DreamWorks’ live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon is now here, and one of the biggest questions was how it would tackle some of the animated film’s most iconic moments. That’s a challenge that inherently comes with any of these live-action remakes. Anyone familiar with the originals expects certain sequences to be included and done justice. Yet, they do not always turn out that well. And in some cases, live-action remakes can ignore them altogether or drastically change the animated movie to try and make the familiar feel new.
Heading into How To Train Your Dragon‘s live-action remake, I was curious how the movie would tackle several moments. I’m a huge admirer of the animated How To Train Your Dragon movies. While I had full trust in director Dean DeBlois to handle the retelling, getting key sequences right was vital to the adaptation working. Hiccup and Toothless’ first meeting or their bonding in the forest are moments that still really shine upon rewatches of the original film. But, the “Test Drive” scene is what I was most nervous about.
Hiccup & Toothless’ “Test Drive” Scene Has Always Been My Favorite From How To Train Your Dragon
Everything Works To Perfection
The moment in How To Train Your Dragon that always stands out to me the most is Hiccup and Toothless’ first proper flight together. Known as the “Test Flight” sequence (based on the name of the song from John Powell’s score that plays during it), it’s the scene where I really fell in love with this franchise originally. After watching Hiccup and Toothless’ bond begin and work out the kinks with the tail controls, “Test Flight” is where Hiccup gets to experience flying for the first time, Toothless gets to return to the skies, and their connection deepens.
It still gives me goosebumps no matter how often I see it
This is where How To Train Your Dragon soars, literally and figuratively. It’s a thrilling sequence as we finally get to see the dragon flying in action, while there’s also some peril added in when Hiccup and Toothless become disconnected. John Powell’s incredible score playing through it all only adds to what is happening on screen. It still gives me goosebumps no matter how often I see it, including my rewatch before the live-action remake.
But, it’s what it means for the characters that has made this How To Train Your Dragon scene become so special in my mind. Hiccup has to ditch his control guide and trust himself and his bond with Toothless to keep them both safe. If the young viking and Night Fury weren’t already deeply connected by now, this is when it becomes clear how much they know each other and how much they need each other. It also shows just how great they can be together.
How To Train Your Dragon’s Remake Perfectly Recreated The Test Drive Sequence
It Was No Less Special Now
I’m happy to report that I found the Test Drive sequence in the live-action remake just as great as the animated one. DeBlois doesn’t change much about the scene, understanding how well it worked in animation. This remains a pivotal moment for Hiccup and Toothless, and it was an absolute thrill to see it on the big screen (and in 3D in my case). Powell’s score is updated a bit, with the new song, “Test Driving Toothless,” being 30 seconds longer and adding in a choir when Hiccup and Toothless are disconnected.
There were even moments where I’d argue the sequence improves upon the original. There was something extra thrilling about the way the actual flying was sH๏τ this time around. The moments where Hiccup and Toothless weave around rock structures and evade crashing felt more dangerous and intense in live-action. The whole sequence really worked for me and helped put to bed some fears about the remake overall.
The Test Drive Scene Proves Why How To Train Your Dragon’s Live-Action Remake Works
A New Experience, Even If Its Familiar
The enjoyment that I had with the redone Test Drive sequence is emblematic of why How To Train Your Dragon‘s remake works. The movie isn’t attempting to radically change the original film, nor is it trying to replace it and suggest that live-action is superior to animation. The way I see it, this is just an alternative way to experience something that I love. This scene recaptures what is great about the animated movie and does it again. Whether its better or worse doesn’t really matter. It is new and a thrill.
That’s why the live-action How To Train Your Dragon works in my eyes. It repackages a familiar story, but does so while recapturing the heart and most of the magic of the original. It gives (mostly) new performers a chance to bring the story to life, and it makes some changes that are better than what the animated film offered. The way it handled the Test Drive sequence and other iconic moments help solidify its respect for the original.
