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Released on June 11 in our rooms, “Dragons” allows Krokmou to make a new skin (scaled) thanks to a remake in real shots of the animated film. But what do spectators think?
We do not know if the Prince of Egypt, Shrek or even Formiz will one day know the same fate. But Dragons will forever remain the first remake in real shots of a classic animated by DreamWorks, who did not go there by four paths when doing what has become a specialty at Disney, since it is with one of his most loved sagas that the studio is making the studio.
By calling on the same director (Dean Deblois), which is rare, while Gerard Butler is the only actor in the original vocal cast to resume his role: that of Stoïk, chief of the island of Beurk and father of Harold (Mason Thames), hero of this story which will be friends with the Dragon Krokmou. Fifteen years later, this tremendous and epic story is back in the cinema, in a new version, but what do spectators think?
With an average of 4.282 out of 5 obtained from 179 notes*, Dragons begins just above … Dragons. That of 2010, which sits at the top of the animated trilogy from the top of its 4,275, in front of the third opus (4.23) then the second (4,2). Figures that prove a little more to what extent the deductible is loved. It is also the best film by Gerard Butler, in front of Chasing Mavericks (3.98) and 300 (3.89).
What do spectators think of “dragons”?
This is the aspect that could have posed the most problem, but no, and many spectators welcome fidelity, narrative and visual, dragons towards its model, and its way of transcending its universe: “Breathtaking!”ignite as well Guillaume N. (5 out of 5). “My children and I are big fans of the original animated film and I must admit that the live action remake is excellent! The special effects and the sets are magnificent, the casting is perfect, the action scenes very successful, and the emotion very present in the animated film is also present in this remake.”
“Finally a live action worthy of the name! DreamWorks should give lessons”,, confirms Gilles73 (same note). “Everything is there, the choice of characters, all empathetic, music, entrusted to the same composer and which makes us find our favorite themes, the dragons which are just magnificent and finally, the realization, mastered and magical from start to finish!”
“I am an unconditional fan of the original. I have seen it several tens of times, I know each scene, each dialogue, and I did not want to see this remake”starts from the Jennsen (Also 5 out of 5). “But this one made me lie. Because he is better. He is better in all areas.” “New adaptation in live action of this cult animated film, Dragons turns out to be a great success”adds for its part Alice025 (4 out of 5), a little more measured.
“Finally a live action worthy of the name”
“We are transported to the universe from the start, and even if we know history, it is a real pleasure to relive it in real shots. The landscapes are superb and we have the feeling of flying with them. Krokmou is truly cute and well done, as for the other dragons. It is beautiful, dynamic and moving, in short dragons is a successful family adventure film.”
A success that also goes through the special effects of the film, praised by several people. Of which Alloc2flo (5 out of 5): “Visually the dragons are successful, mainly Krokmou, who becomes more endearing, touching.” “The landscapes are magnificent and the realization of the dragons perfect”,, confirms Lou (same note), when Stambz (3.5 out of 5) talks about a “Very good time and extremely successful visual effects.”
Another regularly cited quality: the actors. Who obviously do not have too much trouble succeeding their predecessors and blending into this universe. “Without revolutionizing the genre, Dragons seduced by the sincerity of its initiatory story, carried by two promising young actors: Mason Thames, upsetting by Harold torn between heritage and identity, and Nico Parkerwhose elegance and strength recall the beginnings of a certain Zendaya“”written as well Direct-actu.fr (4.5 out of 5). And Donatelloow (5 out of 5) confirms part of his remarks: “I find that Nico Parker is absolutely perfect in Astrid, she perfectly brings the character's power and charisma.”
“Dragons seduced by the sincerity of his initiatory story, carried by two young promising actors”
By giving it the same note, nicocine84 puts another actor forward (“Gerard Butler is simply exceptional in the role of Stoïk, the chef. His interpretation is perfectly faithful to that of the cartoon [dans lequel il doublait le personnage, ndlr]””), while Cinemadurg (4 out of 5) sums up the set as follows: “The cast is really well thought out, whether Harold, Astrid or even the great Viking Stoïk the Brute (a Gerd Butler Excellent).”
Finally, note that Dragons also seduces musical: “The soundtrack of John Powellmy heart of heart! “enthuses thus romdgs (5 out of 5), whileAdam Delapierreeven being less excited with its 3, recognizes that “John Powell's music is still as good and always has as much effect.”
As for defects, not surprisingly (even if it is paradoxical with what is written above), these are elements linked to the nature of remake of the film by Dean Deblois which return the most. In particular the lack of originality: “No new striking scenes, no deepening of secondary characters, no unprecedented element that would justify this new look”written as well Aria Wolfwhich however gives it a 4 out of 5.
“Where is our Krokmou and its endearing expressions?”
“If we base on the anime, it is a very good copy and paste and that's why it is just good”explains for his part Fes77 (3 out of 5). “More originality and daring would have been necessary to make it a real remake in live action (…) on the contrary if you know [le film original]you will be disappointed because they have made no effort to develop history and character. “ “If we can greet the incredible visual work with extremely realistic dragons, we lose the style specific to the animated film”regret Gray (1.5 out of 5), one of the most negative Internet users to date.
“But much more serious still, we lose the original characters, who are of an unnamed platitude in this new version. Where is our young Viking Gringalet and clumsy with his air of Simplet? Where is our Krokmou and his endearing expressions?”
In summary
If loyalty to the original film is debated, between those who salute its great fidelity and those who regret a lack of surprise and novelty, the remake of dragons seems to please a large majority, seduced by the visual aspect of the feature film as well as by its actors. In view of the opinions, it is not necessary not to have seen the animated film to appreciate this one, which invites us to a new fantastic journey.
And you ? What did you think of this new dragons?
* Notes stopped on Wednesday June 10, 2025
