How to Train Your Dragon is the must-see family film of this summer as it not only enchants but SOARS across the big screen! For those of us who already love the characters in this epic adventure, I am pleased that the live action version is faithful to the original and does not try to re-imagine this world or story. Not only will this film thrill existing fans but it is a wondrous introduction to a brand new family audience who will want to explore the isle of Berk again and again.How to Train Your Dragon is a story about a young Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) who lives on an island but doesn't fit the ideals of his Viking village. He is the son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler) and he desperately wants his father's attention and approval as well as inclusion among his peers in village society. Berk has been in a war of survival against the dragons for centuries; and Hiccup defies tradition when, after injuring a dragon, he chooses not to kill it, but rather to heal the terrifying Night Fury dragon he names Toothless. Their developing friendship and undeniable bond highlights their strength when they work together. Through their teamwork, Hiccup and Toothless are able to forge a strengthened alliance and future for the Vikings and dragons.
The isle of Berk and the cast of characters richly come to life under the guidance of Dean DeBlois who is the writer, director and an executive producer of this film. The immersive quality and visual effects in How To Train Your Dragon are as important as any of the characters. The cast is notably talented and the story has many delightful characters and humorous situations. In particular, Gerard Butler, who reprises his voice role from the animated film and really embodies the Viking village culture -- I enjoyed his performance immensely. My favorite character, Astrid (Nico Parker), is fierce, ambitious, and loyal and brings a new dimension to this important role. I have to mention the great performance of the village blacksmith, Gobber (Nick Frost), who is Hiccup's mentor as he brings such humor, insight and compassion to his role. Cinematographer Bill Pope brings this amazing world to life along with fantastic costume design, production design, sound, animation and, of course, the visual and special effects throughout the film. I am thrilled that composer John Powell also reprised his role in creating the soundtrack for this live action adventure of How to Train Your Dragon. The film has an impressive website https://www.welcometoberk.com that offers an amazing way to explore the isle of Berk and experience the immersive visuals.
The film's message is that you shouldn't pretend to be someone that you're not. Hiccup makes his journey of self-discovery through his bond with Toothless and together they come to learn that friendship can overcome many obstacles. They both defy the expectations of their social norms and learn to challenge and change those norms together. United they both accomplish things that would have been impossible alone. Be aware that younger children might be frightened by some of the scenes.
I rate How to Train Your Dragon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters June 13, 2025. Definitely don't miss the opportunity to experience this epic adventure on the big screen.
By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
I absolutely love How to Train Your Dragon! It is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that drew me in from the start. This live-action remake takes the heart of the original story and builds on it with strong performances, breathtaking visuals, and a moving musical score. I especially love the bond between Hiccup and Toothless and how it shows the beauty of friendship and trust.
The story takes place in Berk, a Viking village where dragons are seen as dangerous enemies. Hiccup (Mason Thames), the chief's son, is more thoughtful and inventive than the other Viking teens. When he injures a Night Fury dragon and decides to set it free instead of killing it, everything changes. He secretly builds a friendship with the dragon that he names Toothless, and soon begins to question everything his people believe about dragons.
What stands out most in this film is how real and emotional it feels. Mason Thames gives a heartfelt performance as Hiccup, capturing his awkwardness, intelligence, and bravery. Toothless is brought to life through amazing CGI and his expressions, movements, and personality make him feel like a real creature that I could easily empathize with. The connection between Hiccup and Toothless is powerful, and I felt no gap between the real people and the CGI world. Gerard Butler returns as Stoick, Hiccup's father, and brings extra strength to the character. I could clearly see his emotions deepen and mature as the story progressed. Nico Parker plays Astrid with confidence and charm, making her feel like more than just a secondary character. The flying scenes are absolutely breathtaking, especially when paired with John Powell's sweeping musical score. The visuals -- shot in Northern Ireland -- add to the epic, adventurous feeling of the story. One of my favorite scenes is Hiccup and Toothless's first flight together. It's magical, filled with wonder, and shows just how much they trust each other.
The film's message is about empathy, courage, and challenging the ideas we are taught. It reminds us that, just because something has always been done a certain way, doesn't that mean it's right. The film promotes positive behavior and strong values without feeling overly intentional. There is some action and fighting, but nothing is too intense or inappropriate for kids.
I give How to Train Your Dragon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on June 13, 2025. This is one movie you won't want to miss!
By Eva M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
I love the new, live action How to Train Your Dragon. It is funny and action packed. This film made me sit on the edge of my seat while making me laugh.How to Train Your Dragon is centered around a Viking boy named Hiccup (Mason Thames ) who wants to fit in with the others and go through training so he can help his village kill the dragons that attack them. When Hiccup is finally allowed to go through training he is just trying to survive the ordeal along with his classmates. At the same time, he is keeping his secret of the dragon, which he found and rescued in the woods, safe and hidden from the dragon slayers. This rescue includes inventing and building devices to befriend the dragon and learning to fly it.
