A decade and a half after its popular animated namesake was released comes the live-action remake "How to Train Your Dragon" (Universal). While the basic story and some of the personnel remain the same, the new arrival, although appropriate for a wide audience, falls short of the heights to which its predecessor soared.
As before, the plot – derived from Cressida Cowell's 2003 children's novel – focuses on a youthful, socially isolated lad called Hiccup (Mason Thames). Hiccup yearns to elevate his lowly status among his peers and ultimately gain renown by slaying one of the dragons his Viking community, who inhabit the fictional island of Berk, have been battling for generations.
In part Hiccup's ambition is rooted in the fact that he is the son of Berk's chief Viking, he-man warrior Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, who voiced the same character in the first movie). So he feels pressured to live up to his father's legacy. But Hiccup is also out to impress the lass of his dreams, Astrid (Nico Parker).
Thus when Hiccup succeeds in downing a Night Fury, one of the most elusive of dragonkind, he's initially elated. Yet when the moment comes to finish off the wounded creature, he finds himself unable to deliver the coup de grace.
Instead, Hiccup first releases his entangled prey and then gradually befriends him, giving him the nickname Toothless. As he studies his new pal's behavior, moreover, Hiccup gradually comes to believe that Toothless and his ilk are hated by humans mostly because they have been misunderstood.
Predictably, Hiccup's new stance is unpopular, not least with his dad. Will he be able to convince those around him that people and their traditional adversaries can, in fact, live in harmony?
Writer-director Dean DeBlois, who co-helmed the original with Chris Sanders, continues to offer exciting visuals. He also benefits from the basic fact that vicariously riding a flying dragon can be a source of giddy pleasure.
But this time out the drama centering on the clash between Hiccup and Stoick feels forced. As a result, the script, while largely free of objectionable content, fails to drive home either its peaceable basic theme or its lessons about finding your own identity and demonstrating loyalty to friends with much conviction.
Moviegoers satisfied with the entertainment value of traversing the friendly skies that ultimately prevail over Berk will appreciate the renewed opportunity to do so. Viewers on the lookout for something more substantial, by contrast, will likely come away disappointed.
The film contains stylized violence with characters in peril, nonscriptural religious practices, brief anatomical humor and several mild oaths. The OSV News classification is A-II – adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG – parental guidance suggested. Some material may be inappropriate for children.
