Latest news with #dragons
Asharq Al-Awsat
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Movie Review: ‘How to Train Your Dragon' Might Have Just Redeemed the Live-Action Adaptation
Ever wanted to soar through the skies on the back of a friendly dragon? The new 'How to Train Your Dragon' may be the ticket, from a decidedly safer, though possibly still vertigo-inducing, distance. 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 nearly as 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.'
Associated Press
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Movie Review: ‘How to Train Your Dragon' might have just redeemed the live-action adaptation
Ever wanted to soar through the skies on the back of a friendly dragon? The new 'How to Train Your Dragon' may be the ticket, from a decidedly safer, though possibly still vertigo-inducing, distance. 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.
Gizmodo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
‘How to Train Your Dragon' Is a Dazzling Fantasy Epic
The live-action How to Train Your Dragon is a sweeping, faithful adaptation of the animated franchise's world inspired by the original books by Cressida Cowell. Director Dean DeBlois, who helmed DreamWorks' original trilogy, imbues the heart of the beloved franchise and captures the magic of the series with new dramatic depth. The new take grounds the coming-of-age story in a visionary opening entry that invites new and old fans to a Viking world where dragons could actually exist. Mason Thames (The Black Phone) is Hiccup made real; he's the audience's endearing conduit to see dragons in a different light than his Viking family—who actively hunt the awe-inspiring but dangerous mythical monsters—does. His meeting with Toothless, who is just an adorable gentle giant of a Nightfury dragon, is still such a powerful hook into the tale of love, survival through community, and balance with the different kinds of lives around us. Hiccup's journey from dragon slayer to dragon trainer remains as timeless as ever. The father and son relationship between Hiccup and his dad Stoick remains a central part of the narrative. Gerard Butler reprises his role from the animated film but adds even more layers to it, digging into the push and pull of parenting a child on the verge of adulthood and the expectations that come with it. The gruffness is there with Butler's mannerisms as a Viking leader, but there's pauses where his vulnerability as a performer truly shines opposite Thames. No parent is perfect and Butler brings a more nuanced take on the cartoon character that is powerful and heartfelt. It brings a timelessness to the core conflict in the film as he pushes for a world that is set on dragons being the enemy, and this resonates deeply within the father-son relationship, especially in a world that needs to push fear aside and change like Hiccup does. Through the lens of Bill Pope, the fantastical worldbuilding of the Isle of Berk is given new life as a place you can really see Vikings and dragons duking it out. The cinematography in collaboration with DeBlois' vision soars to craft one of the best family fantasies yet. It's an exciting adventure that sets up the ensemble stories we can't wait to see continue to unfold. Astrid, played by Nico Parker, shines brightly in a standout performance embodying the leader Hiccup sees himself uplifting in their romance. Parker's chemistry with Thames only makes us so much more excited for what's to come for the two romantic leads as they meet each other's worldviews for a better Viking future. We don't get as much of the supporting characters as fans of the franchise might have wanted—but that fact does bring into question whether or not the film franchise might branch out into series in between the planned sequels, much like the animated films did with their cartoon series centering the dragon trainers bridging the gaps. Berk's rich lore is ripe for exploration and DeBlois masterfully reignites the fire of his beloved universe for a new generation. Overall, How to Train Your Dragon delivers an epic adventure that lays the groundwork of Toothless and Hiccup's story. The CG animation on Toothless retains his familiarity from the animated movies of an adorable cat/dog energy—but make it dragon—and it works seamlessly in this fresh new take on the franchise. Full of heartfelt storytelling, How to Train Your Dragon evokes the feeling of a journey that is just beginning, with the perfect blend of nostalgia in an imaginative but familiar world. DeBlois expertly fuses the emotional core in Cowell's book series with his knack for animated storytelling through the CG visuals of the film, which brilliantly raises the stakes in the film's epic and action packed dragon battles. I'm so ready for How to Train Your Dragon II, and as a fan of the franchise, eagerly anticipate the release of my favorite in the series (the Easter eggs!). For a fun time at the movies with your kids, or even just the kids at heart, How to Train Your Dragon is a must-see quest. How to Train Your Dragon opens June 13.
Gizmodo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
How the New ‘How to Train Your Dragon' Made Berk Feel Real
io9 recently caught up with filmmaker Dean DeBlois, the creative force behind both the DreamWorks animated franchise and Universal Pictures' upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. DeBlois discussed the process to bring the Viking world of Berk to life, emphasizing the vital role of practical effects in capturing the experience of interacting and riding dragons for his actors. That was key in making big moments feel real, particularly when Hiccup (Mason Thames) meets his future Nightfury friend. 'Toothless in those scenes was a foam head,' DeBlois said. Animatronics were used during all the flight sequences. 'We had to capture convincing movement from our actors when they were riding dragons rather than just having them sit in a box and be moved around,' he said. 'And that meant that we built these giant gimbals that were about eight or 10 feet tall that could move in six different axes.' Each dragon in the film had its own animatronic model to assist the actors in immersing themselves as dragon riders. Thames obviously had to spend the most time 'on dragon,' since the story focuses on Hiccup and Toothless' journey. DeBlois described the experience of bringing dragon riding to life for his lead actor: 'It was the chest, the neck, and the head, and they could all move independently, either joystick controlled or controlled by animation that had already been done by the animators. As he is dipping and diving and rolling and ascending, Mason's body is reacting to all of that like a jockey on a horse.' DeBlois revealed that the technique was very new. 'It's the first time anyone had done it actually, so it was fraught with anxiety that it might not work or break down on us, but it turned out to be perfect.' The magic of John Powell's iconic themes for the animated films, in collaboration with cinematographer Bill Pope's eye for visuals, helped breathe new life into Hiccup's friendship with Toothless. The collaboration really steered the film in the direction DeBlois aimed for. Of Pope's work behind the camera, he said, 'I think Bill understood from the beginning that there was a lot to preserve about the animated movie that we had to try to keep in place. The whimsy in the heart and the sense of wish fulfillment and fantasy. Through his camera lens, the world becomes grounded but retains all of those things. And of course John Powell's music just marries it all.' The expansion of the score was of great importance, DeBlois said. 'I always say that everything we do in making a movie gets it halfway there, and then you hand it to the composer and they'll take it the other half of the way because music transcends words and goes right to the heart.' He added that they were fortunate to have Powell's iconic music accompanying the narrative, elevating it to new heights. With the anticipation of the film's release, we noted that Berk now has a real-life version fans can visit at Epic Universe and asked his thoughts on the land at Universal Orlando Resort. While he didn't get to test most of the rides, he was pleased with the way it brought the Isle of Berk's life with dragons to our universe. 'I thought it was gonna be a little corny, but it turned out to be kind of amazing,' he said of the Toothless meet and greet. He was also really impressed by Universal Orlando's casting for the theme park version of Hiccup. 'The kid has really done his study; he has all of the mannerisms and voice down but also embodies the characteristics that Jakob Jensen, [the film's] lead animator, brought to it,' he added. How to Train Your Dragon hits theaters June 13.
