How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action) 3D Movie Review

June 14, 2025 by adolph vega in 3-D Cinema, 3-D Films, 3-D Movies, 3D or 2D, 2025, How to Train Your Dragon

How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action) 3D Movie Review

Movie Review by Jacob Scarberry

3D

How can I describe the 3D in How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action) with any word other than “breathtaking”? I simply can’t. Even with the film’s dark and saturated cinematography, the 3D still stands above everything that has been released this year so far (as of Friday the 13th, June 2025).

From the opening scenes, the depth is constant and immersive — especially in how deep the sets go. You’ll often see set dressing in the foreground poking right toward the viewer, and the flying scenes are nothing short of amazing. Several moments feature fire and embers blasting directly out of the screen, creating a thrilling and tangible sense of danger. Window breaks with particles, weapons, boats, and more keep the action popping forward.

That said, it’s not perfect 3D — but it’s damn close. There were a few moments where the editing moved a bit too quickly, which made it hard to fully appreciate the 3D craftsmanship. A slower pace in some shots would’ve really let those details shine.

Still, with its natural spatial layering, dimensional details, and constant visual engagement, How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action) a fantastic 3D experience.

Final 3D Score:

9/10 and Editor’s Choice Award

Movie

There are several reasons why I might be the absolute worst person to review How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action):

A) I generally dislike and disregard live-action remakes of classic animated films.
B) I’m not exactly the target demographic (a man in his late 30s without kids).
C) I’ve always thought the original (animated) How to Train Your Dragon was an overrated 6/10 film that somehow got vaulted to immediate 10/10 status by nearly everyone who saw it.

So yeah — I’ve probably lost the trust of everyone reading this. Despite all this How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action) actually worked for me. It also worked for my best friend Corey, and this shocked us both, considering we’re probably two of the most cynical people this side of Statler and Waldorf.

The movie is, quite literally, the original (animated) film, beat for beat. Hiccup (Mason Thames) is the awkward laughingstock of the island of Berk — which is especially rough since he’s the son of the village leader, Stoick (Gerard Butler, reprising his role), a beloved and battle-hardened Viking. During the opening, Hiccup tries to help repel the dragon attacks, hoping to catch and kill the ever-elusive Night Fury, a dragon no one’s ever seen. Miraculously, he succeeds — but only he knows. When it comes time to slay the dragon, he can’t bring himself to do it. Instead, he sets it free. Toothless escapes, injured and unable to fly.

Meanwhile, Stoick prepares to lead a raid to find the Dragon’s Nest, determined to end the attacks once and for all. Gobber (Nick Frost), Hiccup’s blacksmith teacher, convinces Stoick to enroll his son in dragon-fighting training to help him find his place. Enter the supporting teen cast: Fishlegs (Julian Dennison), siblings Ruffnut and Tuffnut (Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn), the obnoxious Snotlout (Gabriel Howell), and Astrid (Nico Parker), Hiccup’s future love interest — all of whom are very unimpressed with him.

As Hiccup secretly begins bonding with Toothless and starts doing better in training (thanks to what he learns from the dragon), he begins to find his confidence and purpose. But danger looms, and it’ll take the unlikeliest Viking to step up and save the day.

So yeah — this is a near copy-paste remake, down to the same co-writer and co-director Dean DeBlois from the original trilogy. Ironically, Chris Sanders (co-director of the original and Lilo & Stitch) also has a remake in theaters right now. While you can’t expect massive surprises, there’s enough freshness here to keep it engaging — especially if you haven’t seen the original animated film in full since 2010 (like me).

What Worked in this movie :

The casting is pretty solid. Mason Thames does a good job as Hiccup, even if he lacks the nebbish charm Jay Baruchel brought to the role.
Gerard Butler steals the show — he absolutely nails Stoick, making him both likable and flawed. Honestly, I half expected him to yell “THIS… IS… BERK!!” every other scene, and I wouldn’t have minded.
The sets are fantastic. A lot of physical environments were used, and Northern Ireland serves as a beautiful stand-in for Berk.
The CGI is strong, even if it lacks the expressive, stylized charm of the animated dragons.
The cinematography is nice, but the color palette leans too heavily into earthy tones. It needed more visual pop and magic.
John Powell’s score returns, and it’s still gorgeous — full of Celtic tones that easily outshine the usual Disney remake fare.

This is a remake that didn’t need to happen — but surprisingly, it works. It’s fun, well-made, and even managed to win over two jaded cynics. How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is fun, well-made, and honors the original while finding just enough of its own voice. It may not soar to new heights, but strong visuals, solid performances, and top-tier 3D make it a great time at the movies. Buy some snacks, throw on your 3D glasses, and enjoy the ride — you won’t regret it.

