‘How to train your dragon’ Now We Become a Park of Berk

We all remember the cartoon version of this film, and how it brought joy and adventure into our hearts, as we fell in love with these passionate characters. This reproduction is no different, giving us a more realistic view of these beautiful creatures, as well as the warriors that learn to truly love these strange monsters they tried to kill for many centuries. The Live-action style of our beloved motion picture definitely does not disappoint and brings you more into this realm of these beasts, giving you a realistic view of this great expedition.

---

Returning for this spectacular quest is Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast, the chieftain of Berk who plays his role as well as he did in the animated version. Joining him as his awkward son, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, is Mason Thames who does a fantastic job assuming this role and he develops flawlessly into our hero. Then there is Astrid Hofferson, played by Nico Parker, Hiccup’s fellow student in dragon-fighting training and secret crush, and Gobber the Belch (Nick Frost), the blacksmith of Berk and Stoick’s best friend. When Hiccup begins his Dragon training he meets up with his best friend, Fishlegs Ingerman (Julian Dennison), his rival, Snotlout Jorgenson (Gabriel Howell), then the twins, Ruffnut Thorston (Bronwyn James), the sister, and Tuffnut Thorston (Harry Trevaldwyn), the brother. Together they all figure out a way to save their homes and their townspeople.

Like in the original feature the storyline is basically the same but does include more details that help open up the tale more. As we all remember Hiccup discovers an injured dragon, that he names toothless, and figures out how to help him and in the process, they become friends. As the narrative progresses Hiccup discovers that becoming companions with the dragons is the best way to save everyone, but he must find a way to reveal this dragon and convince his father that his way is actually the best way to win the battle.

During this live performance the cast was outstanding, they developed their roles perfectly and brought this presentation to life. The director and writer Dean DeBlois was able to create this domain and bring everything to life, including the amazing computer-generated imagery (CGI) that wonderfully displayed our beasts. Dean also included much more facts to the quest and was able to expand on many of the scenes throughout the account, helping add more to the storytelling.

Finally seeing this show on the big screen fully enhances the experience, especially if you are able to catch it in IMAX or Dolby Digital. These formats bring out an astonishing picture and a stunning sound that you are not able to get at home, unless you have a state-of-the-art surround sound system. Anyway, this journey is great for all ages and worth every penny.

Final Comment: I based my grade on spectacular execution from the actors, the magnificent rendering of the special effects, and the excellent placement of the dialogue throughout the cinematic interpretation.

Stars 4 out of 5

Additional Film Information

Cast: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, and Murray McArthur.

Directed and written by: Dean DeBlois

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi.

MPAA Rating: Rated PG for sequences of intense action, and peril.

Running Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes.

Release Date:  June 13, 2025

Distributed By: Universal Pictures

Release In: Standard, IMAX, and Dolby Digital.