How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

·39 min·3 clips

Brian reveals why the How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake exceeded his low expectations.

The hosts of Mad About Movies—Kent, Brian, and Richard—review the 2025 live-action remake of *How to Train Your Dragon*. They express initial skepticism about the film's necessity but ultimately assess its quality and execution. The panel discusses the casting, particularly Gerard Butler reprising his voice role as Stoick and a young actor who perfectly embodies Hiccup's look and mannerisms. They note the inclusion of Nick Frost and the absence of original voice actor Jay Baruchel from the live-action project. The conversation covers the film's financial prospects, referencing the original animated trilogy's box office totals of $495 million, $600 million, and $500 million respectively. Comparisons are drawn to other live-action remakes like *Lilo & Stitch* and the poorly received *Snow White*. A surprising insight is that the hosts found the film's CGI more integrated and less pervasive than in other remakes, estimating only 25-30% of the film relied on effects outside the dragon sequences. They praise the photorealistic dragon designs, especially Toothless's cat-dog hybrid behavior, and the thrilling final battle sequence. The emotional core involving Hiccup and his father, including the impactful scene where Hiccup wakes with a missing foot, is highlighted as a strength. Richard points out that the film lacks the comedic chemistry of the original's young cast, suggesting a writer like John Mulaney could have improved the dialogue. The hosts debate whether this remake should preclude further animated sequels, with Kent wishing the studio would continue both formats. They reveal their personal grades for the film: Kent awards a solid A, Brian gives an A-, and Richard assigns a B. The tone is conversational and critique-focused, blending personal fandom with analytical film discussion. Listeners who enjoy franchise analysis, behind-the-scenes filmmaking details, and balanced critical reviews will appreciate this episode. Those seeking a purely celebratory fan commentary or who are tired of the live-action remake debate might want to skip.

As heard by us

A casual live-action remake discussion that keeps the animated original as the benchmark.

Mad About Movies weighs in on the live-action How to Train Your Dragon with the kind of loose, back-and-forth movie talk that fits the show. The conversation keeps circling the same core question: what still works when a familiar animated story is remade in live action, and what…

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You want a quick, lively check-in on the live-action Dragon remake.

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