? Your memory might be a little rusty, and this live-action remake is here to remind you once more how to train a dragon. 15 years after the release of the popular animated film series, Canadian director Dean DeBlois is taking us back to his favorite universe with a rendition of How to Train Your Dragon that brings the story to life through real actors, CGI, practical effects, and puppetry. The film joins a long list of animated favorites getting the live-action treatment, but will it live up to its predecessor?

Take cover. How to Train Your Dragon takes place on the fictional Viking island of Berk — where people find themselves constantly under attack by dragons. Determined to wipe out the threat, the villagers train their children for combat from an early age, while the men go to war. For our main character, Hiccup (Mason Thames), life’s a bit of a cruel mess. As if having a frail build and gentle heart as a viking weren’t enough, Hiccup finds himself under immense pressure to shape up from his father, the island chief (played by Gerald Butler, who also voices the character in the original film).

A life-changing encounter. When Hiccup comes across a Night Fury dragon — a species feared as the most dangerous — he finds a creature that is surprisingly gentle and intelligent. Hiccup begins to question everything his village believes about dragons as an unlikely bond forms between him and “Toothless” — a name fit for a dragon, naturally. Hiccup begins having dangerous thoughts that won’t sit well with the rest of his people: What if people and dragons could co-exist?

Does the live-action adaptation offer something new? While DeBlois had emphasized his desire to introduce new emotional dimensions to both the story and the characters, the film largely retreads familiar ground. Only a handful of scenes veered away from the original, primarily ones between Hiccup and his father. That said, we still enjoyed our time at the cinema. The casting was strong, performances expressive, and visual effects striking.

While the film may not break new ground, it’s a nostalgic journey through a universe beloved by many. Lots of love went into the film, and it’s easy to tell — the cast and crew’s passion for the fictional island (and dragons) was infectious. Don’t believe us? Check out the film’s BTS documentary for yourself. The production’s wholesome energy is perhaps reason enough for us to overlook the Hollywood remake curse amidst a cinematic season that isn’t living up to expectations.

Need a refresher? You can watch the original How to Train Your Dragon trilogy on OSN+.

WHERE TO WATCH- How to Train Your Dragon is screening at Vox Cinemas — in City Center Almaza, Mall of Egypt, and Mall of Alexandria — as well as Point 90 Cinema, CFC and District 5’s Scene Cinemas, and Cima Arkan. You can watch the trailer on YouTube (watch, runtime: 2:28).

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