How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World Review.

Don’t talk to me for a few days while I recover.

 

How to Train Your Dragon has been a franchise which I’ve adored for years. When I was 11 me and my dad went to see the first film in cinema. My Dad was the kind of guy who would sleep through 99% of our trips to the cinema. Something clicked with both of us during our viewing. My dad was hooked by the Viking mythology. While I was in awe of the dragons. How to Train Your Dragon had something which many animated films lack. It had heart; which made both of us love it. The first film is a joy to watch even today. If you haven’t seen it before or even if its been a few years go back to watch it. It is excellent. The sequel, appropriately titled How to Train Your Dragon 2, is an epic tale which feels like the animated version of The Empire Strikes Back. The sequel is another amazing film which adds to the greatness of the first. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is the final chapter of the trilogy. Truth be told I was nervous heading into it. This is a franchise which I’ve loved since I was 11. I’ve grown up with these films. To be let down by the final entry would crush me. Good news everyone! How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is a fitting end to the saga. It has brutal battle sequences, hilarious humour and an emotional punch which will leave you weeping.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World sees Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and his best friend Toothless return for their final adventure. When Hiccup discovers that Hiccup isn’t the only Night Fury, he must lead the Dragons and the people of Berk to ‘The Hidden World’ before Dragon Hunter Grimmel the Grisly (F. Murray Abraham) finds it first. The film opens with an action scene which took my breath away. Hiccup and Astrid (America Ferrera) along with the rest of the gang attempting a dragon rescue mission on a Viking ship. The sequence is phenomenal. There is a shot of Hiccup in his armour with his fire sword that’s insane. The action is up there with any blockbuster. Visually this may be the best which DreamWorks has ever produced. It’s a beautiful film. Filled with an endless variety of colours. The Dragons and the human characters look sharper than the previous two film. DreamWorks are often dismissed for having cheaper animation compared to Pixar. That argument can’t be made here. The universe of these films gives the viewer imagery which is unique and ground-breaking. Even if you don’t enjoy the plot you will still be able to sit in awe of the visuals. Cinematographer Gal Zimmerman has put in shots which you will never forget. The work that Zimmerman’s done in this trilogy deserves its plaudits.

The heart of the series is as vocal as its ever been before. Hiccup and Toothless’ relationship has always been the main story of the series. Their friendship is always heart-warming to witness. The best buds have been through so much through the years; their friendship is tested in the film. We’ve seen Hiccup transition from boy to man. This time around it’s the dragons time to grow up. Now that he’s the alpha of the dragons there’s added pressure on him to step up. A large part of the film revolves around Toothless falling in love with the female version of him, a Light Fury. I was worried that this portion of the film would see the film resort to cheap jokes before pairing the dragons without it feeling earned. Thankfully, that’s not the case. The romance between the Night Fury and the Light Fury is earned. A sequence where they fly together will leave you with Goosebumps. It is akin to the ballroom scene in Beauty and the Beast or the dinner scene in Lady and the Tramp.  Hiccup and Toothless’ friendship doesn’t come under jeopardy which is a big relief. Nearly all the time with a plot like this. The friend who isn’t in the relationship begins to resent the other. Hiccup is never mad at Toothless in the film. Instead he must learn how to cope on his own while being happy for his friend. Hiccup’s journey throughout the series has seen him struggle with his self-doubt. Which is journey which everyone goes through in their journey to adulthood. The character development he’s gone on in these films is relatable for everyone. I’m proud of series director Dean DeBlois for allowing his story to be shown on screen realistically. There are highs and lows in life, but we need to keep going no matter what.

The side characters in the have been one of the high-points of the series. Astrid has transformed along with Hiccup into a leader. Their romance has always felt natural and rather lovely. There’s a scene early which sees them discussing their relationship. Nothing dramatic happens it’s refreshing to see a couple in a film who remain in love throughout. The rest of the gang are back too. Snot (Jonah Hill) is still as arrogant as ever. This time he enters a rivalry with Eret (Kit Harrington) which brings comic moments but feels like a waste of both characters.  Ruffnut (Kristen Wigg) and Tuffnut (Justin Rupple) are given their most screen time to date. Ruffnut gets a big moment which left my stomach hurting with laughter. Tuffnut gets multiple scenes to showcase how entertaining he is. Separating the twins was a great call as it allowed for audiences see that they don’t need to be together to be hilarious. Fishlegs (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) is relegated to comic relief but was jarring whenever on screen. It’s a little bit of a let down that some of the characters don’t get as strong of an emotional arc as the leads. The villain of the film, Grimmel the Grisly, starts off strongly with a terrific introduction scene. The characters first interaction with Hiccup is one of the highlights of the film. His ice-cold demeanour is compelling in the first act. Unfortunately, the more the film goes in it appears that he’s a bit of a one not villain. The character was in desperate need of reasoning for why he was villainous. The film decides to feature on relationships more than his villain. Which in the big picture was probably the right call because I’m still a teary mess following this film.

The direction from Dean DeBlois is phenomenal. Surprisingly, the director has only directed one other feature other than the Dragon trilogy. DeBlois also directed Lilo and Stitch. DeBlois is clearly a guy who will go into a project if he came put heart into it. DeBlois also wrote the script for this entry in the series. The screenplay in the film is excellent. The conversations flow naturally between characters in a way which brings real life to this world. In the entire series there has never been a jump the shark moment which is a relief.  DeBlois is only 48 so he still has many years in the industry to gift fans with more stories which will make your heart warm. The score in the film is astounding yet again. Composer John Powell has crated a score which has been one of the series’ strongest aspects the entire way through. From the quieter moments to the epic battles the music elevates every single scene.  DeBlois and Powell have been one of cinemas dream teams since 2010. If I ever meet them in person; I will thank them for all the entertainment through the years.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is a worthy closing chapter to an amazing story. The film may falter at times during the second act but the opening and closing moments of the film is strong enough to make up for it.  The film just like its procedures wears its heart on it sleeves.  Even if as whole it doesn’t hit the heights of the previous two films. It is still excellent. Do yourself a favour and bring tissues with you. This is Toy Story 3 levels of devastation. Catch up on the previous films and catch this in cinemas. Thank you Hiccup and Toothless for all the memories.  We’ll never forget you.

Liam’s Summary of How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.

Best Moment: A beautiful dance in the sky.

Worst Moment: The middle of the film drags at times.

Best Character: Hiccup’s progression through the years culminate in rewarding fashion.

Worst Character: Fishlegs is as one-note as they come.

Other fitting closures to trilogies.

War of the Planet of the Apes: A masterpiece in film-making which will leave your heart heavy.

Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade: Close your eyes and pretend Kingdom of the Crystal Skull never happened.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King:  11 Oscar wins. Need I say more?

Overall Rating: 4/5