How to make remake movies
IN the ever-growing graveyard of 'live-action remakes nobody asked for,' How to Train Your Dragon has defied the odds by not only surviving but absolutely soaring. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the same creative genius behind the original animated trilogy, this live-action reboot dares to ask the question: What if Hollywood got one right for once?
The answer? A resounding yes, complete with fire, friendship and more emotional resonance than anyone probably signed up for.
Dragons, drama, dream casting
For starters, let us talk casting. Mason Thames brings a charming awkwardness to Hiccup, staying true to the character's scrappy, inventive spirit. Nico Parker's Astrid? Fierce with a capital F, making her scenes pop with strength and subtle wit. And yes, Gerard Butler is back as Stoick, because sometimes the universe does give out small blessings.
Supporting characters do not feel like afterthoughts either. Nick Frost as Gobber is a riot and Julian Dennison steals scenes as Fishlegs with his signature blend of lovable chaos. Even Toothless, reimagined through top-tier CGI, feels alive in a way that is surprisingly intimate without veering into uncanny valley.
Visually majestic, emotionally grounded
Purists, brace for it: there are some minor tweaks. But this is not a desecration of childhoods, it is more like a respectful adaptation that understands its roots. From the tone to the narrative beats, this version remains deeply loyal to what made the original fly in the first place. The coming-of-age themes, emotional stakes and dragon-sized scale of the story are all intact, just told with a different brush.
Critics will no doubt emerge from their dragon-proof bunkers to say it is 'unnecessary' or 'lacking the charm of animation.' But no live-action remake was ever going to satisfy everyone. What this one does is respect the original while confidently telling the story in a new format. That alone makes it far superior to most of its genre peers (yes, Lilo & Stitch, this is directed at you).
From the wind-whipped cliffs of Berk to the skies lit with fire and wonder, the visuals in How to Train Your Dragon are nothing short of breathtaking. DeBlois has harnessed the power of VFX teams to make flying with dragons feel like an actual experience, not just a green screen fantasy.
And yet, for all its visual bravado, the heart of the story never gets lost. The emotional core about unlikely friendship, defying tradition and finding strength in vulnerability lands with as much weight as ever. It is a story with wings and a soul.
Reboot that does not feel like a cash grab
It is no secret that Hollywood loves a good remake... and an easy profit. But this film does not feel like a studio boardroom churned it out. DeBlois' return as writer-director brings a sense of authorial care rarely seen in reboots. The film breathes sincerity. It wants to honour the world it is rebuilding and that care shows in every frame.
Plus, giving credit where it is due: the score by John Powell is a returning hero in its own right. With sweeping strings and triumphant horns, the music is just as magical as fans remember now, with even more sonic depth for live-action scale.
Whether it is a long-time fan revisiting Berk or someone walking in fresh, the film works across the board. It is thrilling, funny, heartfelt and surprisingly thoughtful for a movie involving fire-breathing reptiles.
Non-fans will find themselves swept up in a story that is easy to follow and hard not to fall in love with. Meanwhile, fans can breathe a sigh of relief, this remake does not spit on the original, it roars in celebration of it.
Of course, there will be naysayers. Some will say the animated version 'just had more charm'. Others will nitpick the minor character redesigns or wish that one line had stayed exactly the same. But if a remake tries to please everyone, it ends up pleasing no one. Thankfully, this film stays grounded in what matters and flies above the noise.
How to Train Your Dragon is an excellent film in its own right. With top-notch performances, breathtaking visuals and a faithful yet fresh retelling of a beloved story, it sets a new bar for what remakes can be.
It entertains, it moves and most importantly, it respects its audience, both old and new.
The movie teases an epic adventure where two worlds must unite and take flight.
