Director: Dean DeBlois

Cast: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost, Gabriel Howell, Julian Dennison

★★★☆☆

Univeral/DreamWorks takes a bold leap with its live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, bringing the beloved animated franchise into the real world with mixed results. The film, directed by Dean DeBlois—returning from the original trilogy—retains much of the heart of the source material but stumbles slightly in its transition from stylized animation to photoreal spectacle.

Newcomers Mason Thames (as Hiccup) and Nico Parker (as Astrid) bring earnest charm to their roles, though some of the magic that made their animated counterparts so memorable gets lost in the heavier, more grounded tone. The real standout, predictably, is Toothless—realized here through impressive CGI that captures the Night Fury’s expressiveness and endearing personality. The bond between Hiccup and Toothless remains the film’s emotional core and strongest asset.

Visually, the movie is stunning. The sweeping vistas of Berk and the dragon flights are beautifully rendered, though there are moments where the uncanny realism threatens to overwhelm the whimsical tone that fans loved. The action sequences are exciting, but the film occasionally feels like it’s trying too hard to be epic rather than intimate.

Where the live-action film falters most is in its pacing and a slightly heavier emotional tone that may feel sluggish for younger viewers. The original’s balance of humour, heart, and adventure isn’t always replicated here.

Ultimately, this new How to Train Your Dragon is a respectable adaptation It soars in moments, but for longtime fans, it’s a bittersweet ride; for newcomers, a decent introduction to a modern myth. A solid three stars.

Mitchell Peters