Director: Dean DeBlois Cast: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost Rating: PG | Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Fantasy | Run Time: 2h 5min AN UNDERWHELMING OPENING SCENE BUT COMPENSATES WITH EPIC FIGHTS “Perfectly captures the animated versions’ light heartedness and adventurous spirit – with a touch of darker battles and complexity.” How to Train Your Dragon (live action) follows a young Viking, Hiccup (Mason Thames), and his quest to fit in with his larger Viking community, which leads to an unlikely friendship and alliance. Mason Thames delivers a solid portrayal as Hiccup. His awkwardness and flat toned, sarcastic delivery of his lines, sells the image of live action Hiccup to audiences. Thames has an uncanny ability to showcase a range of emotions while maintaining his inept attitude as the black sheep Viking. The characters Astrid and Snoutlout are given more depth, something the animated version does not deliver. Astrid is given personal ambitions to become a future chief fueled by her desire to have a better life after being raised under difficult circumstances. She is also given parents- a brilliant addition in the live action. Snoutlout’s attitude is portrayed as insecurity masked as arrogance due to the lack of acknowledgement from his father. The film also addresses issues of nepotism and privilege. This is demonstrated several times throughout the film but especially when Hiccup isn’t immediately outcasted from the village after causing destruction because he is the chief’s son. Another instance is when he is put into dragon training, in spite of the obvious fact that he cannot physically confront a dragon. Hiccup is given these opportunities because he is the chief’s son, however, if it were a regular individual, the outcome would have been different. Action scenes in this film take a much darker turn particularly toward the end. While the animation also contained epic fights, live action How to Train Your Dragon, pulls viewers directly into the ugliness of a battle with intense action scenes that show characters’ lives hanging by a thread. One of the biggest shortfalls of the film is the opening scene – a crucial element which has the potential to reel in or repel an audience. Pacing felt sluggish and lacked the thrill compared to the animated version. Part of this is due to the music score not being utilized appropriately. Hiccup’s narration diminished the scenes’ chaotic atmosphere, which can leave viewers highly dissatisfied. Visually, the film is stunning – really bringing the fictional world of Berk to life. Cutting edge CGI, practical effects and mechanical rigs were utilized to the fullest allowing actors to react and engage authentically in this immersive and emotionally charged world. The underlying message of authenticity being your greatest asset is an important message for all regardless of age. Final Verdict: In spite of its shortfalls, How To Train your Dragon, is a visual masterpiece that respects its animated predecessor while adding more depth and darker tones where appropriate. Rating: ★★★★½ (9/10) Best suited for: Fans of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise.