Originally published at: The Final Roar: A Review of 'How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World' -
Grade A-
Author: Billy Madden
In 2010, Dreamworks’ How to Train Your Dragon ushered us into a fantastical world of Hiccup and Toothless, the Night Fury dragon. We witnessed an unusual bond bloom between a Viking and a dragon, transforming age-old enmity into friendship, forever altering the dynamics in the village of Berk.
Fast forward to the final chapter, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. With the village of Berk threatened yet again, this time by Grimmel, the dragon slayer, Hiccup recalls a legend passed down by his father – The Hidden World. A sanctuary unknown to Grimmel, it could provide a haven for Berk’s people and dragons. As the plot thickens, Toothless stumbles upon The Hidden World with the nameless Light Fury, setting the stage for a gripping adventure.
But even the best-laid plans can falter. The plot follows a predictable trajectory but encapsulates an appropriate conclusion to a beloved trilogy.
Of all the How to Train Your Dragon films, this holds a special place in my heart. The leap in animation technology since the 2014 sequel is astonishing. The grass textures no longer appear flat but burst into life, with each blade distinct and realistic. The vibrant colors of Berk and the highly detailed dragon scales contribute to the vivacity of the animation, successfully breathing life and emotion into our favorite characters.
While it’s bittersweet to bid goodbye to this captivating franchise, it’s been an exhilarating journey. With laughter, tears, and nostalgic remembrances, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is the ideal family movie to inspire your imagination and etch indelible memories.
MOVIE INFO
When the sudden appearance of a female Light Fury, coincides with the darkest threat their village has ever faced, Hiccup and Toothless must journey to a hidden world thought only to exist in myth. The two friends will soon discover their true destinies as the dragon and rider fight together to protect everything they’ve grown to treasure.
- Rating: PG (Some Mild Rude Humor|Adventure Action)
- Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy, Animation
- Original Language: English
- Director: Dean DeBlois
- Producer: Brad Lewis, Bonnie Arnold
- Writer: Dean DeBlois
- Release Date (Theaters): Feb 22, 2019 Wide
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Distributor: Universal Pictures
- Production Co: DreamWorks Animation
- Sound Mix: DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos
- Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)
- View the collection: How to Train Your Dragon