The 2025 live-action remake of "How to Train Your Dragon" has arrived, and it's proving to be a satisfying, if familiar, cinematic experience. Directed by Dean DeBlois, who also co-directed the original animated film, this new iteration revisits the beloved story of Hiccup and Toothless, bringing the world of Vikings and dragons to life with stunning visuals and a talented cast.
The film largely mirrors the plot of the 2010 animated hit. On the Isle of Berk, a Viking village constantly under attack by dragons, young Hiccup (Mason Thames), a somewhat clumsy and unconventional Viking, struggles to fit in. During one of the dragon raids, Hiccup manages to shoot down a Night Fury, a rare and feared dragon. However, he can't bring himself to kill it. Instead, he befriends the dragon, names him Toothless, and discovers that dragons are not the monsters everyone believes them to be.
As Hiccup and Toothless bond, Hiccup learns to understand dragons and develops a unique ability to train them. He uses this knowledge to impress his village and even begins to change their perceptions of dragons. However, their newfound peace is threatened by a greater danger lurking on the horizon, forcing Hiccup and Toothless to fight together to protect both Vikings and dragons.
One of the most significant strengths of the remake is its visual fidelity to the animated source material. The filmmakers have successfully translated the vibrant world of Berk and the unique designs of the dragons into live-action. Toothless, in particular, is a standout, retaining his expressive eyes and playful personality, ensuring that his bond with Hiccup remains as endearing as ever. The flying sequences are also impressive, offering a grand and cinematic experience that takes full advantage of the big screen.
The cast delivers solid performances, with Mason Thames capturing Hiccup's awkwardness and intelligence. Gerard Butler reprises his voice role as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup's father, bringing a layered performance to the character. Nico Parker as Astrid offers a more fleshed-out version, and the actors bring humanity and a feeling of being grounded to their roles.
However, some critics note that the film's close adherence to the original can also be a drawback. While it's a faithful adaptation, it doesn't offer many surprises for those familiar with the animated film. Some argue that the remake lacks originality and plays it too safe, not taking enough risks to carve out its own identity. The added runtime, approximately 30 minutes longer than the original, mostly consists of minor additions and expansions that don't significantly alter the story.
Despite these criticisms, "How to Train Your Dragon" (2025) is a well-crafted and entertaining film that will likely appeal to both fans of the original and newcomers alike. It successfully captures the heart and soul of the story, delivering a heartwarming message about friendship, understanding, and challenging preconceived notions. While it may not surpass the animated classic, it's a worthy addition to the franchise and a testament to the enduring power of the story.
