A Bold Rebirth in Fire and Friendship

In an era where remakes and reboots often chase nostalgia more than innovation, How to Train Your Dragon rises—fierce, majestic, and deeply heartfelt—like Toothless himself taking flight for the first time.

Dean DeBlois, the visionary architect behind the original DreamWorks animated trilogy, returns with something far more ambitious: a live-action reimagining that doesn’t just retell a beloved story, but rekindles its soul in a powerful new form.

The result?

A cinematic journey that feels both intimately familiar and strikingly new.

And completely EPIC.

Releasing exclusively in theaters and Filmed for IMAX® on June 13, this thrilling action-adventure is poised to become the summer’s most emotionally resonant blockbuster—and one worth experiencing together as a family.

Having experienced it with my family, it was truly a nostalgic, feel-good, and emotional experience. It’s very rare that a film can move generations, but, this one does.

I only wish I could have shared this with my father, who loved this movie. But, it was truly a pleasure to watch it reimagined with both of my girls and Darasak.

Since it is a familiar tale, I think it means something different to everyone who knows the franchise, and it opens the eyes of those who are experiencing the story for the first time.

If you’re a softie, like me, bring some tissues. I needed them on two occasions!

A World Reborn: Familiar Myth, New Magic

Set on the wind-whipped cliffs of Berk—a Viking island caught in a perpetual battle with dragons—the film reintroduces us to Hiccup (Mason Thames), a misfit inventor and the unlikely son of the formidable Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his role with stirring presence).

What was always so lovable about Hiccup was his softness, even though his heart burned to please his father.

Though Berk views dragons as dangerous enemies, Hiccup dares to see beyond fear. When fate leads him to Toothless, a mysterious and feared Night Fury, he makes a choice that alters the destiny of his people.

Not only that, but it redefines what it means to be brave.

Visually, this new adaptation is breathtaking. The transition from animation to live action, often a treacherous leap, is handled with immense care. Through cutting-edge visual effects and IMAX-enhanced cinematography, dragons don’t just fly—they soar.

Berk literally comes to life, as do the characters and dragons alike.

The first time Toothless was shown on screen, I audibly gasped. He’s one of my favorite characters of all time, and to see him come to life is beyond description.

The realism of Toothless, with every blink and wingbeat, brings a tactile intimacy to the bond he shares with Hiccup.

Yet, the magic isn’t just visual—it’s emotional.

This is a story about connection, about rewriting inherited narratives, and about the courage it takes to lead with empathy.

Casting a Strong New Flight Path

Much of the film’s success hinges on its fresh cast, and here the film shines. Mason Thames (The Black Phone) brings a grounded sincerity to Hiccup—a mix of youthful vulnerability and quiet resilience that makes his journey deeply human.

He kept Hiccup’s essence real, and true, and you have to love that in a live action.

Nico Parker (The Last of Us) delivers a standout performance as Astrid, fierce and magnetic, offering the perfect foil and partner to Hiccup’s evolving ideals.

Did I mention fierce? Yes, she sure is.

Nick Frost’s Gobber adds just the right dose of humor and heart, while a robust supporting cast (Julian Dennison, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, and more) fleshes out Berk’s world with warmth and wit.

The twins were hilarious, though not what I visualized them to be. Their banter makes up for it!

And of course, there’s Gerard Butler—his role as Stoick is both nostalgic and powerful, grounding the film in emotional authenticity for longtime fans.

He was born for the role, and he delivers it perfectly!

Gobber and Stoick are some of my on-screen faves.

A Story Worth Sharing—Now More Than Ever

At its core, How to Train Your Dragon is a story about breaking cycles of fear, about listening rather than conquering, and about finding strength in unlikely alliances.

These themes, timeless in animation, feel even more urgent and relevant in a live-action context.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the franchise or stepping into Berk for the first time, this film offers something rare: a true family movie.

One that respects its young viewers as much as it dazzles their older companions.

This isn’t just a rehash of a hit franchise. It’s a reawakening—a thoughtful, beautifully crafted tale about what it means to grow up, make peace, and carve your own path.

And yes, it’s still filled with breathtaking flights, roaring battles, and the kind of dragon-fueled thrills you’d expect—but all of it in service of a deeper story.

I love that they maintained much of the original dialogue and scenes. Lines and moments we love literally coming to life in front of our eyes in IMAX quality.

Mark the Date, Bring the Family

On June 13, don’t just see a movie—experience How to Train Your Dragon the way it was meant to be seen: in theaters, and if possible, on the IMAX screen.

Let yourself be swept up in the wind, the fire, the bond between a boy and his dragon, and the timeless truth that understanding can change the world.

Bring your kids. Bring your hearts, and don’t forget to bring your inner child. This one is worth it.

Don’t forget the tissues.

Will you be watching How to Train Your Dragon in theaters?

Let me know, til then—cheers m’deres!

#HowToTrainYourDragon | #FilmedforIMAX

🗓 In Theaters June 13
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