Can How to Train Your Dragon Fly in Live-Action?

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Translating a beloved animated classic into live-action is no small feat. It's not just a task of reimagining a cherished story; it’s about carrying the weight of years of nostalgia, the pressure of fan expectations, and the challenge of translating the magic of animation into something tangible and real. With How to Train Your Dragon, the stakes were particularly high. As one of the most adored animated films in recent memory, its live-action adaptation had a lot to live up to—and, dare I say it, it crushed the challenge.

A Bold Move, But They Got It Right

When I first heard about the live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon, I felt a blend of excitement and fear. We’ve seen live-action remakes before, and not all of them have been met with universal praise. Whether it’s a misstep in casting, unnecessary plot changes, or a lack of the original’s charm, these adaptations often leave fans with a sense of something lost in translation. But this film, surprisingly, doesn’t stray far from what made the original so beloved. The truth is, they nailed it—and they did so by changing absolutely nothing at its core.

The beauty of How to Train Your Dragon lies in its rich storytelling and the imaginative world it creates. This adaptation doesn’t just replicate that world—it elevates it. The set design of Berk, the village perched on cliffs and surrounded by the ocean, is breathtaking. The real magic, however, lies in the dragons. Watching Toothless, Stormfly, and the others come to life with such intricacy and detail was nothing short of awe-inspiring. It was as if the magic of animation had been transported into the real world.

The New Faces and Familiar Feels

One of the trickiest aspects of transitioning from animation to live-action is the casting. How do you fill the shoes of characters we’ve come to know so intimately? In this case, the answer was to cast new faces and let them take these roles to new heights. While Gerard Butler’s return as Stoick was a welcome touch, the rest of the cast was entirely fresh—and they didn’t disappoint.

Mason Thames, as Hiccup, brings a depth to the character that is often difficult to capture in animation. Hiccup’s awkwardness, his stubbornness, and his sheer determination were all there, but what the live-action format adds is a more palpable, visible portrayal of emotion. You can see every struggle in Hiccup’s eyes, every ounce of fear and courage. Thames truly makes the character his own while honouring the essence of the animated version.

But the real challenge, and where this film could have easily faltered, was in bringing Toothless to life. Toothless has always been a fan favourite, known for his playful nature, deep bond with Hiccup, and, most of all, those heart-melting eyes. And let me tell you, those eyes in the live-action version were a triumph. The animators and visual effects team managed to capture the emotional weight of Toothless with a depth that felt real. His expressions and the connection he shares with Hiccup still packed the same emotional punch, and, yes—there were a few tear-jerking moments that’ll have you reaching for the tissues.

Music That Hits You Right in the Feels

For fans of the original film, the soundtrack was always one of the highlights. John Powell’s score was a perfect match for the sweeping landscapes of Berk and the soaring dragons. Thankfully, the music plays a crucial role in this live-action film as well, with many familiar themes returning to provide that same sense of epic adventure and heartfelt emotion. Watching the dragons fly against the backdrop of a sunset, with the music swelling, took me right back to the feeling I had when I first saw the animated movie in theaters. It’s not just a soundtrack—it’s an emotional vehicle, one that carries the film and brings it to life in a way that only music can.

And let’s not forget that 8-year-old me, who thought he’d never get over the feeling of watching Hiccup and Toothless grow together, found himself misty-eyed again. The film’s music, combined with the breathtaking visuals, reignited the same emotions that made the original so special.

A New Standard for Live-Action Adaptations

In a sea of live-action remakes, How to Train Your Dragon stands out as a shining example of how to take a beloved animation and turn it into something truly spectacular. It doesn't rely on over-the-top changes or gimmicks. Instead, it keeps the soul of the original intact while elevating the story with breathtaking visuals, stellar performances, and a music score that tugs at the heartstrings.

For me, this film has set a new bar for live-action adaptations. It doesn’t just recreate an animated classic—it enhances it. The result is a movie that is every bit as heartwarming, adventurous, and magical as its predecessor.

As for the future? I’m eagerly awaiting the next two installments. If this film is any indication, the How to Train Your Dragon live-action series is shaping up to be something truly special.

-Ben King @crowscritics