Friday, June 13, 2025

How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

 


This week Dreamworks joins the trend of making live-action versions of beloved animated films with How to Train Your Dragon (2025) based on their 2010 film of the same name. I headed to my local theater of choice, joined by my friend (hi Jen) to check it out. I absolutely love the animated version of this film and had been looking forward to seeing how this one matches up.

For those of you who “poo, poo” the making of live-action films based on their animated predecessors, I think you’ll be happy with this one. Although there’s almost an extra 30 minutes of added content bringing the total running time to 2-hours 5-minutes, the faithful recreation of the original is abundant. Yes, there are tweaks here and there with expanded scenes, plot points, and world building yet the original story is still front and center.

Gorgeous cinematography and CGI work bring the isle of Berk and beyond to life. The dragons are incredible. I feel in love with Toothless all over again. It’s a stunning, believable feast for the eyes. The costumes and sets are rich with textures and details. The musical score soars.

The first twenty to thirty minutes of the film didn’t hold up for me as well as I hoped. The story is flat and a bit dry. I’m still not sure what it was about it for me, pacing? But it just lays there, and I was afraid the movie was going to be a total bust. I wasn't engaged and felt a bit bored. Once I got past the hump though, Toothless, I was all in for the duration.

Gerard Butler returning to reprise the role of Stoick brings everything full circle. However, it also showcases something that may very well be a “me” issue with the film overall. His performance felt more subdued and smaller. I felt that way about most of the actors/characters. Mason Thames’ Hiccup is more world weary and depressed than idealistic, self-deprecating, and lively. Nick Frost’s Gobbler is generic and forgettable. Nico Parker’s Astrid is fine but not fiery. The supporting cast of characters are so sidelined they aren’t as vibrant, defined, or impactful.

Everyone seemed restrained, and to varying degrees joyless. Again, may just be a me thing.

This version also dials back the overall edginess/darkness, snarcasm, and humor. It’s a kinder, safer Viking tale. I really wish they’d gone bigger and more in depth across the board. New takes are introduced but not explored so, why bother?

I’m still mulling this one over, but where I stand currently is How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a safe retelling of a beloved animated film. While going live-action expands the overall world various aspects simultaneously makes it feel much smaller.

It’s still fun, still enjoyable, still worth seeing on the big screen to get out of the summer heat for a couple of hours, but for me falls a bit short. I liked it but wanted to absolutely love it.

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) gets a 7 from me.



#howtotrainyourdragon

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