Review 'HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON', A Great Remake of the Iconic Film from 15 Years Ago

Kapanlagi.com - HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (2025) is a live-action remake of the animated film of the same name from 2010. Before watching this film, the writer's expectations were quite high because HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (2010), released 15 years ago, was so iconic, leaving a mark in the hearts of viewers (including the writer), and achieving a critic score of 99 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

Expectations began to meet reality after seeing the actions and adventures of Hiccup with Toothless (the cute toothless dragon) in live-action form. This remake is able to translate the literal meaning of live-action, which is to bring its animated version to life.

For your information, the How To Train Your Dragon franchise is part of DreamWorks Animation. They have produced three animated films: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (2010), HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (2014), and HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD (2019).

1. Identical to the Original Film

Several important scenes in HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (2025) apply a shot-for-shot adaptation format or are made identically, almost exactly the same as the original.

This is two sides of the same coin. On one hand, the choice of this format seems too safe, boring, and lacking in improvisation. Recently, many remakes have explored the original source with changes in premise, casting, and even introducing new twists.

However, on the other hand, this makes the audience nostalgic for the iconic 2010 film that left a lasting impression on viewers.

2. Maintaining the Figures Behind the Scenes

Dean DeBlois, the director and writer of the animated version, takes on the same responsibility for the live-action version. He collaborates with Bill Pope as the cinematographer.

Given full control, DeBlois effectively utilizes the extended runtime from 98 minutes in the animated version to 125 minutes for the live-action. This nearly half-hour increase is used to add details that make the film even more engaging.

Additionally, the film also re-involves John Powell, the composer who previously added his touch to HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (2010). Similar to DeBlois, Powell simply brings the scoring recipe from the animated medium to live-action to replicate his success.

3. Details that Delight the Eyes

DeBlois made a brilliant decision by collaborating with his old colleague. Bill Pope, with his impressive track record as a visual director, was able to elevate How to Train Your Dragon to a higher level.

The fictional island of Berk looks even more beautiful with stunning details, from the Viking costumes, the intricacies of the village, to the realistic textures of the dragons.

4. Great Collaboration

The great work of the people behind the scenes was matched wonderfully by the cast of this film. Mason Thames, who plays Hiccup, shines as the focal point of the main character.

Mason Thames's performance is complemented by the performances of other young characters, such as Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson and Nick Frost as Gobber the Belch. The collaboration of these actors brings the film to life even more.

5. Gerard Butler

Gerard Butler returns to portray the character Stoick the Vast, the chief of Berk and father of Hiccup. The 55-year-old man is the only voice actor from the animated film 15 years ago who has rejoined for the live-action version.

Butler starred in all three HTTYD films as Stoick. He became an important character in the trilogy, especially due to his relationship with Hiccup that develops over time.

6. Rating

This film serves nostalgia as the main dish. Several added details are presented to support the already excellent main plot that is enjoyable enough to watch more than once. This film is recommended as a holiday break viewing for families with children and teenagers.

Editor Rating: 8/10

(kpl/ums)