How to Train Your Dragon movie review: A trip down a familiar memory lane

Thomas is befitting (if a bit oldish) as Hiccup, the son of the Viking chief (Butler) who has been written off for not having the courage to fight dragons. The relationship between the father and son is touching in its awkwardness, with the macho masculinity of Stoick the father having little in common with the calming gentleness of Hiccup. This is even true when Stoick thinks that Hiccup may finally have earned his stripes as a Viking by learning to fight dragons.

Astrid gets a brief backstory, with Parker (a spitting image of her mother Thandie Newton) stepping into her shoes with all the perkiness of the best young Viking fighter around who feels Hiccup is a nepo kid.

When Hiccup and Toothless the Night Fury dragon develop their bond, and their eyes meet, it is as warm and touching as it was 15 years ago. When they fly together, you can still feel the thrill.

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However, ultimately, How to Train Your Dragon is a trip down a familiar memory lane. And at a time when few can resist cashing in on a franchise, a conceit that does not belong in that innocent world that Hiccup and Toothless helped create.

How to Train Your Dragon movie director: Dean DeBlois
How to Train Your Dragon movie cast: Mason Thomas, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost
How to Train Your Dragon movie rating: 3.5 stars