10 Ways Dreamworks Just DESTROYED Disney Live Action Remakes
10 Ways DreamWorks Just DESTROYED Disney Live-Action Remakes
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today were looking at why DreamWorks live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon soars miles above Disneys recent half-assed attempts at reimagining classics.
Maintaining the Humor
You get the sense that Disneys live-action remakes are striving to be more quote-unquote adult than the animated versions. This approach often comes at the expense of the originals charm, not to mention humor. The Mulan remake, in particular, took itself far too seriously, resulting in a straight-faced snoozefest. While the How to Train Your Dragon remake preserves the originals mature coming-of-age themes, it doesnt do away with comedy in the process. Theres still a fair deal of levity to be found in Hiccups interactions with Toothless. Nick Frost captures Gobbers jolly spirit without merely doing a Craig Ferguson impression. Like its predecessor, the remake isnt afraid to be dark, but it understands the importance of having light at the end of the tunnel.
New Scenes That Add Depth
Although it hits virtually all the same beats as the 2010 film, this version does add a few extra scenes. Unlike the live-action Beauty and the Beast, though, theyre additions that actually make sense and offer more insight into who these characters are. An early conversation between Hiccup and Astrid helps lay the groundwork for their relationship, as she begins to see that maybe the chiefs screwup son is more than he seems. Familiar scenes are also extended with more details. Valka is briefly mentioned during Stoicks chat with Gobber, setting up Hiccups mother for the sequel. Side characters like Hiccups fellow teenagers and the Elder Gothi are given a bit more screen time as well, expanding upon the supporting cast without losing focus.
The Cinematography
Disneys live-action remakes have been repeatedly criticized for sucking out the vibrants colors that made the originals leap off the screen. How to Train Your Dragon avoids this with atmospheric green backdrops that immerse us in nature. Its in the aerial sequences where the film soars, however. The 2010 film simulated the sensation of flight like few others have. Cinematographer Bill Pope pulls off a similar feat here, making the audience feel as if theyre spiraling through the air with Hiccup and Toothless. Its not surprising that this material translates well to live-action, as the animated film had a visual consultant in cinematographer Roger Deakins. Among Deakins duties was to help give the animated movie a live-action feel, proving a natural launchpad for this remake.
The Music
Disneys animated library has given us some of cinemas most timeless soundtracks, which the remakes have routinely butchered. Even Elton John, who returned for 2019s The Lion King, felt the remake messed the music up. Although How to Train Your Dragon isnt a musical, John Powells Oscar-nominated score was an integral part of the films life force. Powell returns as the live-action films composer, and his sweeping score still elevates us out of our seats. Powell once again hits all the right notes, staying true to the originals sound while further exploring Berk through the power of music. You may go in with crossed arms, but even the most critical viewers cant deny that when the Test Driving score kicks in, youre on cloud nine.
The CGI
When it comes to CGI, Disney remakes notoriously confuse realism for believability. Yeah, the CG Sebastian looks more like an actual crab, but that doesnt give him more personality. Were grateful that the How to Train Your Dragon remake doesnt give us the gritty version of Toothless, keeping his expressive face and soulful eyes. Granted, some might argue that Toothless cartoonish appearance contrasts with the other dragons, who are redesigned to look more like the ones youd see in Harry Potter. Still, when the dragons need to appear threatening, theyre intimidating without being visually unappealing. When they need to look cute, you want to take one home in plush form. The filmmakers aimed for a balance between realism and whimsy, which we think they achieved.
The Practical Sets
From Alice in Wonderland to Snow White, Disney remakes are wall-to-wall with so much CGI that it ironically defeats the purpose of retelling these stories in live-action. Although the live-action take on How to Train Your Dragon certainly isnt devoid of blue screen, it does try to incorporate as many practical set pieces as possible. This gives Berk a lived-in feel, transporting the audience to locales like the dragon arena. In addition to the practical sets, the filmmakers also work in natural backdrops, shooting in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The towering cliffs, green landscapes, and mighty shorelines capture the essence of Berk while bringing a mystical element that makes us believe a dragon could fly over at any moment.
Diversity Done Right
While we appreciate Disneys attempts to be more diverse, casting talented actresses like Rachel Zegler and Halle Bailey isnt enough. You need to give them good scripts with well-rounded characters, which their remakes arent exactly known for. Nico Parker, who is mixed race, plays Astird in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon. While Astrid was already a strong-willed heroine, the remake takes a little more time delving into her aspirations. Although the film never calls attention to her skin color, Astrids determination to be the best does reflect the additional trials women of color often face climbing the ladder. Berk, in general, is more diverse without coming off as forced, explaining that the island is comprised of dragon hunters from around the world.
Not Overcomplicating or Overcorrecting the Story
Tweaking a story to align with a modern mindset is understandable, but in Disneys desperate pursuit to appear more progressive, they frequently make changes that just arent necessary. If anything, they distract from or even betray the originals message. You could argue How to Train Your Dragon is at an advantage since its a remake of a more contemporary classic. Of course, so was Lilo & Stitch, which Disney still managed to overthink. The Dragon remake doesnt shoehorn in unnecessary subplots like Astrid wanting to be a marine biologist or giving the Red Death a sympathetic origin story. Rather, the remake builds upon what worked in the original, retaining its essential story beats without losing any of their impact. If it isnt broke, dont fix it.
The Casting
Be it a Belle who cant sing or a Geppetto who cant do an Italian accent, it only takes one bad casting choice to tank a remake. There isnt a weak link in the Dragon cast. Gerard Butler was tailor-made to play Stoick the Vast, be it voiceover or live-action. As powerful as the character animation in the original was, seeing Butlers charismatic face helps to distinguish this remake. Nico Parker and Nick Frost, as mentioned before, are wonderful choices for their respective roles. Yet, the films success largely rests on the shoulders of Mason Thames, who couldnt be more authentic as Hiccup. As he did in The Black Phone, Thames convincingly matures from an insecure outcast to someone who takes control of their destiny.
Respecting the Original
Lets face it. Disneys live-action remakes are the cinematic equivalent of one artist tracing over anothers work. While DreamWorks first remake also follows a blueprint, bringing back one of the originals directors helps. Dean DeBlois knows this world inside and out, having helmed the animated trilogy. He brings that passion to this remake, turning in a faithful adaptation. Maybe faithful to a fault, as the changes here are admittedly minimal. If Hollywood insists on translating this material into live-action, though, were glad that its in the hands of someone who understands and respects what the original accomplished. At the very least, DeBlois involvement makes for an interesting experiment that has a more personal touch than anything Disney has manufactured with their recent remakes.
How do you think the live-action How to Train Your Dragon compares to Disneys copy/paste jobs? Let us know in the comments.
