How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)
Over the past 15 years since its initial release, How to Train Your Dragon has become a franchise beloved by young and old. The Isle of Berk, Toothless, and Hiccup have managed to capture the hearts and minds of fans who have gone on to embrace the fantasy world of dragons and their riders. Yet, when Dreamworks considered bringing these cherished characters to the real world, many would be justified in wondering if this live-action version would still carry the same magic.
A sigh of relief could be heard throughout the fanbase as Dean DeBlois was given the reins of this project as writer, director and producer. If anyone could keep the vision accurate to the original storyline on the right course, the animated film's director was the man for the job. Hiccup (Mason Thames) comes to life on screen as the misunderstood son of the Viking leader, Chief Stoick the Vast (role reprised by Gerard Butler). As they defend the isle of Berk from dragons, the inhabitants must search for the nest of the creatures. During the adult's absence, the young train for the ongoing battle between humans and the fire-breathers. Until Hiccup manages to bring down a Night Fury and befriends the flying beast, who the young Viking names Toothless. The pair must overcome fear, prejudices and misunderstandings to unite these warring parties to fight a common enemy.
The trend of turning animated classics into live-action films has proven to be a hit-or-miss proposition for Disney over the years. This studio practice might cause some concern for Toothless fans. Yet, this fear will prove unwarranted as DeBlois stays true to the original film with only a few nuances added to complement the story. Each character comes to life, and as things unfold, Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, and Gerard Butler all manage to fill the helmets and saddles of their animated alter egos. Yet, the locations and the CGI-created dragons make this a convincing transition to live-action.
The Irish Isles provide a fantastic backdrop for the filming as this taps into the visual inspiration of Game of Thrones and Avatar. The flying scenes are convincing, and the island sets will convince the audience that there truly is a Viking settlement in the real world. Still, the part that will convince the greatest sceptic of this move will be the visual effects that will bring the dragons to life. Granted, the Deadly Nadder, Gronckle, and the Hideous Zipplebacks seem a bit cartoonish, but Toothless looks so convincing that the viewer would think they could reach out and touch him like Hiccup does.
Between the outstanding computer generation, the beautiful settings and the compelling performances from the whole cast, How to Train Your Dragon will satisfy the devoted and draw a whole new audience to this amazing franchise. A film that needs to be experienced on the big screen to truly be appreciated and celebrated once again.
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REEL DIALOGUE: What does being a father, not merely a Viking, mean to your children?
'Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.' Psalm 127:3-5
One aspect of this franchise that stands out is the importance of the father's love and acceptance. The relationship between Hiccup and Stoick is integral to this storyline and shows how essential it is in the lives of children everywhere.
The role of fatherhood that tends to get overlooked is that it is not only a responsibility but also a privilege. Children are truly a blessing. It can be hard to remember this during early morning feedings or the latest car smash, but these incidental things should not diminish the gift that they are in our lives.
Fathers need to look at this opportunity as an honour and do all that can be done to be the men our children need us to be. Some days are harder than others, but thankfully, the Bible gives us the instruction manual to help mould our children, and prayer provides the comfort to watch over them in all situations.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" - Joshua 24:15
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