How To Train Your Dragon Live-Action Review: First Reactions Soar After CinemaCon 2025 Premiere

The live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon has taken flight, and the first reviews are in following its world premiere at CinemaCon 2025 on April 2 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

This How To Train Your Dragon Live-Action Review roundup captures the buzz from critics and attendees who were among the first to witness Dean DeBlois’ stunning reimagining of the beloved DreamWorks animated classic.

With a release date set for June 13, 2025, the film has already sparked excitement with praise for its visuals, emotional depth, and faithful yet fresh take on the Viking-dragon saga. Here’s everything you need to know about the initial reactions that have fans and moviegoers eagerly awaiting its theatrical debut.

What Are Critics Saying About the Visuals?

The visual spectacle of the live-action How To Train Your Dragon has left audiences in awe. Scott Menzel of We Live Entertainment called it “visually stunning,” a sentiment echoed across early reactions. The film’s production design, blending realism with fantasy, has been hailed as breathtaking, with Hollywood Handle noting it makes “Berk and its characters feel more alive than ever.”

Attendees also raved about the flight scenes, with CinemaBlend’s Jessica Rawden describing them as “exhilarating” and Daniel Howat of Next Best Picture calling them “breathtaking.” The dragons, especially Toothless, look “absolutely incredible,” according to Russ Milheim of The Direct, striking a balance that keeps viewers immersed without breaking the magic of the story.

How Does It Compare to the Animated Original?

A big question on everyone’s mind is how this live-action version stacks up to the 2010 animated film. The consensus? It’s a faithful triumph. Germain Lussier of Gizmodo praised it for capturing “the magic of the original in almost every way,” with all the heart and excitement intact.

Anthony Gagliardi of The Movie Podcast went further, calling it a “breathtaking adventure that soars to new heights” while preserving the soul of the animated classic.

Some, like Rawden, argue it’s “everything a live-action remake should be,” blending humor, emotion, and epic scope. However, Lussier noted a slight gripe: the new material, while subtle, doesn’t always elevate the story beyond its predecessor. Still, the applause mid-screening—especially during Hiccup and Toothless’ first ride—shows it’s hitting the right nostalgic notes.

Who Stole the Show in the Cast?

The cast has been a standout, with Mason Thames as Hiccup earning high praise. Menzel dubbed him “the definition of perfect casting,” a view shared by many who lauded the ensemble’s performances. Nico Parker as Astrid and Gerard Butler reprising Stoick also shone, with Eric Goldman of Fandom calling them “wonderful all around.”

The emotional connection between Hiccup and Toothless remains the heart of the film.

Attendees like Chalice from Geek Vibes Nation admitted to crying their eyes out, even as a newcomer to the franchise, highlighting the cast’s ability to bring depth to this timeless bond.

The supporting players, including Nick Frost and Julian Dennison, added humor and charm, rounding out a “spot-on” cast, per Manny Gomez of That Hashtag Show.

Is It One of the Best Live-Action Remakes Ever?

The buzz suggests yes. Variety reported that first reactions labeled it “one of the best live-action remakes thus far,” a bold claim backed by Jeremy Kazieva of Geek Vibes Nation, who called it “THE BEST LIVE-ACTION FILM I’VE SEEN.” Goldman noted it won’t sway remake skeptics but still delivers “a great story very well told.”

Gold Derby’s take was equally glowing, saying it’s “everything Disney hasn’t been able to capture” in its remakes, with multiple applause breaks signaling its crowd-pleasing power. While Howat felt it doesn’t always soar as high as the original, its thrilling execution on a big screen makes it “one of the better live-action remakes in memory.”

Why Are Fans Already Emotional?

The emotional impact is undeniable. Rawden lost count of her tears, calling it “sentimental yet epic,” while Kazieva left with “chills and tears.” The film’s ability to evoke wonder and heart—mirroring the original—has struck a chord. K.E.V.I.N. Fenix of Nest Reviews felt “just as moved as the first time,” despite no major updates to the plot.

Even newcomers like Chalice were swept away by its beauty, proving its universal appeal. The score, likely by returning composer John Powell, was another tear-jerker, with Gomez noting it “soars to huge heights” alongside the visuals, amplifying the emotional stakes.

Some Closing Thoughts: A Dragon-Sized Hit in the Making?

The How To Train Your Dragon live-action adaptation has landed with a roar at CinemaCon 2025, setting the stage for a summer blockbuster. Early reactions paint it as a visually dazzling, emotionally resonant triumph that honors its animated roots while carving its own path.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-timer, this film promises a theatrical experience worth soaring into on June 13, 2025.

With critics already buzzing and emotions running high, it’s clear Toothless and Hiccup are ready to win hearts all over again—bigger and bolder than ever.

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