Viewers, critics and even children have been grumbling about the film industry’s live action remakes in the last ten years. Whether it’s from poor CGI, poor writing, or completely deviating from the original plot, many have voiced their fatigue of the live action remakes.
“How To Train Your Dragon” establishes early on its main character and hero. Based off of the animated film, it follows Hiccup, the son of the chief Viking who lives on the island of Berk. Their whole lives they’ve been trained to combat dragons, until Hiccup encounters a rare dragon, a night fury, he had somehow hit in one of their dragon raids. And develops an unexpected bond with it. So, the plot thickens as Hiccup’s newfound relationship with the dragon changes man’s relationship with the species. Now without question, viewers are cemented watching Mason Thames knowing he IS Hiccup. Not poorly executed, not somewhat like the character, no… he completely embodies the unlikely hero from the get-go.
 |
| (Universal Pictures) |
Nico Parker, the next lead, also quickly establishes her belonging in the live action film. Without a doubt after a few quick liners, an “unbothered” expression as one would say, she too quickly embodies Astrid in a way viewers would never expect. And overall, the live action’s true heroine,
Astrid and Hiccup’s chemistry overall is a slow burn, natural, very well acted, while also being suitable for children. And based off of how Mason Thames and Nico Parker have gotten along in real life on the press tour, it’s no wonder they make such an iconic live action onscreen duo!
 |
| (Universal Pictures) |
The acting performances are not the least bit underwhelming and FULLY live up to the original, which I had been skeptical if I would be able to write. Universal steered clear of any room for error, and fully knew when casting Thames and Parker that they would be able to honor the original animated film.
The only skepticism is that the CGI for Toothless the dragon could have been done a little better. But overall? “How To Train Your Dragon” will wow audiences with how accurate to the original it is, and how it’s a truly profound live action piece of work.
"How To Train Your Dragon" Releases in Theatres June 13th Worldwide!
Check out the trailer below: