version's structure. From Hiccup's clumsy start in dragon-fighting school to his discovery of Toothless's gentle nature, the beats remain the same. But it all feels a little more grounded here. The setting, the prosthetics, the mud and fire, it's all real, or at least convincing enough to be.
It helps that the supporting cast is strong. Nico Parker brings a quiet strength to Astrid, Hiccup's rival and eventual ally. Nick Frost is solid as Gobber, a Viking who's both mentor and comic relief. Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn round out the younger ensemble with energy, even if they're mostly background noise once the bond between Hiccup and Toothless takes centre stage.
And Toothless is a triumph. The visual effects team deserves real credit for bringing the dragon to life in a way that feels tactile and emotionally expressive. The design remains faithful, but the textures and movement bring a new layer of believability. The flying sequences are especially effective, with soaring, swooping shots that capture the thrill of flight without resorting to overblown action.
If there's a complaint, it's the runtime. At just over two hours, the film drags in parts, particularly during the second act. For a younger audience, this might be pushing the limit. The original animated version ran leaner (95 minutes) and felt snappier because of it. Still, it's not enough to undermine the whole experience. For families, the balance of slapstick comedy, heartfelt moments and thoughtful messaging about empathy and courage makes it more than worth the commitment.
What's most striking is how much heart this film has. It's never cynical, never mean-spirited. It trusts its story, its cast, and its message. There's something quietly moving about watching a boy and a dragon defy the expectations of their world and forge something new. It's a theme that still resonates, even more so in this well-acted and beautifully realised version.
How to Train Your Dragon might not have needed a remake, but it's got one that justifies its existence. It's faithful without being slavish, emotional without being manipulative, and entertaining without talking down to its audience. A rare thing, really.
WOKE WATCH: You do have DEI Vikings, which is clearly historically inaccurate and offensive to Viking culture and history. Sadly in 2025 a film that doesn't have ridiculous DEI characters simply wont get funded, it was disappointed to see. Other than that the film in general is ok.
I score How to Train Your Dragon a solid 9 out of 10.
In Cinemas Now!
