Reel Review: How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

The live-action How to Train Your Dragon could’ve easily been a cash-in—but it isn’t. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the man behind the original animated trilogy, this version respects its source without simply copying it. What makes it work is that it remembers the heart of the story: a misfit boy, a wounded dragon, and the fragile bond that changes everything.

Mason Thames is a solid Hiccup. He brings a believable awkwardness and intelligence to the role without overplaying it. Nico Parker makes a strong impression as Astrid, getting the right balance of steel and warmth to lend the relationship weight. But it’s the bond between Hiccup and Toothless that still steals the show. The visual effects here are stunning—Toothless feels tactile and alive, not a CGI blur. When Hiccup reaches out in that iconic scene, it still hits.

The world feels bigger and rougher than the animated version—less colorful but more physical. It leans into the Viking grime and danger. The flying scenes, while fewer than expected, are breathtaking when they come. There are pacing issues in the second act, but the film finds its emotional footing by the final stretch.

Final word: A grounded, heartfelt reimagining that earns its wings—not just another remake, but a real story worth retelling. Rated: 8 out of 10.