The live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon has received its first reviews, marking DreamWorks' debut in this genre. Unlike Disney's live-action remakes, this film takes audiences back to Berk, where dragons and Vikings coexist as enemies. The movie features Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick, along with a new cast including Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Julian Dennison, Nick Frost, Gabriel Howell, and Bronwyn James. Scheduled for release on June 13, the initial reception has been positive.

ScreenRant's Sarah Moran gave the film an 8 out of 10-star review, praising its stunning visuals and performances. IndieWire's Katie Erbland also commended the faithful and sweet adaptation with a B- rating.

Critics' Feedback on Cast and Script

Reviewers have particularly lauded the cast of How to Train Your Dragon. Collider's Maggie Lovitt highlighted the chemistry between Parker and Thames, while MovieWeb's Julian Roman appreciated the clever portrayal of the diverse supporting characters. Variety's Peter Debruge noted the human cast's ability to mirror their animated counterparts.

The script, adapted by Dean DeBlois, the director of both the original and the remake, has also received positive feedback. Variety described it as a 'rock-solid screenplay,' although there were some critiques about playing it too safe. Overall, critics view the film as a respectful homage to the source material.

Our Thoughts on the Initial Reviews

The positive reception of How to Train Your Dragon's live-action adaptation underscores the importance of involving original creators in remakes. Despite initial skepticism, critics have praised the film for its tribute to the animated classic, rather than seeing it as a mere copy. This highlights the significance of maintaining the essence of the original work.