Movie Review: ‘How to Train Your Dragon' might have just redeemed the live-action adaptation
This live-action adaption of the underdog adventure story sends the audience cascading through the clouds with the teenage Viking boy Hiccup and his dragon friend Toothless. It's the kind of immersive sensation and giddy wish fulfillment that might just have you forgetting momentarily to breathe and, maybe more importantly, that you're still in a movie theater. Credit to veteran cinematographer Bill Pope, no stranger to fantasy worlds, whether it's 'The Matrix' or 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.'
'How to Train Your Dragon' doesn't stray
far from the original
, from shots to story beats. Gerard Butler once again plays Berk's Chief Stoick the Vast. The new Hiccup, actor Mason Thames, even sounds a bit like Jay Baruchel. But unlike so many live-action remakes of animated films, it also doesn't feel superfluous, or, worse, like a poor imitation of its predecessor that trades the magic of animation for photorealism.
Perhaps that's because filmmaker Dean DeBlois, who made the three animated films, stayed in the director's chair. Who better to kill their darlings than the one who brought them to the screen in the first place? And, crucially, to know where live-action might actually enhance the fabric of the world created by author Cressida Cowell.
It helps that dragon technology has come a long way since, say, 'DragonHeart.' These fire-breathing CG creatures feel disarmingly real. And though it might look like 'Lord of the Rings' or 'Game of Thrones,' the tone stays light enough for younger filmgoers. There are a few intense sequences, but none that takes it any further than the animated film did 15 years ago.
'How to Train Your Dragon' does start a little slow, however, which is odd because it also begins with a fiery battle between the Vikings and the dragons on the Isle of Berk. There's a lot of exposition and introduction that needs to happen before you can just give yourself over to the story. In this more multicultural version, the warriors on Berk have been recruited from tribes around the globe to try to defeat the dragons.
Hiccup is a Viking nepo baby. As the chief's son, he sits in a place of privilege, but he's also a general outcast in this world of ruthless warriors — skinny and weak, he just longs to be part of the action, not sharpening the weapons. Killing dragons is currency in this society, and his crush Astrid
(Nico Parker)
happens to be one of the most promising up-and-comers. His sole champion is Gobber (a delightful Nick Frost), the blacksmith and dragon slayer teacher, who convinces the chief to give the clever Hiccup a shot.
The film finds its internal engine when Hiccup finds Toothless, the wide-eyed 'Night Fury' dragon whom he can't bring himself to kill. Instead, he decides to study this discovery, who he finds is not as nearly fearsome as everyone assumes. 'How to Train Your Dragon' teaches empathy and ingenuity without a sermon.
Thames, a teenager himself, is the perfect embodiment of adolescent awkwardness and boldness. You can have all the cute dragons you want, but the audience would be lost if the human conduit to the relationship isn't up to the task. Butler seems to be having a good time, resplendent in fur and chest-thumping ideas about ancient duties. And Parker gives Astrid a relatable depth — the best in the bunch who is outshone in an unequal fight.
Kids deserve movies that are made on the biggest possible canvas. 'How to Train Your Dragon' is one that's worth the trip to the theater. It might just spark some young imaginations, whether it's to go back and read the books or dream up their own worlds. And, chances are, no one is going to be yelling
'chicken jockey.'
'How to Train Your Dragon,' a Universal Pictures release in theaters Friday, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for 'sequences of intense action and peril.' Running time: 125 minutes. Three and a half stars out of four.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
When is 'Nobody 2' coming to streaming? Here's our best guess
"Nobody 2" sees Huch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk) exploding back onto the big screen in another burst of ultraviolence. After the first film brought him out of retirement (and landed him in hot water), our everyman action hero is working hard to pay off some all he really wants to do is go on vacation. Of course, we all know that movie dads can't escape work that easily. Shortly after the Mansell family arrives in the rundown amusement town of Plummerville, trouble finds Hutch all over again — and hilarious, bone-crunching carnage ensues. So far, "Nobody 2" seems to be impressing action fans. It's currently Certified Fresh with a 76% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, and has an even higher score from fans (89% on the Popcornmeter). Having seen it myself, I don't think it quite matches up to Hutch's first outing, though it is a solid follow-up (with seriously fun action) that leans into the franchise's silly side. If you're waiting to stream "Nobody 2" at home, we do not yet have a streaming release date for the action sequel. However, if you'd like to plan your viewing, I've made an educated guess at when and where you'll be available to stream "Nobody 2" from the comfort of your own couch. If you're keen to see Bob Odenkirk back in action, the only way to watch "Nobody 2" right now is by heading to your nearest movie theater. And seeing as the movie only just released on Friday, August 15, that's not likely to change for a little while yet. As with most new releases, the first way you'll be able to watch "Nobody 2" at home will be via Premium Video-on-Demand (PVOD) storefronts like Prime Video. