How to Train Your Dragon is a prime example of how you properly translate the heart of the animated original into live action - Disney could learn a thing or two from Dreamworks on this one. While there’s no way to experience the magic of the 2010 feature again, this remake is as close as you’ll ever get with a near shot for shot translation of the animation to live action. 

 

Having seen the film in the IMAX format, this film is absolutely gorgeous to experience, especially during all dragonriding sessions as it truly feels wonderful to soar through the air with Toothless. The design of the dragons are all very true to their animated original form and Toothless is no exception, an undeniable charmer upon first glance. The dragons and the surrounding environments are two obvious reasons to translate this to live action over most others that have come before. The island and its surrounding bodies of limitless water are beautiful to immerse into, depicting a world of dragons majestic to the eye. The cinematographer and location scouts should be pleased with the final picture, when it looks so unbelievably like the original’s world. 

 

Jay Baruchel played Hiccup, the nerdy lead that didn’t want to be like his father and embrace who he truly wants to be - a rider. Baruchel has a distinct tone of voice that is difficult to imitate, Mason Thames comes into the role without the iconic affliction and it takes a minute to embrace. After the initial shock, Mason Thames is a fantastic Hiccup that allows his natural speaking voice to embody the character (Epic Universe won’t have trouble hiring a Hiccup that’s for sure). Visually the film gets most of its characters right with a few exceptions, exceptions that are notable but never affect the over result the film winds up offering. Nick Frost is terrific in place of Craig Ferguson’s Gobber, Gerard Butler returns as his more than familiar Stoick that needs some subtitles when he first speaks out loud with his think accent, the fellow dragon riding students all are almost detail for detail the same - yet Nico Parker while not having the blonde hair or blue eyes, embraces the personality of Astrid in both attitude and costume. In the animation I felt their romance felt a little rushed and that component of the overarching story remains the same here. 

 

A few new jokes and connective tissue stitch together all the familiar beats of the 2010 title, it’s mostly the same as the original, just from a different creative perspective. The wonderfully crafted score from John Powell returns and its infectious energy is yet another reason to see this  on the largest screen and with the best sound available - you’ll be humming it to yourself for days after.

 

Fans of the animated trilogy that have always dreamed of yet another outing with Toothless will absolutely adore this live-action offering from the very same man behind every other film in the trilogy - Dean DeBlois. The heart and soul of DeBlois' passion for this franchise is clear as day and for those looking to soar with the dragons in one of the most visceral experiences you’ll have at the cinema. Plus as a bonus, it’s going to be nearly impossible not to be hypnotized by Toothless’ undeniable cuteness in his new form.