I’ll admit, I never watched the original How To Train Your Dragon animated films, despite always being intrigued by the hype. From the adorable clips of Toothless I’d seen over the years, it was clear the franchise held a special place in many hearts, but somehow, I just never got around to diving in. So walking into the live-action adaptation without any preconceived notions was a rare treat and to my surprise, it allowed me to fully absorb and appreciate the magic of this reimagining.
Right from the get-go, I was captivated. The world of Berk, the Viking costuming, the stunning landscapes, and of course, the majestic dragons, all came together to create an atmosphere that felt both fantastical and grounded. Visually, the film is a triumph. Every frame is dripping with detail, and the creatures, especially the dragons, are brought to life in such a breathtaking way. Learning that a Melbourne-based studio contributed to the film’s creature designs made the visuals even more impressive.
What truly sold me, though, were the characters. Hiccup, with his unconventional ideas and quiet determination, instantly stood out and Astrid’s strength and confidence in battle brought a fierce energy to the screen. Despite not having prior knowledge of these characters, I felt like I knew them. The film does a phenomenal job giving everyone space to grow, evolve, and connect with the audience.
But let’s be honest, the moment Toothless appeared, I was gone. As an animal lover and proud cat mum to two mischievous boys, Niko and Binx, I couldn’t help but notice how much Toothless resembled them in both personality and movement. His cautious trust, playful energy, and expressive eyes tugged at my heartstrings in a way I didn’t expect.
The emotional core of the film, the bond between Hiccup and Toothless, is handled with such care and authenticity that it’s hard not to be swept up in their journey. Their relationship is beautifully developed, and watching their trust build was genuinely moving. Pair that with a sweeping, heartfelt soundtrack and stunning aerial scenes, I found myself entirely caught up in the ride.
The pacing of the film is tight and engaging, keeping things interesting without feeling rushed. There’s a great balance between action, character development, and emotional beats, all of which build to a satisfying conclusion.
What makes the How To Train Your Dragon live-action adaptation even more noteworthy is the fact that it’s directed by Dean DeBlois, the same creative behind the original animated trilogy. Knowing that, it’s no surprise that the film feels so true to its roots. In fact, I discovered that several scenes are nearly shot-for-shot recreations of the animated classic. That level of fidelity and respect for the source material is something rarely seen in modern adaptations and it speaks volumes about DeBlois’ commitment to preserving what made the original so beloved.
Overall, How To Train Your Dragon completely won me over. It’s a heartfelt, beautifully crafted film that doesn’t rely on nostalgia alone. It stands firmly on its own, even for newcomers like myself. I laughed, teared up, and left the theatre with one burning thought: I need a Toothless plushie immediately.
Safe to say, I’ll be diving into the animated trilogy next and if it’s anything like this film, I know I’m in for something truly special.