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Malay Mail
20 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Malay Mail's Top 10 Picks: Live-action ‘How To Train Your Dragon' soars to No. 1 in local box office, overtakes ‘Ejen Ali' sequel after three weeks on top
KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 – Proving that not all live action adaptation will be a necessary failure, the How To Train Your Dragon film is receiving positive reviews for its deep emotional impact and touching performances and now it has fly pass local Ejen Ali The Movie 2: Misi Satria for the No.1 spot at local box office. Not far behind is From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, holding steady at No. 3, while Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Karate Kid: Legends continue to generate buzz in cinemas. With July coming soon and more summer blockbusters on the way, now is a great time to catch what's playing in cinemas for a weekend's entertainment or maybe the top shows on Netflix and Viu, trending music, and popular books? Here are Malay Mail's top 10 picks of the week you won't want to miss. Top 10 films in local cinemas (Domestic & International) (June 12 to June 15) How To Train Your Dragon Ejen Ali The Movie 2: Misi Satria From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning Karate Kid: Legends Behind The Shadows Martabat: Misi Berdarah Lilo & Stitch Thug Life Papa Sources: and GSC Top 10 streaming on Netflix and Viu (June 9 to June 15) Netflix (Top 10 TV) TV Series Mercy For None: Limited Series Tastefully Yours: Limited Series Oh My Ghost Clients: Season 1 Our Unwritten Seoul: Limited Series The Haunted Palace: Season 1 Ejen Ali: Season 1 Ejen Ali: Season 2 Ginny & Georgia: Season 3 Mad Unicorn: Limited Series The Creature Cases: Chapter 5 Source: Netflix Top 10 Viu (Top 10 shows) Lambaian Huda Sugar Daddy The Haunted Palace Running Man (2025) The First Night with the Duke Pabila Dia Tersenyum Feud Second Shot at Love Only for Love Fresh off the Sea 2 Source: Viu Frontpage Top 10 songs of the week (Spotify) (June 11 to June 17) Jin — Don't Say You Love Me Fourtwnty — Mangu (w/ Charita Utami) Nadhif Basalamah — bergema sampai selamanya sombr — back to friends Naim Daniel — Seni Berdamai Dengan Takdir (w/ Adnin Roslan) ATEEZ — Lemon Drop NIKI — You'll Be in My Heart — Spotify Singles Billie Eilish — BIRDS OF A FEATHER Billie Eilish — WILDFLOWER yung kai — blue Top 10 Malay songs of the week (Spotify) (June 11 to June 17) Faris Adam — Stecu Stecu Ara Johari — Menjaga Jodoh Orang Lain Nadeera — Bukan Lagi Kita Noh Salleh — Rahsia Tuhan Nuh — Teruntuk Mia Imran Ajmain — Seribu Tahun Lagi Batas Senja — Kita Usahakan Lagi Naim Daniel, Adnin Roslan — Seni Berdamai Dengan Takdir Zaki Yamami, Putri Dahlia — Aku Ada NayKilla, Tenxi, Jemsii — Kasih Aba Aba Sources: and Spotify Top 10 books of the week (June 6 to June 12) Fiction A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (Vintage) Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic Press) As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh (Bloomsbury) Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (Red Tower Books) Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa (Manilla Press) Library of Lost Hearts by N.F. Afrina (N.F Afrina) Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum (Bloomsbury) Rewind It Back by Liz Tomforde (Hodder & Stoughton) Babel by R.F. Kuang (Harper Voyager) Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber (Flatiron Books) Non-Fiction When I Was a Kid 3 by Cheeming Boey (Grey Pigeon) Atomic Habits by James Clear (Penguin Books) Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson (St. Martin's Essentials) The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest (thought catalog) A Doctor in the House by Mahathir Mohamad (MPH Group Publishing) I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee (Penerbit Haru) Capturing Hope by Mahathir Mohamad (MPH Group Publishing) I Want to Die but I still Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee (Penerbit Haru) When Things Don't Go Your Way by Haemin Sunim (Penguin Life) Saving the Planet by Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Penguin Books) Mutiara Minda (Malay Novels) Rahsia Danny by Teme Abdullah (Iman Publication) Thariq Ridzuwan Commando's: His Treasure by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Bukan Cinta Sempurna by Bellesa (Idea Kreatif) Mi Veneno 2 by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Pesuruh by Ahadiat Akashah (Roket Kertas Produksi) Bintang Tanpa Nama by Ainulfarihah (Jiwa) His Code Name Alpha 2 by Elyshakaman (Idea Kreatif) Bayang Sofea by Teme Abdullah (Iman Publication) Mi Carino by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Rumah Untuk Alie by Lenn Liu (Nukilan biruni) Source: MPH
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
How to make remake movies
