Legend of the Bone Knapper Dragon

Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon is an engaging short film that brings together a talented cast, including Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller, Kristen Wiig, for a thrilling animated adventure. Directed by John Puglisi, this film is set in the dynamic universe of the hugely successful movie franchise, How to Train Your Dragon.

Running just under 17 minutes, Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon cleverly maintains a connection to the original series timeline in an independent narrative. It stars Jay Baruchel once again as the voice of Hiccup, the youthful Viking chief who has an unusual bond with his dragon, Toothless.

The film opens with the gang enjoying their life on the dragon- and Viking-inhabited island of Berk. Suddenly, their peace and quiet are disrupted by the return of Gobber (voiced by the charismatic Craig Ferguson), who claims his house was destroyed by the Boneknapper Dragon. As authentically Viking as ever, the boozy and boisterous Gobber wins the attention of everyone with his entrancing tale about the legendary dragon which, dwelling in far-off lands, collects bones to construct its armor.

Mystified by Gobber’s findings, Hiccup and the other young Vikings – Astrid (America Ferrera), Snotlout (Jonah Hill), Fishlegs (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), Tuffnut (T.J. Miller), and Ruffnut (Kristen Wiig) – decide to join their old friend on a quest to find and confront this mythical beast. The ensemble cast provides a winning mix of comic banter and camaraderie, capturing the spirit of the original series as they embark on the impromptu journey.

The short film ventures into unexplored territories, delving into rich Viking lore marinated in Gobber’s over-the-top narrative. Throughout their quest, they encounter a series of humorous hardships that provide lots of laughs and exciting action sequences. The animation is state-of-the-art, capturing the beauty of the mythical Viking world as well as the bone-chilling danger lurking therein.

While Gerard Butler does not physically appear in this film, his presence is maintained through references to Hiccup's father Stoick the Vast, keeping the connection to the main series alive. Regardless, the other voice actors, especially Baruchel and Ferguson, once again deliver solid performances that bring their characters to life.

Ferguson, particularly, steals the show with his portrayal of Gobber, injecting his part with an infectious sense of humor that drives the film. His voice acting perfectly captures Gobber’s eccentricity and bold character, bringing a new depth to his role.

Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon concludes with an exciting climax that providently combines action, humor, and suspense. The film integrates clever plot twists, seamless CGI, and engaging character interactions that further expand the universe of How to Train Your Dragon.

In essence, the Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon is a charming short film marked emotionally by its witty dialogue, captivating visuals, and the camaraderie shared by familiar characters. It spans the gap between the main films in the series and provides more backstory on one of the series' most lovable characters, Gobber.

Ideal for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike, this short film packs a punch, remaining consistent with the themes of friendship, courage, and facing fears that are echoed throughout the How to Train Your Dragon series. It's a memorable, delightful, and adventurous ride for the whole family to enjoy.