Free Malaysia Today
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Beware in Taiping: ‘here be dragons'
This model of ships, with the dragon head, was used by the Majapahit Kingdom and is on display at the 'World of the Dragon: Between West and East' exhibition at the Perak Museum in Taiping. (A Kathirasen pic) TAIPING : It is said that seafarers and map makers of the Middle Ages marked unknown areas of the world with the phrase 'Here Be Dragons'. It was probably a warning to ship captains not to throw caution to the wind as they navigated uncharted seas seeking treasures in unknown lands. Dragons, of course, do not exist in the real world. But just as they did thousands of years ago, dragons live on today in folk tales and myths, including religious myths. Many Malaysians associate dragons with Western culture and the Chinese, partly because of the latter's popular dragon dance performances during festivals and special events. What is little known, though, is that dragons and serpents are or were an integral part of most Southeast Asian cultures, even Malay culture. And that the 'naga' is a unifying cultural force in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. This is what a new exhibition at the nation's oldest museum – the Perak Museum in Taiping – explores. The exhibition, which began early this month, will end in January 2026. All exhibits belong to the Museum Department. Perak Museum director Nasrulamiazam Nasir. (A Kathirasen pic) Perak Museum director Nasrulamiazam Nasir said dragon motifs and decorations began with carvings on reliefs and sculptures in ancient temples and later became a feature of cultural items: the keris, wayang kulit, puppets, jewellery, textiles, ceramics and royal regalia. He said there is a major difference between Western and Eastern dragons. 'The West sees dragons as dark, fearsome and evil; they have wings and can fly, and they can roast anyone or anything with fire from their mouths, and they are associated with evil rulers. 'But in the East, dragons are seen as a symbol of good, prosperity, power and dignity. The perspective is different.' He said the naga or dragon was associated with features of the natural landscape such as rivers, lakes, springs, waterfalls and mountains. Southeast Asian cultures saw the dragon as more snake-like than dragon-like, and they called it 'sarpa', meaning snake in Sanskrit. In Jawi Kuno, it was called 'naga' just as it is in the Malay language. This exhibit of dragons carved onto elephant ivory was presented to the Raja Muda of Perak by a businessman. (A Kathirasen pic) While belief in snake spirits existed among some groups in Southeast Asia before the arrival of any major religion to this region, scholars believe that they adopted the idea of naga worship from India as most of these lands were under Indian influence at one time. However, it is uncertain how the naga of India and the dragon of China became conflated. Nasrulamiazam said: 'At one time, nagas were a part of Malay art and culture too. However, when Malays adopted Islam, which prohibits decorations resembling humans and animals, these fell out of favour. But before that nagas could be found on cultural objects such as pottery and gongs. They could also be seen in wood carvings made by Malay craftsmen, especially to decorate the head of a boat (perahu), the head of a weapon and bird traps (jebak puyuh). 'The exhibits that we have demonstrate some of the uses of the naga motif in the art of practical items in Malaysia and the region such as the keris, textiles, brassware, gongs and pottery.' Everyday items such as lighters, ash trays and cups often had dragon shapes and motifs. (A Kathirasen pic) Nasrulamiazam said dragons were closely linked to the political power of kings in Southeast Asia and that in some countries, such as Laos and Cambodia, they were seen as protectors of kings. Rulers often associated themselves with dragons, even claiming descent from dragon princesses. Legends abound of powerful men marrying dragon princesses and setting up flourishing kingdoms. Noting that even Malaysia's Orang Asli and the Dayak used naga imagery, Nasrulamiazamsaid said naga imagery also found its way into royal regalia of Malay rulers over the centuries. The imagery continues to live on as a decoration on the keris – a symbol of power – used during ceremonial functions in Malaysia and Indonesia, he added. The dragon motif in the keris was not just for decoration but depicted the power wielded by rulers. (A Kathirasen pic) Nasrulamiazam said the museum also hoped to evoke a sense of unity among Malaysians through this exhibition. 'We have diverse cultures and beliefs and this exhibition shows how the different cultures influenced each other, how they interacted peacefully, adopted new ideas and adapted them,' he said. The museum has lined up a host of activities until next January, including drawing and meme-creating contests and quizzes, a treasure hunt, and talks. Nasrulamiazam is hoping that schools will use the attraction of dragons to bring students to the museum. On May 18, World Museum Day, adult visitors will not be required to pay the usual RM2 entrance fee. Taiping, it seems, can certainly claim: Here be dragons.