Final Movie Score: 8/10

Learn more about how we rate 3D content via the link below:

https://www.3dor2d.com/3d-or-2d-ratingssystem/

https://www.welcometoberk.com

https://www.universalpictures.com/movies/how-to-train-your-dragon

Lilo and Stitch 2025 3D Movie Review

May 23, 2025 by Jake Jarvis in 3-D Cinema, 3-D Films, 3-D Movies, 3D or 2D, Lilo and Stitch, Lilo and Stitch 2025, Lilo & Stitch, Lilo & Stitch 2025, Disney , 2025

Lilo and Stitch 2025

3D Movie Review

By: Jake Jarvis

3D

Let’s talk about the 3D—briefly, because there’s not much to say. It’s the kind of afterthought conversion that makes you wonder why they even bothered. The film’s bathed in sunlight and island color, but that doesn’t save it from the dreaded “cardboard cutout” effect. The film lacks memorable 3D pop-outs and genuine 3D depth, presenting a mere succession of shallow layers reminiscent of a sad peanut butter and banana sandwich. You’ll forget you’re even watching it in 3D until you take the glasses off. To put it simply, the 3D aspect of the Lilo and Stitch(2025) movie is mid. Save your money, buy a Stitch plushie for the kids instead.

Final 3D Score: 5/10

Movie

Disney’s latest live-action experimental remake, Lilo and Stitch(2025), continues their tradition of remaking animated classics with all the characters and half of the soul. If you’ve seen the 2002 original, you’ve seen this—only this time, it’s in live-action and somehow feels flatter. The plot? It’s still the charming story of a lonely Hawaiian girl who adopts what she thinks is a “dog”, only to discover he’s an alien fugitive with a taste for violent chaos. The 2002 original had heart, humor, and eye-popping watercolor animation. This version of Lilo and Stitch has… a huge budget and the vague scent of corporate obligation.

Stitch is still a cute, bad-boy alien koala-like creature - That’s it. Let’s be real: Stitch (huge merch moneymaker) is the reason this movie exists. With Mickey Mouse heading for the public domain, it’s not shocking Disney is pushing Stitch like he’s the new company mascot. He’s basically Oswald the Lucky Rabbit if Oswald dropped acid and watched Despicable Me on repeat. Many fans find Stitch’s humor and chaotic nature to be sufficient justification for the existence of this film. The movie isn’t awful by any means, but I will probably forget this movie released in a week or two.

Once the novelty of seeing him(Stitch) in live action fades away, the film becomes a high-budget fan project that plays similarly. The performances, stripped of the expressive animation and watercolor backdrops, are flatter than a ukulele with no strings. It faithfully captures the essence of the original’s plot (with a few minor alterations), but this only underscores how significantly weaker it becomes without the original’s artistic brilliance.

Bottom line: Lilo and Stitch(2025) brings the laughs, but the movie forgets to bring everything else, including depth and any legitimate reason for its existence besides that of corporate greed.

Final Movie Score: 6/10

Learn more about how we rate 3D content via the link below:

https://www.3dor2d.com/3d-or-2d-ratingssystem/

https://movies.disney.com/lilo-and-stitch-2025

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 3D Movie Review

February 21, 2025 by adolph vega in 3-D Cinema, 3-D Films, 3-D Movies, 3D or 2D, Harry Potter, Philosopher's Stone, Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 3D

Movie Review

Written by: Adolph Vega

3D

The 3D conversion of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is an impressive achievement, especially for a film nearly 25 years old. While older movies often struggle with retrofitted 3D, this release delivers a genuinely immersive experience that makes the visuals more magical than ever.

The film’s 3D presentation offers remarkable depth, enhancing locations like Hogwarts Castle, Diagon Alley, and various magical set pieces, making them feel even more expansive. While the depth is strong, there are moments where it could be even more pronounced, particularly in grand interiors like the Great Hall or the Forbidden Forest. Fortunately, the 3D remains sharp and clear, even in darker scenes.

The filmmakers took full advantage of the conversion, integrating 3D elements in ways that enhance the storytelling without feeling overly gimmicky. Some standout moments include:

Quidditch Match

This sequence is absolutely phenomenal in 3D. The fast-paced aerial broomstick action, soaring heights, and the Golden Snitch flying toward the screen create a thrilling 3D visual spectacle.

Moving Stairs

The added depth makes the shifting staircases feel even more like a living, breathing maze, and the 3D depth gives you a nice sense of height.

Wizard’s Chess Game

The destruction of the massive chess pieces in 3D is exhilarating, with debris flying off the screen into your face, adding an extra layer of excitement and danger.

Floating Objects

The floating candles and pumpkins in the Great Hall, as well as the flurry of letters from Hogwarts, look fantastic in 3D. The letters seemingly are flying right toward the audience.

Creatures & Characters

The dog Fluffy extends off the screen, making it feel as if you could reach out and pet each one of its three heads. Goblins’ noses pop out in 3D in an exaggerated yet fitting manner, while Hagrid’s bushy hair appears so textured that it might get a hairball just by watching him talk to Harry.

While the 3D conversion is mostly excellent, a few minor issues arise. Some scenes exhibit slight ghosting, where double images appear momentarily, particularly in high-contrast moments. However, it’s not enough to significantly detract from the overall experience.

