The fascination with dragons can begin at an early age, as told in the song, “Puff The Magic Dragon,” recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary, and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963. The song is about a boy who outgrows a toy.

Dragon lore is abundant in pop culture, especially the movies, with characters in the “Harry Potter” franchise (2001, etc.) and “Hobbit” franchise (2014, etc.), “Dungeons and Dragons” (2000, etc.), “The Chronicles Of Narnia” (2010) and “Pete’s Dragon” (2016).

The fascination extends to the Japanese monster “Godzilla,” with 36 movies released from 1954 to 2024.

It relates to prehistoric times and dinosaurs, notably the “Jurassic Park” franchise based on the 1990 novel by Michael Crichton with the seventh feature film, “Jurassic World Rebirth,” set for release July 2.

Oh, and by the way, how about the garden-variety gargoyles in your backyard or next to The Elf on the Shelf in your home?

The live-action feature movie, “How to Train Your Dragon,” is a remake of the hit animated feature films, “How to Train Your Dragon” (2010), “How to Train Your Dragon 2” (2014) and “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” (2019), which are based on the 2003 novel by British author Cressida Cowell.

In the live-action film, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Mason Thames), is a Viking in training to fight dragons. He is the son of Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, who voiced the character in the three animation films), chieftain of the Viking village of Berk, under constant dragon attacks.

Hiccup befriends a young Night Fury dragon that he names Toothless. He rides the dragon and flies through the air on him. Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless is discovered by Astrid Hofferson (Nico Parker), who is in the dragon-fighting training class.

This sets up the film’s conflict, whereby Hiccup must prove his valor, not disappoint his father and impress the young lady.

Dean DeBlois, director of the “How to Train Your Dragon” animated film trilogy, is back to direct the live-action version. DeBlois wrote the screenplay based on screenplays by William Davies, Chris Sanders and himself for the animated films.

DeBlois creates a good mix of character-driven and action scenes. Those with Hiccup and Astrid are particularly convincing. Those with Hiccup and his dad Stoick provide some nice moments.

Mason Thames (“The Black Phone,” 2021) projects genuine care, concern and strength.

Nico Parker (“Dumbo,” 2019) is impressive and intriguing.

Supporting actors include Nick Frost (Gobber), Gabriel Howell (Snotlout), Julian Dennison (Fishlegs), Bronwyn James (Ruffnut) and Harry Trevaldwyn (Tuffnut).

Composer John Powell (Two-time Oscar nominee, original score, “Wicked,” 2025, and “How to Train Your Dragon,” 2011) returns from the animation films to score the live-action film with a lovely and powerful symphonic soundtrack filled with strings, brass, drums and choirs.

Cinematographer Bill Pope (“The Matrix,” 1999; “The Jungle Book,” 2016) integrates well character dialogue, live-action and DreamWorks Animation CGI scenes.

“How to Train Your Dragon” is an exciting, entertaining and quality film that can be enjoyed by young and old.

“How to Train Your Dragon,” PG (Parental guidance suggested: Some material may not be suitable for children) for sequences of intense action and peril; Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy; Run time: 2 hours, five minutes. Distributed by Universal Pictures.

Credit Readers Anonymous: “How to Train Your Dragon” was filmed in Northern Ireland, Iceland and Los Angeles from January to May 2024. At the very end of the closing credits, there’s an image of a book, a hand and a page turned. A sequel, “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” is set for release in 2027.

At The Movies: “How to Train Your Dragon” was seen in Dolby Cinema at AMC, AMC Center Valley 16.

Theatrical Movies Domestic Weekend Box Office, June 27 - 29: “F1: The Movie,” with Brad Pitt behind the wheel, took the checkered flag, opening at No. 1 with an impressive $55.6 million in 3,661 theaters, ending the two-week-straight No. 1 run of “How to Train Your Dragon,” dropping one place to No. 2 with $19.4 million in 4,127 theaters, $200 million, three weeks.

3. “Elio” stayed in place, $10.7 million in 3,750 theaters, $42.2 million, two weeks. 4. ““M3GAN 2.0,” the AI horror film sequel, $10.2 million in 3,112 theaters, opening. 5. “28 Years Later” dropped three places, $9.7 million in 3,444 theaters, $50.3 million, two weeks. 6. “Lilo & Stitch” dropped two places, $6.9 million in 2,900 theaters, $400 million, six weeks. 7. “Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning” dropped two places, $4.1 million in 2,157 theaters, $185.9 million, six weeks. 8. “Materialists” dropped two places, $2.9 million in 1,931 theaters, $30.4 million, three weeks. 9. “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina” dropped two places, $2.1 million in 1,796 theaters, $55.4 million, four weeks. 10. “Karate Kid: Legends” dropped two places, $1 million in 923 theaters, $51.5 million, five weeks.

Movie box office information from Box Office Mojo as of June 29 is subject to change.

Unreel, July 2:

“Jurassic World: Rebirth,” PG-13: Gareth Edwards directs Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend and Mahershala Ali in the Science-Fiction, Action Thriller. Five years after “Jurassic World Dominion” (2022), an expedition to equatorial regions tries to extract DNA from three prehistoric creatures.

Movie opening information from Internet Movie Database as of June 29 is subject to change.

Three Popcorn Boxes out of Five Popcorn Boxes