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How to Train Your Dragon Review
Image Credit: Universal Studios
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Directed By: Dean DeBlois
Written By: Dean DeBlois; Based on the book by Cressida Cowell
Runtime: 116 minutes
MPA Rating: Rated PG for sequences of intense action and peril.
Mason Thames – Hiccup
Gerard Butler – Stoick the Vast
Nico Parker – Astrid Hofferson
Nick Frost – Gobber
Julian Dennison – Fishlegs
Gabriel Howell – Snotlout
Bronwyn James – Ruffnut
Harry Trevaldwyn – Tuffnut
Peter Serafinowicz – Spitelout
Ruth Codd – Phlegma
Naomi Wirthner – Gothi
With the recent glut of live-action remakes of animated classics, Universal Pictures is now stepping up to the plate with a remake of the classic DreamWorks Animation feature, How to Train Your Dragon. Thanks to the exceptional care taken by longtime franchise veteran Dean DeBlois, How to Train Your Dragon defies all expectations, delivering an adaptation of the animated version that both reveres the original and creates an inspiring new version.
Adapted from the original book by Cressida Cowell, the live-action remake follows much of the same script as the original, which DeBlois also co-wrote and co-directed. Young Hiccup (Thames) lives in the Viking Isle of Berk., which is constantly besieged by dragons. Hiccup’s fellow villagers ostracize the young boy for failing to rise to his father’s example as the chief hunter of the winged reptiles. Initially, Hiccup hopes to slay a dragon to earn the respect of his father, Berk’s chief, Stoick the Vast (Butler, who also voiced the character in the 2010 animated version), and perhaps get a date with the up-and-coming dragon hunter, Astrid (Parker).
When Hiccup unwittingly manages to injure and take down the rarest and most elusive dragon type, the Night Fury, during a dragon attack, he finally has the opportunity to slay a dragon and earn his long-desired status. Seeing the Night Fury in person, Hiccup takes pity on it, and he cannot bring himself to kill the poor creature. Instead, Hiccup feeds and cares for the dragon, whom he later names Toothless, forming a precious bond with the creature. Hiccup soon recognizes that dragons are far more intelligent and less dangerous than initially believed.
Unfortunately, Berk’s entire culture and livelihood is built around their hatred and slaying of dragons. Hiccup’s relationship with Toothless risks upsetting and upending Berk’s entire culture, and potentially, risks ostracizing himself further among his aspiring dragon-slaying classmates and his own father. Nevertheless, Hiccup’s relationship with Toothless proves that humans and dragons can coexist.
Writer and director Dean DeBlois proves to be one of the key ingredients in the success of adapting How to Train Your Dragon. He maintains an impressive level of fidelity to the source material, which he co-directed and co-wrote alongside Chris Sanders. But rather than merely copying what worked before, DeBlois exceptionally crafts the remake into an immersive, compelling, and wondrous story. He beautifully showcases the magical bond between Hiccup and Toothless, who form a deep, unconditional friendship.
Veteran cinematographer Bill Pope lenses some outstanding aerial sequences that look awe-inspiring. The production takes great care in establishing the story’s immersion. For the first time in years, perhaps ever, How to Train Your Dragon genuinely demonstrates that a remake of an animated classic is not nauseatingly cringe-inducing or slightly above mediocre. Most of the changes DeBlois makes from the original script are minimal, but some additions flesh out the world-building of Berk. The new script keeps most of the dialogue and significant story beats intact.
One major flaw within the plot is consistent with the original animated film’s story. Considering the narrative concerns finding an alternative path from abhorring dragons, making the main enemy an alpha dragon appears contrary to the film’s overall message. The alpha dragon is merely a feral predator. It’s not “evil.” The creature is simply acting according to its wild nature. Perhaps it’s not as tamable or trainable as the other dragons or Toothless, but why should it be killed? Making the alpha dragon the “bad guy” plays like a contradictory idea. The original feature also suffers from the same issue.
The young cast members perform their roles incredibly well, especially Mason Thames as the new Hiccup. Thames captures Hiccup’s affable nature and modern, progressive personality that chafes the more primitive Vikings. Butler’s return as Stoick proves to be a stroke of genius, and he beautifully translates the character into the live-action format.
How to Train Your Dragon certainly sets a new standard for what’s achievable in adapting a beloved animated feature in a live-action format. DeBlois raises the stakes, and other studios that have constantly failed or are constantly trying to achieve similar results should pay close attention and take comprehensive notes. How to Train Your Dragon gets it right.
