How To Train Your Dragon (what to expect)

Scorecard, Watchlist Worthy

Yesterday NMD skipped out of work early and took his kids to How To Train Your Dragon. Afterwards, he asked his ten-year-old son for his critical review of the movie. Here’s what he had to say:
”A really exciting movie. My favorite part was the dragons.

I really wish they would have made the queen dragon's neck longer. Really looked weird with that stubby neck.”

I’m not sure there’s much else we could add to that. Go ahead and close up the newsletter, you got what you came for.

But just in case, here’s what we got for you this week.

Concession Stand Scorecard: How To Train Your Dragon
Watchlist Worthy: Rural New Mexico Covid fever dream

We go to the movies every week to let you know if the latest films are worth the price of admission and what you can expect. Always spoiler free.

This week’s movie - How To Train Your Dragon

Letterboxd Description:

The legend is real.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup stands apart, defying centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless,

a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

Best Watched With

Your kids, cool kids, or the kid in you that loved the original animated movie.

End credit thoughts

If you’re a fan of the 2010 animated film, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy this live-action remake. In terms of story, it’s essentially a shot-for-shot remake of the original. And yeah, that might leave you wondering, “If it’s the same movie, do we really need a live-action version?” Valid question.

The on-location sets are gorgeous, and they do a pretty good job of distracting from the sea of green screen needed to bring the Isle of Berk to life. One of the best parts? Seeing the dragons in the flesh (CGI flesh). They stay faithful to their animated roots but have just enough of a makeover to feel grounded in this version of the world.

Mason Thames, who plays Hiccup, has a few strong moments, but overall his performance falls a bit flat. On the other hand, Nick Frost is a lovable Gobber, bringing both heart and laughs. And as silly as the movie can get, Gerard Butler fully commits—shouting in a Scottish accent like his life depends on it. Honestly, we’d watch that any day.

If you’ve seen the original, you’ll know exactly what’s coming in every scene. But the new cast and reimagined world keep it entertaining. If you haven’t seen it before, you can jump right in and follow along just fine.

If you have kids, they’ll probably love it—and it’s worth seeing on the big screen. If you don’t (and you’ve already seen the animated version), it’s perfectly fine to wait and catch this one at home.

Follow us on Letterboxd for our individual movie ratings:
@justjoshperez
@ericharrison
@kellyharrison
@newmexicodrew

A movie one of us added to our Letterboxd watchlist this week.

Eddington by Ari Aster

When I first heard about Eddington I was beyond stoked. Pedro, Joaquin, Emma, and Austin running around New Mexico? Sign me all the way up. Then I saw the trailer and realized it’s about social/political divides that formed during Covid lock downs. It all feels a little too…real. But screw it, I’m too invested to not watch. So if you want to relive 2020 with a dash of the acid that Ari Aster adds to each of his movies, enjoy the trailer below!

Still on my watchlist - NMD

Letterboxd Description:

Hindsight is 2020.

In May of 2020, a standoff between a small-town sheriff and mayor sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico.

Also Directed by Aster:
Heredity (2018)
Midsommar (2019)

Tune in next week for | 28 Years Later

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