about as close to basically being a bar for bar, shot for shot, remake as you can get, and i'll it, it worked on me. they didn't mess with success.

dreamworks' first go at the live-action space would already be towards the top of disney's attempts. it definitely looks as good, or likely better, than any of them ever have.

now, this doesn't make the movie any more necessary, or mean that it can quite hold that candle to the magic/charm of it's animated predecessor, but man... if not, then it's lighting that same ol' wick, and burning almost as bright.

dean deblois made sure that the heart of the original would carry-over to the real world, in bringing the beginning of this beloved franchise to life.

mason thames is the ideal, goofily heroic hiccup, nico parker is perfect as the, initially headstrong, but then ive and understanding, as well, astrid, while toothless is as absolutely loveable as he's always been.

someone sitting next to me hit the *lean forward* during the first flight scene, and it didn't take long for me to follow his lead. that theme... it still gets the people going.

it takes us back to berk, transports us back to our past.