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. We don't currently have a PVOD release date for "Nobody 2," but I anticipate "Nobody 2" will land a digital release on or around September 15, 2025. That's based on the fact that we've waited about a month for Universal's most recent releases to be available on PVOD services (both "Jurassic World Rebirth" and the live-action "How To Train Your Dragon" movies followed this pattern). Similarly, we don't yet have a "Nobody 2" streaming date, but seeing as this action sequel is a Universal release, we can expect it to make its streaming debut on Peacock. Typically, we wait three to four months for Universal Pictures movies to come to the streaming service. Thus, I predict that "Nobody 2" will come to streaming in mid-November, possibly on Friday, November 14. That's based on the fact that it took "Drop" three months to come to the streamer after hitting theaters on April 11, and "Wolf Man" arrived in April after premiering in theaters in January. However, both "Nosferatu" and "The Phoenician Scheme" arrived sooner, landing on Peacock two months after release, which possibly means "Nobody 2" could be available a little sooner, too. Of course, this is all purely speculation at present, as Universal has not made any announcements about the "Nobody 2" streaming date just yet. As and when we learn anything, we'll be sure to share that info here. If you're looking for something new to watch in the meantime, check out our round-up of the best movies on Peacock for more streaming suggestions. If it's action you're after specifically, we can still help: take a look at our round-up of the best action movies on Netflix for even more thrills. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Travel Weekly
4 days ago
- Travel Weekly
Curated ship libraries offer a literary voyage for cruisers
For book lovers (like me) who devour multiple titles per week, travel presents a packing challenge: sacrifice valuable suitcase space for reading material or risk running out of books midjourney. (Yes, I could move to an e-reader, but there's absolutely nothing like turning the pages of a book.) Luckily, a handful of cruise lines solve this dilemma with thoughtfully curated shipboard libraries that go far beyond the typical collection of abandoned paperbacks. I first noticed this trend aboard the ocean vessel Viking Star. Perusing the library, I spotted a brand-new novel I'd been dying to get my hands on. How did the Viking Star have a copy of a book that hadn't even made it into my local bookstore? The discovery led me to investigate the surprising renaissance of shipboard libraries. The intimate library space aboard the Viking Star. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Viking A growing trend at sea Cruise ships with thoughtfully curated libraries represent a growing trend in the industry, as operators recognize that intellectually curious travelers seek literary enrichment. "Cruise ship libraries offer guests a rare blend of quiet sophistication and intellectual escape," said Lainey Melnick, luxury travel professional and owner of Dream Vacations. "These refined spaces let travelers unwind with a classic novel or delve into destination guides, elevating the journey with both comfort and cultural enrichment." Viking Ocean Cruises has elevated the shipboard library experience through a partnership with London's legendary Heywood Hill bookshop, which also serves the British royal family. Several vessels in the fleet sail with a unique collection where every title has been hand selected to complement the ship's itineraries. Each Viking vessel features thoughtfully organized library spaces distributed throughout the ship. Contemporary fiction and classics populate the Living Room, and Arctic exploration books fill the shelves in the Explorers' Lounge, while on the Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter, passengers find space-travel titles in the Explorers Dome. The Celebrity Solstice features a cozy, thoughtfully designed library space with beautiful floor-to-ceiling bookcases. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Celebrity Literary sanctuaries at sea Other major cruise lines have recognized travelers' desire for literary sanctuaries at sea, investing in impressive collections that serve as quiet retreats amid the bustle of shipboard activities. The Queen Mary 2 houses perhaps the most impressive maritime library afloat, a stunning space featuring over 10,000 carefully selected volumes. "A library on a Cunard ship is not just a place for books -- it's a sanctuary at sea," said Liz Fettes, senior vice president for commercial, North America. "It reflects Cunard's long tradition of enriching the mind as well as the journey, offering guests a quiet haven to explore, reflect and escape through the written word." Holland America Line maintains curated libraries with up to 1,700 volumes on each of its 11 ships. Vessels feature rotating Feature Sections of bestsellers and hand-picked books related to upcoming destinations. The cruise line has expanded its literary offerings through a partnership with the audiobook and podcast service Audible. Celebrity Cruises brings contemporary elegance to its library spaces across its Solstice- and Edge-class vessels. Ships feature cozy sitting areas and beautiful floor-to-ceiling bookcases housing large collections of fiction and nonfiction books. The National Geographic Endurance library serves as what the line calls an "intellectual anchor" on its cruises. Photo Credit: Oivind Haug Expedition vessels, too Small-ship and expedition operators have embraced the library trend with equal enthusiasm, often creating collections that deepen passengers' connection to remote destinations. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions' vessels feature libraries that serve as what the line calls "intellectual anchors" for each voyage. These collections complement expert-led lectures with resources that help guests connect more deeply with their surroundings. The Star Clipper tall sailing ships -- the Royal Clipper, Star Clipper and Star Flyer -- have Edwardian-style libraries that are meant to capture the romance of the golden age of sail, the cruise line said. Silolona Sojourns takes an educational approach to its library collections aboard its two traditional sailing phinisi yachts in Indonesia. Founder Patti Seery personally curated these intimate libraries, filling shelves with books about local culture, marine conservation and history. Silolona also shares a comprehensive recommended reading list with all travelers before their trip. Aqua Expeditions' vessels showcase region-specific collections tailored to their exotic destinations. The Aqua Mekong offers literature about Southeast Asia, while the Aqua Blu provides titles about Indonesia's biodiversity and cultural heritage. Ecoventura's luxury expedition yachts Origin and Theory in the Galapagos. Their intimate libraries stock evolutionary texts including Darwin's "On the Origin of the Species" alongside modern fiction. