8/10 Stars
The first thing to understand about the new version of How to Train Your Dragon is that it’s a shot for shot remake.
Now, I loved the original movie so I loved this one too.
The best thing about the new movie is seeing the dragons in photo-realistic animation. The set design was also spectacular – the world came alive in rich 3D glory. Overall, I dislike most 3D movies because I rarely see the technology giving any benefit to the story or experience of the movie – but this was one of the rare exceptions. The quality of shots was visceral and rich making me feel like I was actually there in the world.
Every actor seemed to hold their own. For me the two stand outs were Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut and Mason Thames as Hiccup. Harry stole the scene every time he appeared with his intense eyes and straight man delivery. Mason was the right combination of sassy and sad that is the essence of Hiccup.
It was nice to see Gerard Butler reprise his role as Stoick. He seemed to really enjoy being there and he gave a moving performance as an overprotective father trying desperately to solve all the world’s problems because he can’t stand to see his son face any sort of danger. Like the first time around, Stoick’s story is heartbreaking but ultimately satisfying as he learns to let go and trust.
Overall, I think this is a great movie that deserves to be seen in theatre.