A convicted murderer, Raymond McCourt, who escaped from HMP Castle Huntly, Scotland's only open prison, has been re-arrested after a brief manhunt. McCourt, 59, was reported missing on Tuesday evening, sparking an urgent search by Police Scotland. The public was advised not to approach him, citing his dangerous history and connections to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

McCourt's criminal past includes the 1993 murder of newsagent Khalid Mahmood, whom he shot in the head during a robbery attempt. His spree of violence also left local woman Moira Rooney and PC Brian Williams injured. Despite being sentenced to life imprisonment, McCourt was released on license in 2015, only to be returned to prison shortly after for theft and failing to adapt to life outside.

The fugitive was last seen wearing distinctive clothing, including a long black trench coat and a blue shirt with a red and white tie, before his capture. Plain-clothed officers apprehended McCourt as he disembarked from a Lothian Bus service on Leith Walk in Edinburgh, bringing an end to the widespread search.

Authorities have expressed relief at McCourt's swift recapture, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the Scottish Prison Service and Police Scotland. McCourt's return to custody underscores the challenges of rehabilitating long-term prisoners and the vigilance required to maintain public safety.

This week, cinemas are set to welcome a new contender in the family entertainment genre with the release of the live-action adaptation of 'How to Train Your Dragon'. The film, which follows the story of a young Viking named Hiccup and his unlikely friendship with a dragon named Toothless, aims to capture the hearts of audiences just as its animated predecessor did over a decade ago. With Dean DeBlois, the creative force behind the original animated trilogy, at the helm, expectations are high for this latest iteration.

The narrative revolves around Hiccup, portrayed by Mason Thames, who defies his village's tradition of dragon slaying by befriending Toothless, one of the most feared dragons. This act of compassion leads to an extraordinary bond that challenges the longstanding feud between Vikings and dragons. Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup's father, bringing his signature gravitas to the live-action version after lending his voice to the character in the animated films.

The transition from animation to live-action is a gamble that has seen mixed results in the past. While some adaptations have struggled to resonate with audiences, others have managed to surpass expectations. 'How to Train Your Dragon' benefits from a strong foundation, with its source material being both a beloved children's book series by Cressida Cowell and a critically acclaimed animated franchise. The film's success will hinge on its ability to translate the original's emotional depth and visual splendor into a live-action format.

As 'How to Train Your Dragon' prepares to take flight in cinemas, it joins a competitive lineup of new releases. However, with its universal themes of friendship, understanding, and breaking barriers, the film is poised to offer a compelling option for families and fans of the original alike. Whether it can soar to the heights of its animated counterpart remains to be seen, but the stage is set for another memorable journey to the Isle of Berk.