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How to Train Your Dragon (2025): A Flight that Misses the Mark
The adventure of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III take flight once again—but this time in live-action form. Directed by Dean DeBlois, one of the original architects of the beloved animated saga, How to Train Your Dragon (2025) hits theaters on June 13th. Yet, while we’ve all been eagerly waiting to reunite with the charming duo of Hiccup and Toothless, the film takes a dark turn that might leave fans a bit more gloomy than glowing.
A Viking Out of His Element
Mason Thames takes on the lead role of Hiccup, who, unlike your typical Viking warrior (looking at you, Gerard Butler’s burly chief), is a bit of a misfit. With dragons wreaking havoc on the isle of Berk and the ghost of his mother’s death looming large, Hiccup grapples with the pressure of becoming the dragon-slaying hero his father wants him to be.
But here’s the kicker: after capturing the infamous dragon, Toothless, Hiccup’s worldview shifts dramatically. The real enemies, he realizes, may not be the dragons but the humans, themselves—a notion that could lead to a riveting twist if only the film didn’t drown it under a murky tone.
Toothless Is the Star
What How to Train Your Dragon (2025) manages to nail is the electric bond between Hiccup and Toothless. Their relationship is beautifully rendered, highlighted by stunning visuals that bring fans back to that distinctly magical feel. Seriously, folks, the emotional CGI works wonders, and when Toothless takes to the skies, it’s truly a sight to behold.
Unfortunately, this emotional high is dampened by awkward dialogue and character dynamics that feel contrived. Hiccup’s relationship with his father is overburdened with testosterone-driven clichés, while his chemistry with Astrid (Nico Parker) goes from icy to cozy faster than you can say “dragon ride.” What gives?
The Struggle with Tone
Now, let’s talk about the film’s dark visuals and tone. From shadowy battle sequences to gruff Viking caricatures, it can feel like you’re trudging through more sludge than storytelling. Most of the action unfolds in shadows and murk, making those few bright moments feel almost painfully zoomed out and blurry. It becomes all too common for elements that should be enlivening to fall flat.
Gender Dynamics and Missing the Mark
Perhaps the film’s most frustrating shortcoming lies within its gender politics. The Vikings of Berk are all about equality in battle, yet the film gives us another standard “boy meets girl” narrative that feels, well, a bit dated. Why do we need to drag gender differences into a storyline that should resonate with unity? Astrid’s character shift, from tough-as-nails dragon slayer to romantic interest, feels less like character development and more like narrative convenience.
Final Thoughts
How to Train Your Dragon (2025) isn’t a complete flop. The relationship between Hiccup and Toothless brews genuine joy amidst a dark backdrop. However, the grim overtones and missed comedic opportunities are hard to overlook, making it difficult to celebrate this retelling fully. With some dazzling sequences and a charming bond at its core, this film may attract some new audiences, but it won’t necessarily win over diehard fans.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide how you wish to experience Hiccup’s journey—through this murky rendition or the vibrancy of the original. So, straddle your dragon and prepare for a more somber adventure when How to Train Your Dragon (2025) lands in theaters!
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