How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Review | Hiccup & Toothless Return

The new How to Train Your Dragon movie brings back the beloved story of Hiccup and Toothless in a live-action version. One of the most thrilling moments comes about halfway through the film when Hiccup, the unlikely young hero, climbs onto Toothless’s back for their first real flight. What follows is a wild, breathtaking ride full of twists, turns, and near crashes through rocky landscapes above the sea. This scene really captures the excitement and magic that made the original animated film so special.

Staying True to the Original

This new film doesn’t stray far from the 2010 animated classic. Directed by Dean DeBlois, who also directed the original trilogy, it closely follows the story and characters fans already love. While this means the movie stays packed with heart and friendship, it also means it doesn’t add many new surprises. The movie feels like a bigger, flashier version of what’s come before, built for the IMAX screen. For fans of the franchise, that might be exactly what they want.

The Story and Characters

The story kicks off the same way as the original. We meet the Viking village of Berk in the middle of a battle against dragons. Hiccup, played by Mason Thames, is the son of the village chief, Stoic, who is still voiced by Gerard Butler from the animated films. When Hiccup wounds a rare Night Fury dragon, he doesn’t kill it. Instead, he bonds with it and names the dragon Toothless. Hiccup quickly learns that dragons are not the fierce enemies his people believe but more like nervous pets. He tries to convince his village to see dragons differently, even as the conflict between humans and dragons gets worse.

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What Makes the Live-Action Special

This live-action remake brings the dragons and Vikings to life in a new way. The effects make the flying scenes feel more intense and real, adding a fresh kind of energy to the story. The world of Berk feels alive and dangerous, and the action scenes are thrilling. Still, much of the movie’s charm comes from how it sticks so closely to the original. If you loved the animated trilogy, you’ll find familiar moments here, now with a grander scale and realistic visuals.

Overall, this new How to Train Your Dragon lets audiences soar again with Hiccup and Toothless, offering a fresh way to experience a story many already hold dear.

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