DreamWorks Animation and Marc Platt Productions’ How To Train Your Dragon (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; UA) is the story of a Viking boy and a dragon.
Viking boy Hiccup (Mason Thames) defies convention and tradition to befriend dragon Toothless. Soon, an ancient threat emerges and it endangers both the species. Now, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. For, together, they must navigate the path towards peace.
Based on Cressida Cowell’s book How To Train Your Dragon, Dean DeBlois’ screenplay is interesting but not consistently so. There are some scenes and sequences, which hold the audience’s attention, but there are others which get boring too.
Mason Thames is natural as Hiccup. Nico Parker is fair as Hiccup’s love interest, Astrid Hofferson. Gerard Butler makes his mark as Hiccup’s father. Nick Frost is okay as blacksmith Gobber the Belch. Gabriel Howell has his moments as Hiccup’s rival, Snotlout Jorgenson. Julian Dennison is so-so in the role of Hiccup’s best friend, Fishlegs Ingerman. Bronwyn James (as Ruffnut Thorston) and Harry Trevaldwyn (as Tuffnut Thorston) provide decent support. Ruth Codd is okay as Phlegma. Peter Serafinowicz and Murray McArthur make their presence felt. Others pass muster.
Dean DeBlois’ direction is ordinary. John Powell’s background music serves to enhance the impact of scenes at places. Camerawork (by Bill Pope) is of a good standard. Dominic Watkins’ production designing is good. Wyatt Smith’s editing ought to have been sharper. Dubbing is good.
On the whole, How To Train Your Dragon is an ordinary fare.
Released on 13-6-’25 at Jai Hind Mukta A2 (3D; daily 2 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Warner Bros. Pictures (India) Pvt. Ltd. Publicity & opening: dull.