I’m not going to lie.
When I heard about a live action remake of How to Train Your Dragon, I was filled with a sense of trepidation. As someone who adores the original series and its cat-like dragon, I was worried Toothless would get mangled.
The challenge of adapting anything animated to live action is trying to make decidedly unreal creatures look realistic without venturing uncanny valley territory. Uncanny valley describes that uneasy feeling one gets when a robot or computer-generated character looks too human.
The pressure is further amplified when reimagining beloved characters who have an army of loyal fans. There was fan backlash when the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ nostrils came out in 2014. Following significant criticism from fans denouncing its human-like appearance, Sonic the Hedgehog was redesigned.
So I was pleased that the essence of the original animated Toothless is mostly captured in this movie. Live action Toothless is not as expressive or playful as its predecessor. It is also not as cartoony as the Toothless in the viral videos with Jon Snow. That aside, I still wished I could have my own Toothless.
However, this restrained version of Toothless matches the aesthetic and vibe of this live action reimagination.
Here, Berk is pulled out of the child-friendly animated series and transplanted into a more mature epic fantasy. The rebrand makes the movie a more pleasurable watch for adults, especially those who are not into animation.
In a nod to the Vikings’ Nordic roots, this movie was filmed on location in the Faroe Islands and Iceland. The darker colour palette (perhaps indicative of the dark times Berk is facing) is surprisingly rich and complemented by stunning footage of the cliffs and fjords of the region.
Fans of the original series will be thrilled to see Gerard Butler reprise the role of Stoick, chief of Berk. He cuts a commanding figure in his full regalia, heavy beard and horned helmet included. He was made to be Stoick.
Relative newcomer Mason Thames does a good job of playing the nervous, waif-like yet determined Hiccup. I would be interested to see him reprise the role if the live action follows the trajectory of the animated series.
Something movie goers will immediately pick up on is the diversity within this cast. Walking into the movie, I was expecting a mostly Caucasian cast but there is a noticeable inclusion of actors of colour in How to Train Your Dragon.
Astrid is played by Nico Parker (daughter of Zimbabwean/English actress Thandie Newton) and Fishlegs is played by Maori actor, Julian Dennison. You can also see various races represented among the background extras.
Vikings are often understood as being distrinctly Nordic, so this might seem odd to some. However, the movie explains the diversity by setting Berk up as a collective united against a common enemy – the dragons.
Writer/Director Dean DeBlois explains that historically, the Vikings did travel far and wide. Consequently, it makes sense that they would interact with other cultures. A perceived shared threat would provide enough impetus for them to work with other clans and tribes for the greater good.
The other striking difference in this live action remake is in its treatment of its protagonist. We know that Hiccup is different from the other vikings and more of an outsider from the first animated movie. The live action movie leans more into his outcast status. He isn’t just scoffed at by his peers but the entire population of Berk. For the first half of the film, you get the real sense of isolation Hiccup feels.
The original animated movie is recommended for ages six and above but some six year olds might need cuddling through this version. The darker colour tones of the movie make the fiery fight scenes a little more intense for younger viewers. The final battle scenes may be particularly overwhelming due to the sheer scale of the battle and the associated visuals and audio.
That aside, this live action version of How to Train Your Dragon makes a great introduction to the fantasy genre. The plot is uncomplicated and easy enough for youngins to follow. While the fight scenes may scare, a lot of the heartwarming and hilarious scenes of the original movie is mimicked in this new version. This affords viewers a comforting sense of familiarity and a renewed sense of awe during iconic scenes.
Most importantly, it delivers an important message to children. That while things may be tough because you’re different, it is your difference that could change the world.
How to Train Your Dragon opens in cinemas on 12th June.