IN the ever-growing graveyard of 'live-action remakes nobody asked for,' How to Train Your Dragon has defied the odds by not only surviving but absolutely soaring. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the same creative genius behind the original animated trilogy, this live-action reboot dares to ask the question: What if Hollywood got one right for once? The answer? A resounding yes, complete with fire, friendship and more emotional resonance than anyone probably signed up for. Dragons, drama, dream casting For starters, let us talk casting. Mason Thames brings a charming awkwardness to Hiccup, staying true to the character's scrappy, inventive spirit. Nico Parker's Astrid? Fierce with a capital F, making her scenes pop with strength and subtle wit. And yes, Gerard Butler is back as Stoick, because sometimes the universe does give out small blessings. Supporting characters do not feel like afterthoughts either. Nick Frost as Gobber is a riot and Julian Dennison steals scenes as Fishlegs with his signature blend of lovable chaos. Even Toothless, reimagined through top-tier CGI, feels alive in a way that is surprisingly intimate without veering into uncanny valley. Visually majestic, emotionally grounded Purists, brace for it: there are some minor tweaks. But this is not a desecration of childhoods, it is more like a respectful adaptation that understands its roots. From the tone to the narrative beats, this version remains deeply loyal to what made the original fly in the first place. The coming-of-age themes, emotional stakes and dragon-sized scale of the story are all intact, just told with a different brush. Critics will no doubt emerge from their dragon-proof bunkers to say it is 'unnecessary' or 'lacking the charm of animation.' But no live-action remake was ever going to satisfy everyone. What this one does is respect the original while confidently telling the story in a new format. That alone makes it far superior to most of its genre peers (yes, Lilo & Stitch, this is directed at you). From the wind-whipped cliffs of Berk to the skies lit with fire and wonder, the visuals in How to Train Your Dragon are nothing short of breathtaking. DeBlois has harnessed the power of VFX teams to make flying with dragons feel like an actual experience, not just a green screen fantasy. And yet, for all its visual bravado, the heart of the story never gets lost. The emotional core about unlikely friendship, defying tradition and finding strength in vulnerability lands with as much weight as ever. It is a story with wings and a soul. Reboot that does not feel like a cash grab It is no secret that Hollywood loves a good remake... and an easy profit. But this film does not feel like a studio boardroom churned it out. DeBlois' return as writer-director brings a sense of authorial care rarely seen in reboots. The film breathes sincerity. It wants to honour the world it is rebuilding and that care shows in every frame. Plus, giving credit where it is due: the score by John Powell is a returning hero in its own right. With sweeping strings and triumphant horns, the music is just as magical as fans remember now, with even more sonic depth for live-action scale. Whether it is a long-time fan revisiting Berk or someone walking in fresh, the film works across the board. It is thrilling, funny, heartfelt and surprisingly thoughtful for a movie involving fire-breathing reptiles. Non-fans will find themselves swept up in a story that is easy to follow and hard not to fall in love with. Meanwhile, fans can breathe a sigh of relief, this remake does not spit on the original, it roars in celebration of it. Of course, there will be naysayers. Some will say the animated version 'just had more charm'. Others will nitpick the minor character redesigns or wish that one line had stayed exactly the same. But if a remake tries to please everyone, it ends up pleasing no one. Thankfully, this film stays grounded in what matters and flies above the noise. How to Train Your Dragon is an excellent film in its own right. With top-notch performances, breathtaking visuals and a faithful yet fresh retelling of a beloved story, it sets a new bar for what remakes can be. It entertains, it moves and most importantly, it respects its audience, both old and new. The movie teases an epic adventure where two worlds must unite and take flight.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Soaring success despite familiar flight
THE much-anticipated live-action adaptation of 'How to Train Your Dragon' has finally landed, breathing fire into cinemas and igniting fervent discussions among critics and long-time fans alike. Directed by Dean DeBlois, who helmed the original animated trilogy, this reimagining arrives amidst a landscape often wary of such adaptations. The burning question on everyone's minds: does it capture the magic, or is it merely a well-rendered echo? It's a little of both as the movie is a joy to watch. A loving homage that faithfully recreates the beloved animated classic, the movie delivers stunning visuals, emotional depth and a thrilling sense of adventure. It's one of the best live-action remakes to date, successfully sidestepping the pitfalls that have plagued similar attempts in recent years. On the other hand, its unwavering faithfulness sees certain shot-for-shot recreations of iconic scenes and dialogue offering nothing new for those intimately familiar with the 2010 animated masterpiece. It's a good live-action remake, although some might just see it as pointless, and more cynical viewers would think that its existence is more to keep the intellectual property alive than to innovate. That said, if you loved the original, you'll still find plenty to grin about here. GREAT PERFORMANCES The performances of the main cast deserve some praise. Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, with his ability to embody Hiccup's awkward charm, quiet courage, and underlying earnestness, is a standout. He successfully translates the character's internal conflict and burgeoning individuality, even if he's more handsome compared with the animated Hiccup's gangly youth. His chemistry with the CGI Toothless is surprisingly believable and heartwarming, forming the essential emotional core of the film. Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson also shines, bringing a determined fire and depth to the fierce Viking warrior. Her onscreen chemistry with Thames is also great, further solidifying the vital relationship between their characters. Reprising his voice role, Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast delivers a powerful and heartfelt performance, showcasing both the chieftain's gruff exterior and tender fatherly moments. The supporting cast, including Nick Frost as Gobber, keeps things interesting with their energetic portrayals, though some minor characters' comedic beats occasionally fall flat when translated from animation to live-action. And then there are the dragons. Visually, they are a spectacle. Toothless, in particular, is magnificent, rendered with breathtaking realism that captures every scale and expressive nuance. The visual effects team has done an astounding job, making the creatures feel truly alive and tactile. The flight sequences are thoroughly exhilarating, and the design of the formidable Red Death dragon has been notably enhanced, appearing even more gargantuan and menacing. SLOW START LEADS TO ROARING ACTION With the storyline remaining largely untouched, it follows Hiccup's transformative journey from misfit Viking to dragon befriender. This fidelity ensures that the beloved themes of empathy, ingenuity, and defying tradition resonate as strongly as ever. The film effectively uses the narrative structures of the original, with its straightforwardness an asset rather than a flaw. Pacing, however, is a little off point. While the film's two-hour-plus runtime generally flies by, the first half feels a bit slow, particularly the initial exposition, before hitting its stride in the more exciting and emotional second act. This slight drag could be due to the film being roughly 25 minutes longer than the original, with these additions not always serving to expand character development but rather to enhance visual spectacle. The action sequences are undeniably a highlight. The shift to live-action amplifies the hair-raising stakes, making the brutal face-offs between Vikings and dragons, and the high-flying battles, feel more dangerous and visceral. Cinematographer Bill Pope's work is great for bringing Berk's rugged landscape to life with stunning realism, contributing to the intensity of the fight scenes. While the film maintains a PG rating, the realism means some moments might be scarier for young children compared with the animated version, with implied bloodshed hitting harder. HONOURING A LEGACY Ultimately, 'How to Train Your Dragon' stands as a testament to the enduring power of its story. DeBlois's return ensures that the film deeply respects and honours the original's legacy. It's an adaptation that doesn't attempt to reinvent the wheel, but rather polish it to a dazzling sheen. For long-time fans, it's a comforting and nostalgic re-experience, while for a new generation, it serves as a thrilling and heartfelt introduction to the magical world of Berk. It's a beautifully crafted film that, despite its familiarity, still manages to soar, capturing the heart, adventure, and soul of what made the original so special. Get ready to fall in love with Toothless all over again. NOW SHOWING HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Directed by Dean DeBlois Starring Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gabriel Howell, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Peter Serafinowicz, Nick Frost, Gerard Butler Duration: 126 mins Classification: P12
