We were invited to a special preview screening of the new How to Train Your Dragon live action remake at BFI IMAX in Waterloo, ahead of its official UK release on 9th June. Watching it in IMAX, which is known as the world’s most immersive movie experience, added an exciting and powerful edge to the entire film. This review covers everything you need to know about the live action version, how it compares to the original, and whether it’s suitable for a family outing.
The film is a reimagining of the much-loved animated classic set in a Viking world where a young boy, Hiccup, finds an unlikely bond with a dragon he names Toothless. The core storyline remains mostly faithful to the original, with some slight modern updates. While there are no real dragons, the CGI is genuinely impressive and brings the creatures to life in a convincing way. In fact, the dragons might be a little too convincing — I definitely think younger audiences could find some of the scenes quite intense. The BBFC has rated it PG, with a note for “frequent mild threat,” and I’d agree that some dragons could scare younger or more sensitive children.
Before the screening, we had the chance to take part in some themed fun in the foyer. It was a great way to get into the spirit of the film and added something special to the experience. I’ve always loved a good adventure movie, and this one really reminded me of being a kid again — back when life was simpler and the only thing I had to worry about was what was on TV after school. Watching it in IMAX made the experience even more immersive. The visuals were stunning, the sound was intense, and it really felt like you were right there in the world of Berk. If you have the option to see it in IMAX, I’d highly recommend it.
Over the years, we’ve seen quite a few live action remakes — some brilliant, some not so much. This one falls firmly into the “brilliant” category. It respects the heart of the original film while managing to feel fresh and visually exciting. The emotional core of the story is still there, and the performances were solid. It’s an easy recommendation, whether you’re a long-time fan or watching the story unfold for the first time. It’s pretty funny too!
Will you be watching the live action How to Train Your Dragon when it’s officially released? If you’re planning a trip to the cinema soon, don’t forget to check out my post on money-saving tips at the cinema — a little planning can go a long way.
Read my cinema savings tips here
