The first How To Train Your Dragon animated movie was released 15 years ago. When Universal announced they were going to make a live-action version, I immediately rolled my eyes. I’m just over studios rehashing the same stories, similar to what Disney does with its endless stream of live-action films based on animated classics. They know it’s a lucrative endeavor, as the latest Lilo & Stitch movie will soon enter the billion-dollar club.

Yet I’m curious to see this one because the original filmmaker, Dean DeBlois, is back at the helm. The way he talks about the project makes it seem this is more than just a cash grab, but a desire to bring this story, which was based on a book by British author Cressida Cowell, to a new audience in a new way. I’m thrilled that John Powell is back scoring this version because the music of HTTYD is one of the biggest strengths of the entire franchise.

The story is pretty much identical to the original: A hapless young Viking named Hiccup dreams of hunting dragons and lives up to his island chief father’s expectations, but ends up becoming friends with a young dragon, discovering that there’s more to these creatures than what he’s been made to believe. Hiccup and Toothless’s bond is still the highlight of this film. The ‘forbidden friendship’ scene where Toothless lets Hiccup touch his face still makes me teary-eyed, though the animated version is even more emotional as there’s that element of surprise.

The same with the flying scene. I was completely awestruck by it in the animated version, but that feeling of amazement just doesn’t hit the same here. Don’t get me wrong, the visual effects are fantastic, and the music still gives me the feels. Still, that’s the thing with remakes; no matter how meticulously crafted they are, they often struggle to capture the magic of the original. At times, I also miss Jay Baruchel’s unique voice that I always connect with Hiccup, though overall, Mason Thames is great in the role. 

I do have to commend the artistry in bringing the world of Berk to live. The creature design and puppetry of the dragons, particularly Toothless, are fantastic. His expressive eyes, cat-like growl, etc., are intact. If Toothless lacks the adorable quality of the original, that could make or break this adaptation. The world-building is phenomenal–stunning, the set pieces, Vikings-era costumes are captured beautifully by Oscar-winning DP Bill Pope. There are some truly stunning shots of the lush forest and rocky cliffs, filmed on location in Northern Ireland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.

They also did a great job casting-wise. I initially thought Thames is too handsome to play Hiccup, but they made him dorky with that haircut. Thames also gets the awkward mannerism down pat, and he’s able to convey his vulnerability, that sense of desperation to belong and to please his father. Gerard Butler IS Stoick, the animated character was already designed to look like him, so he’s naturally perfect for the role. He’s the only returning character, while his bestie Gobber is now played by Nick Frost. I like Nico Parker as Astrid, though the animated version definitely has more spunk.

While the movie is essentially a shot-for-shot remake, it does add and expand a couple of scenes. One notable one is when Stoick gives a speech following a dragon attack and introduces a few key residents of Berk from different parts of the world (featuring actors from Asian and African ethnicities). They also removed a few, and I wish they hadn’t removed the scene where Hiccup and Toothless chill on a small island and he feeds and cuddles a few small dragons. The line ‘everything we know about you guys is wrong’ is absent here, which marks a significant change in Hiccup’s perspective. I’m glad the line ‘thanks for nothing, you useless reptile’ is still there, but for some reason, the delivery just doesn’t hit the same way.

I missed seeing the 2010 original on the big screen, and I’m still bummed about that. I did see the sequels and this new adaptation in the theater, but none of them match the sense of wonder of the first one, which I gave a perfect 5/5 score. The animated version never overstays its welcome, while this version feels overlong at 125 minutes. That said, this is certainly one of the top live-action adaptations, created with a lot of passion and real love for the original material. Powell’s iconic score still soars, making it a fun ride for franchise fans, while also attracting new ones.

What do you think of the How To Train Your Dragon franchise?