This is one of the most inspiring and breathtaking remakes I have seen. I felt like I was flying with the CGI dragons in How to Train Your Dragon. This film is a fairytale adventure that really soars. Written and directed by Dean DeBlois whose style is magnificent and exhilarating as the story explores a portrait of wonders. Since I worked in cinemas during the first releases of many animated films, this remake made me feel like the storyline had evolved with a true sense of understanding. The story connects to audiences of all ages with messages beyond the love portrayed in the human/dragon relationship. DeBlois keeps the hope and positive vibes alive in How to Train Your Dragon.

The film is set on the Isle of Berk, a place for Vikings where their enemies and primary threat are dragons. The Chief is Stoick (Gerard Butler). His son is Hiccup (Mason Themes). Stoick depends on his people to kill dragons because they often find themselves in battles with them over research and lands. Hiccup, however, does not want to kill dragons, but insteadwants to learn how to fly and train them. With his father against this idea, the opportunity for new connections begins. Hiccup takes up mentorship from Gobber (Nick Frost). Gobber tries to get Hiccup in the mindset of a dragon killer. Instead, Hiccup learns his own techniques. Soon, he forms a friendship with a dragon he names Toothless. Moving forward, he trains Toothless and realizes that dragons can do good deeds. Hiccup ends up having a gift in his ability to tame dragons. Once he figures this out, he soars with Toothless on many adventures, one of which involves falling in love with Astrid (Nico Parker). The other adventure is trying to convince his father that he can train dragons and that they should not always be labeled the enemy. While featuring many obstacles Hiccup faces, How to Train Your Dragon is a two-sided adventure that keeps buildingmomentum as it encounters enchanting light.

The war between Vikings and dragons is the point of conflict that boils in the film and keeps igniting new beginnings. The story told in this version is still quite amazing. Although I love the animated versions, this remake blew me out of the water, especially in the scene where Hiccup flies with Toothless. The bonding moments in unexpected territory makes for a magical connection. The sense of continuity is uniquely brilliant. This film is a dazzling work-of-art which demonstrates that fairytales have realistic value. Will Hiccup and Toothless prove their point to Hiccup’s father? Will Hiccup get his wish? Are there more dangerous dragons? The possibilities and wonders will open the doors to exciting answers. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for How to Train Your Dragon.