14 hours ago
'Toothless Is Perfect': Early Reviews Soar For ‘How To Train Your Dragon' Remake
Critics praise the remake's visual scale, emotional weight, and loyalty to the beloved animated original
DreamWorks' bold leap from animation to live-action appears to be paying off. The highly anticipated remake of How to Train Your Dragon, directed by franchise veteran Dean DeBlois, is earning early praise from critics as a faithful, emotionally resonant reimagining of the 2010 animated classic.
The film once again follows Hiccup (played in this version by Mason Thames), the awkward Viking teenager who befriends a rare and dangerous dragon, Toothless. While the plot mirrors the original nearly beat for beat, reviewers agree that the remake adds enough cinematic weight and visual flair to breathe new life into a story many already know by heart.
Critics widely agree that DeBlois plays it safe — but with reverence. 'How to Train Your Dragon stands out as a faithful and respectful rendition of the beloved animated film,' wrote Britany Murphy of Muses of Media. Tara McNamara of Common Sense Media called it a 'relaunch that honors the original while giving new riders a chance to take to the skies.'
For longtime fans, that familiarity may be part of the appeal. 'I have never seen such a perfect adaptation before,' declared Tessa Smith of Mama's Geeky.
Still, some critics noted that the remake's slavish devotion to the original may leave it feeling unnecessary to those looking for something new. 'It's not an essential remake, but at least it's not an offensive one,' noted Lovia Gyarkye of The Hollywood Reporter.
Visually, the film is being hailed as a technical triumph. Critics praised both the sweeping cinematography by Matrix alum Bill Pope and the impressive VFX used to render the dragons.
'Toothless is perfect,' said McNamara, who praised the creature's photorealistic design and expressive face. Mike Manalo of Geeks of Color echoed that sentiment, calling the VFX 'astonishing' and singling out the dragons as what 'truly makes the film a triumph.'
Still, not everyone agreed on every design choice. Murphy noted that 'some of the dragons' redesigns were a bit of a miss,' with colors more muted than in the animated original.
The third-act aerial showdown against the massive Red Death dragon drew repeated praise. Casey Chong of Casey's Movie Mania called it 'one of the most thrilling live-action dragon battles ever put on the big screen.' Manalo added that the film 'raises the stakes brilliantly' in its climactic action sequences.
But it's not just spectacle. Critics pointed to the deepened emotional resonance between Hiccup and Toothless, enhanced by the tactile realism of live-action. 'Bring your tissues,' warned Tori Brazier of Metro, noting that the film amplifies both the emotional highs and lows.
Mason Thames's portrayal of Hiccup is earning strong reviews. 'He showcases both a sympathetic vulnerability and an endearing quiet strength,' wrote Nikki Baughan of Screen International. Dessi Gomez of Deadline said Thames makes the role his own while still honoring Jay Baruchel's original performance.
Nico Parker, playing Astrid, was also impressed, with Smith declaring their on-screen chemistry 'out-of-this-world.' Gerard Butler, the only returning cast member from the animated trilogy, reprises his role as Stoick and is said to bring a commanding physical presence that elevates the film's Viking world.
Still, some criticism was directed at the film's tone and pacing. Kevin Maher of The Times (UK) described the acting as 'uneven,' suggesting the film lacks a clear vision beyond nostalgic mimicry.
That's still up for debate. G. Allen Johnson of the San Francisco Chronicle went so far as to call it 'the first [live-action remake] that actually might be better than the original,' while others felt it didn't quite reach those heights.
'The jump between one already very contemporary format to another doesn't feel all that impactful,' noted one early review. Still, even skeptics admitted that the film successfully reintroduces a beloved world to a new generation.
Critics agree that while the remake may not reinvent the story, it sets the stage for a potentially stronger live-action trilogy. 'With this do-over, DeBlois has the chance to reinforce the foundation,' wrote Peter Debruge of Variety. And according to Manalo, the film delivers 'an astonishing, heartfelt, and epic cinematic experience' sure to leave audiences eager to return to Berk.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or a first-time dragon rider, How to Train Your Dragon offers a soaring return to a world where friendship, courage, and flight still rule the skies.
