REVIEW: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ is a Fun Time For All
In 2003, Dreamworks Animation brought Cressida Cowell’s hit children’s book, How to Train Your Dragon, to the big screen. The movie would become a box office hit, spawn 2 more animated movies, 5 short films, 3 television series, and now a live-action adaptation. Directed by Dean DeBlois, who directed 2 of the 3 animated films, fans are welcomed back to the Isle of Berk. It is here where Vikings and Dragons remain bitter enemies. In a constant battle with one another, every young Viking hopes to grow up and help their people slay the dragons. Including son of the chieftain of Berk, Hiccup (Mason Thames), who is one of those youngsters hoping to some day fight the good fight alongside his father, Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler). However, there is just one problem, Stoick the Vast and their tribe don’t believe Hiccup has what it takes to help slay the dragons. To prove to his father he can do it, Hiccup defies orders to help take down the dragons. When Hiccup captures a Night Fury dragon during the battle, Toothless, Hiccups dreams of slaying dragons completely change. As Hiccup gets to know the once fearsome dragon, and their bond begins to grow, Hiccup learns there is more to these dragons, and that maybe, his people don’t need to fight the dragons, but fight alongside them.
As someone who has never seen the animated movie or any of the next iterations, I had zero expectations for this adaptation. Going in not knowing what was in store, I walked out enjoying every moment. DeBlois beautifully balances CGI and real-life shots to lavishly tell this heroic tale of friendship between enemies. Though, I was little hesitant at the beginning of the movie with some of the scenes shot in CGI. Those scenes felt a little too fake, however, as the movie progressed the cinematography just got better and better. Whether it was Hiccup riding on Toothless or Astrid (Nico Parker) battling dragons, DeBlois makes the audience feel like they are part of the story rather than just watching.
John Powell, who composed the music featured in the original animated trilogy, returns for the live-action and it’s one of the highlights of the movie. Each piece is crafted to help immerse the audience in the scene it is featured in. A particular favorite were the bagpipes playing as Toothless and Hiccup take to the skies. You can’t help but want to be in Hiccup’s shoes as they soar over the Isle of Berk.
Thames takes on the role of Hiccup with ease. A beloved character in the animated movies, or so I’ve been told, Thames plays Hiccup’s awkwardness in such a way that the audience can’t help, but fall in love with him. Parker takes on the role of Astrid and is just as good. You can’t help but dislike her in the beginning because she is being mean to poor Hiccup, but as the story unfolds you come to see why Hiccup has a crush on the character. Add in the fact Thames and Parker have great chemistry with each other.
Butler is the only actor who voiced a character in the animated movie to return for the live action. As Stock the Vast, Butler is fantastic. As you watch his performance, you can tell how much fun he had playing this character. Nick Frost plays Gobber the Belch, and is wonderful in the role. Whether he is in a scene with Butler or leading the tribe’s children in training, Frost can only be described as the voice of reason in this movie. Rounding out the cast are Hiccup’s dragon slaying mates, Julian Dennison (Fishlegs Ingerman), Gabriel Howell (Snotlout Jorgenson), Bronwyn James (Ruffnut Thorston), and Harry Trevaldwyn (Tuffnut Thorston). All four young stars were a pleasure to watch battle against Hiccup throughout the movie.
The live-action How to Train Your Dragon is a must watch for fans of the animated movies, for families, and for anyone looking to have a good time at the theater. The movie is a heartfelt, family friendly, but doesn’t learn to far into the child side of family. There is enough adult humor to keep the adults just as entertained as the kids. If you are looking for a way to beat the heat this weekend, make sure to check this movie out.
Grade: A