Original 'How to Train Your Dragon' screenwriter Dean DeBlois solo-directs this take on the popular franchise, which follows the adventures of a young Viking and the creature he befriends.

Dean DeBlois, who directed all 3 of the animated features, makes his live-action debut with a remake that hews close enough to the original to charm.

The leap from computer animation to 'live action' is safer than the trial-and-error update strategy Disney’s been trying with its hand-drawn classics.