This film grabbed my attention and held it from the get go - the action and suspense of the battle scenes, the trials of flight and the intense training to be dragon slayer are all intense. Every character is lovable, from Hiccup, who is just the right amount of dorky and funny, to Astrid (Nico Parker), who is a total girl boss and one hundred percent ready to fight anyone that prevents her from becoming number one. The supporting characters all have endearing qualities such as Fishlegs (Julian Dennison), who knows every fact and detail about dragons and can't wait to share it all -- even if it means his hair is burnt-off; to the twins, Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyn) and Ruffnut (Bronwen James), who boast more than they should and constantly bicker. The eternal approval-seeking Snotlought (Gabriel Howell) strives for his father's attention, as well as, winning over Astrid to numerous hilarious outcomes. The chief Viking (Gerard Butler) portrays the protective, yet disappointed dad of Hiccup and the fierce leader of the Viking tribe. The landscapes are incredible and no detail is missed from the straw roofs of the village houses to the cove where Hiccup befriends and trains the dragon he names Toothless. The rustic, yet beautiful costumes, feature soft animal pelts, smooth leathers and detailed horned metal helmets. The music kept my heart thumping with its sharp crescendos and beats that signal action; every note enhances the film, especially the battle scenes. The CGI in this movie is amazing -- you can see each and every scale that seems to reflect the light off the dragons along with every stroke of the color of toothless iris.
How to Train Your Dragon sends a message of peace and kindness to all living creatures; we are not our history and, with a little understanding, we can make friends with the fiercest beasts. Be aware that the film has bright lights, jump scares and loud sounds that may be overwhelming to some people.
I give How to Train Your Dragon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. How to Train Your Dragon releases in theaters June 13, 2025.
By Madeleine H. K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
I like this live action re-adaptation of the original How to Train Your Dragon and how it combines action and humor.
The storyline follows a Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) who has always felt out of place. At first he wants to join the fight against the Vikings and the dragons, until he captures one of the deadliest dragons, a Night Fury, and finds he can't kill it. He names the dragon Toothless and bonds with it, realizing that he has to stop this feud against the dragons and the Vikings.
I enjoyed this remake of the original movie into a live-action version, turning the animated characters into live action characters. They kept all the important parts of the story and only slightly changed things to accommodate the live action format. There are beautiful landscape shots - my favorite is a view from the sky watching Hiccup ride Toothless. The flying is so realistic looking. Hiccup is competing in a dragon training competition while the main plot takes place. His competitors, Astrid (Nico Parker), Ruffnut (Bronwyn James), Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyn), Snotlout (Gabriel Howell) and Fishlegs (Julian Dennsion) bring humor to the film, and also provide action scenes for our enjoyment. They look down on Hiccup and are shocked when he performs so well, in a comedic and arrogant way. The costumes are also detailed and realistic looking. The characters look like true Vikings with fur clothes, Viking helmets, and weapons strapped all over.
The film's message is that, even when you're looked down on by others, you can still make a huge difference in their lives.
I give How to Train Your Dragon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It releases in theaters on June 13, 2025.
By Charlotte L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 14
Animation comes to life in this remake of How to Train Your Dragon. I loved revisiting this story. This was a favorite of mine on its initial release as an animated feature, and Director Dean DeBlois crafts a re-newed magical experience in this live action version. Filled with visual imagery and character reenactment, this film refreshes the world of dragons for everyone.
How to Train Your Dragon is set on the mythical isle of Berk. For ages, this village of Vikings has battled dragons to sustain life. When a young man, Hiccup (Mason Thames) struggles to contribute to this life of dragon slaying, he discovers his own purpose and talents through an unexpected bond with a dragon named Toothless. The friendship forges a path to a new way of life for the entire community.
I love how this film keeps the original storyline and brings the animated characters to life through amazing videography and costume design. The comic characters of Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyon) and Snotlout (Gabriel Howell) are so well cast; it's like they emerged from the animated film in human form. The video imagery when Toothless flies over mountains and makes dramatic plummets and twirls through the air, made me feel like I was riding the dragon my-self. The heartfelt bonding moments between Toothless and Hiccup are created through imagery and sound - we hear the growls and groans of Toothless as he expresses himself. Those groans, in concert with his facial expression, show us how trust and friendship forms. Sound creates amazing moments throughout the film. One can hear the wisp of the dragon tail opening to the flap of a dragon wing in flight. Sound creates a space that suspends reality in this mystical space. Actor Mason Thames, who plays Hiccup, gets a special shoutout for interacting with Toothless, the mythical creature who isn't there. That's acting!
