How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

DreamWorks decides to try their hand at the recent Disney phenomena of remaking all their animated hits. The premise remains unchanged: A Viking village is under attack from dragons. A boy is hungry to prove his worth. He manages to capture and befriend an injured dragon and realizes they're both misunderstood in their own way, etc. It worked the first time, so it stands to reason it would have the same effect, except less so, because it's no longer novel. Luckily, it manages to be faithful enough that it doesn't piss anyone off.

There are a number of reasons why this turned out so well. Dean DeBlois (director of the originals) adapts his own material, Gerard Butler inhabits the same role (and looks perfect doing so) and Toothless's CGI design remains essentially unchanged. Not to mention, we still have the same powerful musical score from John Powell which gives it all its heart. The whole thing feels very recursive (what's next, an animated version of the live-action remake?) and pointless if you've already seen the original since it doesn't offer much else except another bite of the apple, with a bit of added fluff.

It mostly works because, well, who doesn't dream of having their own dragon?

3 prosthetic fins out of 5

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)

(Psst...the "hidden world" is sex)

Time has passed, Hiccup is now the chieftain of Berg, and Toothless is ready to spread his wings in the third and final entry in the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy (not counting 6 short films, 3 TV spin-offs and a live-action remake).

On the brink of war against those who would do away with all dragons, and on the lookout for a new homeland, Hiccup goes on a quest for the long-rumored secret dragon haven. Meanwhile, Toothless has found romance in a Light Fury playing hard to get. It's all about letting go, and this is Toothless's story just as much as it is Hiccup's. While it doesn't quite reach the dizzying heights of the series, it does offer a worthy parting glance for this colorful world of wonder.

3½ awkward mating rituals out of 5

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

An alien monster known as Experiment 626 escapes from his lab and hops a ship to Earth where he crash lands on the island of Kaua'i. He encounters lonely outcast Lilo who adopts the newly christened 'Stitch,' passing himself off as an intelligent dog-like creature while being pursued by the aliens in disguise. As two misfit halves of the same coin, they complement each other perfectly. The film is made charming by the colorful Hawaiian flavors and catchy soundtrack filled with original tunes and classic Elvis Presley songs.

Spawned three sequels, a television series and an (ugh) live-action remake.

3½ ʻohana out of 5

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 [2014]

Picking up five years after the original film, Dean DeBlois continues the story of a boy and his dragon in the 2nd instalment of the How To Train Your Dragon trilogy. 
Without sacrificing any of the wide-eyed adventure, Dragon 2 explores some more serious themes of coming of age, war and family without getting boringly heavy-handed or spoon-fed to a younger audience.  It's enthusiastic flight scenes, voicework, music and beautiful scenery are all just as good as the original.  It might not amaze as much I would have liked but it certainly doesn't disappoint and I eagerly anticipate the third and final film.

3½ dragon-riders out of 5

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON [2010]

Loosely based on the children's novels by Cressida Cowell, Dreamwork's animated How To Train Your Dragon soars far higher than their previous efforts.

With a fantastic combination of heart and humor Dragon flys high with bright colors, characters and some truly breathtaking flight scenes.  It suffers from a few minor bumps in the road but manages to stick close to the heart of the story.

Highly recommended for anyone who's ever fallen in love with a pet. 

4 "Fish heads. Fish heads. Eat them up. Yum" out of 5