The 3D treatment of Harry Potter and the Philopsher’s Stone is a magical enhancement that breathes new life into this classic film. With strong depth, plenty of pop-out moments, and a sharp, clear presentation even in darker scenes, it’s a fantastic way to revisit the beginning of Harry’s journey. Despite minor ghosting (not in a good way) and the occasional wish for even deeper depth, the 3D conversion perfectly complements the film’s enchanting visuals.

Currently, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 3D is a limited Fathom event, and WB, I am begging you—expand this to more locations and more screens worldwide! Everyone should have the opportunity to experience this fantastic 3D version of such a beloved classic. Simply put, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 3D is ABSOLUTELY worth the money to see it. This is a must-watch experience that makes Hogwarts feel more immersive than ever. This magical world of Harry Potter comes alive in 3D.

Final 3D Score: 9/10

Movie

From the moment Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (or Sorcerer’s Stone, as it’s titled in the US version) begins, it sweeps you away into a world of pure enchantment. Watching the British version adds an extra layer of fun, as it’s interesting to catch the small differences from the American release— but it’s 95% the same movie. This 3D version is based on the British version of the film. This is my first time watching this version of the movie.

At its core, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone has an incredible amount of heart, and that’s what makes it so enduring. The story follows a classic hero’s journey—Harry, an ordinary boy (or so he thinks), discovers he’s anything but ordinary and steps into a magical world he never knew existed. It’s a familiar hero’s narrative, but it’s executed flawlessly, drawing audiences into Harry’s world and making us feel his triumphs, fears, and discoveries. Hogwarts feels like a real school, full of wonder, challenges, and friendships that grow stronger through shared adventures. The cast is outstanding—Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson embody their characters perfectly, while the supporting cast, from Richard Harris’ wise and gentle Dumbledore to Maggie Smith’s stern yet loving McGonagall, adds so much richness to the film. These characters feel real, their relationships heartfelt, making it easy to invest in their journey.

The film is also packed with excitement, with the Quidditch match being a standout action sequence. Watching Harry take flight, weaving through players, and chasing the elusive Golden Snitch is exhilarating. The 3D conversion only makes it more thrilling, with the fast-paced movement and high-flying action creating a true cinematic spectacle.

Yes, the CGI shows its age in places—some magical creatures appear plasticky, and certain Quidditch players resemble characters from an early Xbox video game. It’s a minor quibble when everything else is so meticulously crafted. The visual design is phenomenal—the sets of Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest are breathtaking, filled with rich detail that makes the Wizarding World feel real. Hogwarts looks like a real, lived-in place. From the grand, candlelit Great Hall to the cozy, cluttered charm of Ollivanders, every scene is bursting with detail. The cinematography only enhances the wonder, capturing the sprawling majesty of Hogwarts while also giving it an authentic, timeless feel.

John Williams’ Hedwig’s Theme is one of the most iconic scores in film history, and for good reason. Its soaring, whimsical melodies instantly transport audiences into this world of magic and adventure, perfectly complementing Harry’s journey. Every note heightens the sense of wonder, danger, and excitement, making this one of Williams’ finest compositions. The entire musical score is superb, flawlessly fitting the tone of the movie.

Above all, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is just pure fun. This movie is an adventure filled with humor, wonder, and thrilling moments that create a compelling narrative. Just as Superman made me believe a man could fly, and Jurassic Park convinced me dinosaurs had returned from extinction, Harry Potter made me feel that magic truly exists. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was an instant classic when it was released, and it holds up perfectly, creating a wonderful foundation for the entire Harry Potter franchise to build off of. Finally, a mainstream fantasy series set in a semi-modern era that delivers a delightful narrative from beginning to end.

Warner Bros., I am BEGGING you—please convert the rest of the Harry Potter films into 3D! If this movie can look this fantastic in 3D, just imagine how stunning the rest of the series could be. (Also, please redo the Deathly Hallows Part 1 & 2 conversions while you’re at it!). The profit potential is enormous (I know y’all need money right now), and fans would absolutely love it! At the very least, give us Prisoner of Azkaban in 3D—that movie is incredible and deserves the treatment. This entire franchise deserves a full 3D makeover, and I would be first in line to experience the magic all over again. Please don’t tease us by only converting the original movie.

Lastly, while I adore the Harry Potter franchise, I strongly disagree with J.K. Rowling and her views. Her opinions have been deeply disappointing, and I fully support the trans community and LGBTQ+ individuals. The beauty of Harry Potter is that it belongs to its fans—the people who have found joy, comfort, and belonging in this story. I just don’t understand why she is so obsessed with hating trans people on a daily basis. For me, the magic of Hogwarts and the incredible community surrounding it will always be far greater than the disgusting opinions of its creator.

Whether you’re watching it for the first time or the hundredth, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 3D remains an absolute cinematic treat. Revisiting this magical adventure in 2025 is just as enchanting as it was upon release, proving that this film is truly a timeless classic. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a truly magical cinematic experience that the entire family can enjoy.

Final Movie Score: 10/10

Learn more about how we rate 3D content via the link below:

https://www.3dor2d.com/3d-or-2d-ratingssystem/

https://www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/harry-potter-and-the-philosophers-stone/

https://www.harrypotter.com