A faithful and enchanting adaptation that breathes new life — and fire — into the beloved franchise for a new generation, How to Train Your Dragon is a guaranteed adventurous good time at the movies. Yep, this live-action take doesn’t just coast on nostalgia - it delivers a heartfelt ride that captures the original’s charm, all while giving it a cinematic facelift. For his part, Mason Thames slips effortlessly into Hiccup’s boots, embodying the string bean underdog with conviction, while Gerard Butler’s return as Stoick (this time in the flesh after voicing him 15 years ago) adds a satisfying full-circle moment. And while the rest of the cast is solid across the board, it’s Toothless who flies away with the whole thing. The CGI is nothing short of dazzling, making the Night Fury surprisingly feel as expressive and lovable as ever. But, do we need this live-action version? Probably not. It doesn’t reinvent the story or shift its core themes — friendship, acceptance, and bridging divides still anchor the plot. But, what it does do is remind us just how powerful those themes are when told with care and spectacle. And in the era of hit-or-miss live-action remakes, this one soars. Speaking of which, the aerial sequences are particularly breathtaking - exhilarating, immersive, and beautifully shot. When Hiccup and Toothless take to the skies, you’ll swear you’re right there with them. Sweeping cinematography captures majestic landscapes and windswept cliffs in stunning detail, adding a layer of visual grandeur that elevates the entire film. In short, How to Train Your Dragon is proof that when done right, these “live action” retellings can still feel magical.