While the 2025 live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon remains faithful to the original 2010 animated film, I think it is best viewed without comparing it with the animated film, or even without knowledge of the latter. Don’t get me wrong; the live-action film is grand in scale and execution, with breathtaking flying scenes and terrifying dragons. It is just that, animated films have their own endearing characteristics and charm that easily capture our hearts. It would be unfair to view the live-action film vis-à-vis the animated film. So, let’s leave it at that, okay? 😊
For the longest time, the Vikings have been engaged in a battle with the dragons that every now and then attack the village for livestock in How to Train Your Dragon. At the heart of the story is a boy named Hiccup who wants to prove himself to his father, Chief Stoick the Vast, and to the rest of the Vikings, that he is capable of being like them, that he is capable of slaying dragons. But all that changes when Hiccup captures a night fury dragon with his DIY weapon. He could not allow himself to kill the dragon as he feels the dragon’s fear. They become friends and he names him Toothless. Hiccup’s mission changes to convincing his father that the Vikings and dragons can co-exist.
Spectacular flying scenes abound (though it feels like some wind is lacking based on how their hair flows). The film is visually stunning with fire-breathing dragons and flying scenes above the clouds and through the mountains. I particularly like the flying scenes where the kids try to save the Vikings, each aboard a dragon (the dragons they use for training), taking turns in confusing and attacking the queen dragon. There are scenes though that feel like animated still, akin to Beowulf style, especially the night scenes, which appear to be too dark for comfort. Nothing wrong with brightening them a bit.
As much as it is about the dragons, the story navigates the dynamics between fathers and sons, and how sons can be source of fathers’ pride. Their scenes of confrontation and later, realization, pull at the heartstrings. Mason Thames gives Hiccup a spot-on character who starts out as a fumbling misfit and redeems himself in the end; and Gerard Butler turns in a moving portrayal of a father who realizes how wrong he is about the dragons and his son. Nico Parker plays it strong and direct as Hiccup’s love interest, Astrid, but a little bit of life won’t hurt.
“I am so proud of you my son!”
“That’s all i need.”
In sum, it is a moving and thrilling ride of a film that the family will surely enjoy. #
The Hungry Film Lover 