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ecoventura For those exploring the Galapagos with Ecoventura aboard its luxury expedition yachts, intimate libraries stock "special, including rare editions -- all about the Galapagos, wildlife, evolution and beyond," said Doris Welsh, senior vice president of sales and marketing. "The collection ranges from 'On the Origin of the Species' by Darwin himself to fiction novels like 'Wish You Were Here' by Jodi Picoult." Ambassador Cruise Line's ships feature libraries themed around the Bronte sisters, complete with dresses from Bronte film adaptations on display and regular book clubs. While digital entertainment options proliferate, the quiet sanctuary of a well-stocked library continues to draw passengers seeking intellectual stimulation or just a quiet spot to curl up with a book. Libraries filled with carefully selected volumes that connect to destinations and spark curiosity not only add to the cruise experience, but for travelers like me, means not having to jam a suitcase full of books.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
The Wild New Action Thriller So Unhinged, It's Resurrecting A Canceled Genre
Nobody 2 is a sequel to Nobody, a small but good action movie released in 2021, that takes the original and adds some seriously crazy high voltage. It's a throwback to the days of gonzo action movies like Crank and Shoot 'Em Up, the kind of movie where it doesn't care how silly things get as long as someone's head is blown off. The Cancellation Of Gonzo Action Movies If you've never heard the term 'gonzo action movie' before, that makes sense. Hollywood stopped making them after an early, blood-soaked boom in the style during the early 2000s. That gonzo renaissance happened partly due to successes like The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings. They had proven there was huge value in giving auteur filmmakers buckets of money and letting them make whatever they wanted, however they wanted, and that formula was being tested on everyone and everything. Some of those filmmakers wanted to make over-the-top action movies. At the same time, the internet had created a new cadre of independent online film communities and critics. Young voices with sudden influence who were ready to watch and champion the kinds of movies old school snobbery would have sneered at. This combination of events is how that era ended up with the Judd Apatow-led explosion in ultra-offensive, ultra-funny Rated R comedy. It's how we got all kinds of strange and interesting sci-fi and drama, as directors got the backing they needed to push boundaries. It's also how we got Jason Statham. Statham is now a household name, but he was an up-and-comer back then. He was a cult favorite first, and his popularity as an on-screen ass kicker grew based on his willingness to top-line movies of the wildest and most violent variety. Jason Statham was the king of gonzo action movies. His films were over the top and free of restraint. They were violent at John Wick-level but without any self-seriousness and ten times the gratuitousness. Sometimes, they were all that and also really silly. Statham's Crank movies may have been the pinnacle of that gonzo action style, but other stars were dabbling in it too. Clive Owen's Shoot 'Em Up was like a live-action, R-rated Looney Tunes. And Nic Cage made a Ghost Rider sequel that featured a scene in which he pees fire on the film's screen, just for the hell of it. And then it all went away. Society tightened up. Independent publishers were buried as old media corporations poured pressure and money into the internet to supplant them. Movies and filmmakers began feeling leveraged to push a specific message as cancel culture activists issued threats. It was no longer safe to take risks. The effect of this was most obviously seen in comedy. In 2017, Daddy's Home 2 was released, and that would be Hollywood's last major comedy film released in theaters for the next eight years. Comedy wasn't the only casualty. This was no longer an environment where Jason Statham could make an action movie in which he had to engage in either sex or murder every ten minutes to live. Yes, that is the plot of Crank, if you haven't seen it. Now it's all coming back. 2025 saw the return of comedy with The Naked Gun, and at the same time, unhinged R-rated gonzo action movies are making a comeback too. 2022 saw the release of the Violent Night, 2023 gave us Cocaine Bear, and now here's Nobody 2. Nobody 2 Sets Silly On Fire And Rips Its Legs Off Nobody 2 gets progressively more ridiculous as it goes on, until our hero is planting land mines in the ball pit at an amusement park and engaging in a machine gun firefight while sliding down a water slide. There's a wolf, a black ninja, Doc Brown with a Gatling gun, and Sharon Stone giving one of the most unhinged villain performances I've ever seen on screen in anything. Imagine if Tom Cruise's Les Grossman character from Tropic Thunder (another successful 2000s experiment in excess) decided to become a psychotic killer, and you'd have the basic genesis of Stone's Lendina. She's even got the dance moves. It's all anchored by the most unlikely action star, 62-year-old Bob Odenkirk in jorts and a sensible polo shirt. If there's a flaw in Nobody 2's madness, it's probably Odenkirk, who isn't all that great at pulling off some of the stunts. The movie does its best to turn him into John Wick, and the fight choreography is tremendous; he's just not always up to selling it at his near-retirement age. It's forgivable because Odenkirk's aw-shucks I'm-a-nobody persona is a significant component in what makes the movie fun. And besides, Nobody 2 isn't asking you to take it seriously. Gonzo action movies are back and this time, I hope they're here to stay. Solve the daily Crossword
