How to Train Your Dragon
How to Train Your Dragon is playing in theaters at the time of writing. Rated PG. Common Sense says 9+.
As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the Isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup (Mason Thames), an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes the key to both species forging a new future together.
STORY: A-
The right tone for the medium.
When watching cute cartoon dragons, our sense of fear puts its feet up on the couch and leisurely scrolls through its Insta. When those dragons turn real (or at least look real), it quickly scrambles under the coffee table and hides.
This movie isn’t a scary movie, but its vibe is definitely made of sterner stuff than its predecessor’s.
The filmmakers wisely choose to let the live-action medium dictate the tone instead of forcing the animated version’s tone on it. Most screenwriters make the opposite choice, and that’s why this kind of adaptation usually fizzles.
PEOPLE: B
Did we just stumble into the Jim Halpert multiverse?
Mason Thames’s haircut spent the entire movie whispering to me, “Don’t I make this guy look like a young Jim Halpert"? Am I right?” In one universe, you’re a master of dragons. In another, you peddle paper products for Dunder Mifflin.
Most of the cast is solid, particularly the gritty Nico Parker, the earnest and aforementioned Mason Thames, and the gruff, blustery Gerard Butler who reprises his role as Stoick.
FILM NERD STUFF: A-
High production value pays off.
The CGI work on the dragons is fantastic, as is the look and design of the island village of Berk. Both sculpt the sense of realism that’s necessary when you jump from animation to live action.
ONE BIG LESSON: A
First, seek to understand.
How often do we let our assumptions of others steer the way we treat them? How much unnecessary pain and suffering do we cause because of it?
What would the world be like if we just spent some time getting to know better not only those we fear, but also those we love?
Spoiler: it would be so amazing.
FINAL COMMENTS:
There are too many dollar signs dancing in front of studio executives’ eyes for the trend of animated to live-action adaptations to stop anytime soon. Here’s hoping the studio brass takes the correct lessons from this film as they move forward.
What are those lessons? Use the right tone for the film. Keep the plot largely unchanged, but also make it feel fresh. Provide an experience that feels organic, the way that the most satisfying stories do.
This may be the best live-action adaptation yet.