HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

How To Train Your Dragon (2025)

Written & Directed by: Dean DeBlois

If you love the original animation, it’s only natural to be protective of it. So when the live-action adaptation comes along, how do you train yourself to give it a chance?

This film can lead the training.

It stays faithful from start to finish. Expect to see the same scenes but with a different feeling. Human interaction is more evident. Dragon bond is more felt. The eyes of night fury is more expressive. Writer-Director Dean DeBlois has successfully humanized the animation—without moving away from its core.

There are some nuances, from lines delivery to camera shots, that add depth to the narrative. More than just characters, Hiccup, Astrid and Stoick have evolved into people that can speak through the heart.

Just like in training, this film starts on a rookie level—taking time to develop its strengths. Despite the excessive fights in the beginning, it doesn’t make sense. Eventually, when dragons and humans empathize with each other, real connections arise. You’re eager to witness how far this relationship can go.

Filled with underlying messages about family and community, the story flies high by being unafraid to be grounded and forward-thinking. Poignant moments can evoke emotions, bringing tears to your eyes.

Indeed, action adventure can coexist with family drama—much like vikings to dragons.

This film will definitely train your mind to expand its horizons and your heart to widen its reach. A community, where the land meets the sky, is always achievable. A world, where peace meets harmony, is never not possible.

Let’s train ourselves towards that vision.

𝑯𝑶𝑾 𝑻𝑶 𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑰𝑵 𝒀𝑶𝑼𝑹 𝑫𝑹𝑨𝑮𝑶𝑵

Rating: 4/5

Cast: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur

Presented by: DreamWorks, Marc Platt Productions, Universal Pictures

Release Date: June 11, 2025 in Philippine cinemas nationwide

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews