Ep. 362 - How To Train Your Dragon (2025)

·43 min·4 clips

Alessandra and Emily discuss the 2025 live-action How to Train Your Dragon remake they watched on Peacock.

In this episode of I'll Buy the Popcorn Podcast, hosts Alessandra and Emily discuss the 2025 live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon. They start by mentioning they watched the film on Peacock and rewatched the animated trilogy for context. The hosts note the remake is nearly identical to the original, with 90% similarity in cinematography, music, and dialogue. They point out minor improvements, such as more character development for side characters like Snotlout, played by Gabriel Howell. However, they criticize the live-action for losing Toothless's personality due to 3D rendering, making the dragon less expressive. The pacing feels slower despite only a slight runtime increase, and some comedic moments fall flat. The hosts appreciate performances from Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid, but feel the chemistry lacks depth. They share trivia about Gerard Butler's emotional performance tied to his mother's death and the director's tribute. The episode includes meta score comparisons, with the remake scoring 61 versus the original's 75, and reviews from sources like The Guardian and Boston Globe. The hosts debate the necessity of such remakes, attributing them to financial motives, and express nostalgia for the animated films. They end by encouraging listeners to check out the remake if curious but recommend sticking with the original.

As heard by us

A candid remake review finds life in the young cast while questioning the recycled humor.

The episode frames the new How To Train Your Dragon as a remake that has not fully shaken off the shadow of the animated film. The discussion keeps circling back to how often the movie leans on familiar jokes, and the case is clear: more original humor and a little more risk…

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a candid check-in on the new Dragon movie's comic rhythm, with room for a little cringe and a little affection.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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