How to train Your Dragon reminds us to be true to ourselves, to build friendships through discovery, and that first impressions are not always what they seem. Parents should be aware there are motion sensory segments, flashes, and explosive noises.
I give How to Train Your Dragon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus parents. How to Train Your Dragon releases in theatres June 13, 2025.
Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
I love the new live action remake How to Train Your Dragon! This film brings the magic of DreamWork's original animated film to real life with such care.
On the Isle of Berk, the Vikings and the dragons have been fierce enemies forever. But that all changes when Hiccup (Mason Thames), the son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), befriends a dragon that no one has ever seen and lived to tell the tale. Together, they prove that dragons are not all that they seem.
I can confidently say this is the best live action remake of an animated movie that I've ever seen. The original will always have a special place in my heart as my favorite because I grew up on that film, but this is a fantastic film as well. I was fortunate to attend the premiere of this film in Los Angeles and during the screening, there were so many emotions felt by the audience members and lots of tears shed. This remake stays extremely true to the original - in fact, some of the framing and lines are exactly the same. I could really feel the respect for the original film that the cast and crew had. The physical world of Berk is very similar to the animated world of Berk. The architecture of the buildings, the costumes, the scenes, and the music are all very similar. Many of the sets were actually built instead of being computer generated and that contributes to the authentic feeling of Berk being actually lived in. Seeing all of the beloved dragons in real life - although they were CGI, of course - is also a magical experience as their designs are similar to the original but have more realistic elements like their scaly texture and reptilian faces. While not all of the actors look like their characters in the original animation, the cast perfectly captures the essence of their characters' personalities, especially Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid. Along with being well-developed characters, all the characters have so much chemistry with each other and it's very enjoyable to watch their relationships grow as the movie progresses. Gerard Butler, who voiced Stoick in the animated films, returns to the live action version and I'm so glad he did because no one could fill his shoes as the brave chief and stern father.
This film has some very positive messages about fighting for what you believe in, respecting people's differences, how there's strength in uniqueness, and a reminder that just because something is traditional it doesn't mean it's right. It also promotes kindness, patience and empathy to everyone and everything, even if you don't understand it. While this movie isn't gory, there is still lots of fighting, violence, and death.
I give How to Train Your Dragon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It comes out in theaters on June 13, 2025.
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
How To Train Your Dragon is a rip-roaring fantasy film packed with intricate special effects, a powerful musical score, and plenty of emotion. Twice as thrilling as its animated predecessor, this movie is definitely worth the wait - it had me holding my breath and marveling at the breathtaking sets and scenery.
The film follows Hiccup (Mason Thames), a young Viking eager to prove himself as a dragon fighter. In the midst of a brutal clash between the people of Berk and the dragons, Hiccup receives the chance of a lifetime - capturing a highly-coveted Night Fury named Toothless. But everything changes when he decides to free the dragon. Hiccup soon finds himself deeply conflicted, forced to choose be-tween staying loyal to his family and saving his new friend.
Among the most commendable components of How To Train Your Dragon are the sets. They are beautifully constructed and bring immense artistic value to the film. For the most part, the set designers have stayed true to the original animated film, and I adored seeing the beloved town of Berk come to life. The cinematography, which involves quite a bit of motion, comes together with the already-magnificent scenery of Ireland and a moving musical score to produce a masterpiece of fantasy cinema. The precision of the casting by Lucy Bevan, is also worth mentioning. Most of the actors, such as Mason Thames, Harry Trevaldwyn and Gabriel Howell, bear a striking resemblance to the animated characters they portray. Additionally, Bevan has cast actors who look almost exactly like older versions of the leads to play their parents. Especially notable are the parents of Astrid (Nico Parker) and Snotlout (Gabriel Howell). All the actors in the film flawlessly exhibit complex emotions and seem almost perfect for their roles, reflecting great casting. Mason Thames's acting is phenomenal as Hiccup who is an unusually multi-layered character for a children's film, struggling with the death of his mother, the desire to please a girl who dislikes him, and his wish to impress his father which conflicts with what he believes is the right thing to do. I appreciate Thames's grace in acknowledging all aspects of his character and his ability to display Hiccup's growth throughout the film.
How To Train Your Dragon is a reminder that we aren't defined by what other people think of us. Your destiny belongs to you and can't be dictated by anyone else. Hiccup's journey demonstrates the importance of following your instincts, doing the right thing and staying true to what you believe. Following your moral compass, even when it could lead to personal loss, like Hiccup does by saving Toothless, will lead you right where you need to be.
I give How To Train Your Dragon 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The movie comes to theaters on June 13, 2025.
By Ruhi K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16