How to Train You Dragon: The Hidden World

Among Dreamworks projects in the 2010s, it can't be denied that their best work until this point has been the How to Train Your Dragon film series, which is based on the children book series of the same name. While the studio is known for their cliches in most of their animated features that just feel mostly standard, the manner those troupes have been utilized in this franchise made it carry a special care and effort. The quality and entertainment value found in these installments cemented them as some of my favorite movies. This brings us to the end of this trilogy with How to Train You Dragon: The Hidden World (I guess using a 3 in that title would have been scary or something), which was written and directed Dean DeBlois (HTTYD 1&2). The marketing campaign was intriguing in how it showcased the conclusion for this family friendly fantasy that's been around since 2010. I entered the auditorium ready to see how it can follow up on the surprisingly strong quality of the first two movies and left it very satisfied but noticing a few issues that are hard to ignore.

What's it about? Taking place 1 year after the events of its predecessor, the story deals with our protagonist dealing with the consequences of his actions as chief in confronting new threats. This continues in displaying how everything is evolving to a next stage of life between more dangers approaching the village and how the characters are adapting to changing circumstances. The exploration of the world is still beautiful to look at but it doesn't hit that colorful peak until halfway through. It's not afraid to set up the stakes at hand in the beginning along with some obvious foreshadowing and moves at a fairly smooth pace. While there isn't that much to talk about or spoil regarding the events that happen since it's as predictable as expected, the execution is strong and the conclusion is extremely satisfying.

How are Hiccup and Toothless? In regards to the dynamic duo we've been following, the bond between them and their individual characterizations are as strong as ever. While Jay Baruchel's voice acting as Hiccup has its issues before, it feels more refined this time around with the whiny nature rarely showing up as his performance takes to a different direction this time around. As for Toothless, they crank up the adorable factor with him in moments where he's trying to impress someone. The evolution seen in both of them from being weak and helpless to matured and experienced is delivered strongly from the conclusion.

How's everyone else? In regards to the other characters at hand, there are a handful of them that are standout either for the right or wrong reasons. While the parents of Hiccup were given a solid amount of focus from before, it's nice to see how they are utilized here in their minimized roles (either providing support in the present or sharing a moment in a flashback) with good voice work from Cate Blanchett and Gerard Butler. One surprising improvement among the supporting crew is how funny/engaging Ruffnut (Kristin Wiig) and Tuffnut (Justin Rupple) are in this installment. The line delivery from both actors gives an appropriate amount of wackiness that can be hilarious most of the time. An honorable mention goes Astrid (America Ferrera) for the improved chemistry displayed in the portrayal of a relationship that admittedly is standard and not given much time but still feels like they are naturally dealing with new changes.

Dishonorable mentions go to Grimmel (F. Murray Abraham) and Snotlout (Jonah Hill). The former is a bland villain who, despite having strategies to take on the heroes, lacks any kind of intimidation and slows down the momentum the film was riding on. However, I will give him credit for having threatening creatures do his bidding with some cool designs. The latter is given the material that ends up making Jonah feel more overbearing in the moments where he intrudes and opens his mouth than the occasional annoyances from Jay's voice (and that's saying something).

Overall Consensus: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is an entertaining and satisfying conclusion to an epic trilogy with its solid story, heartfelt emotional investment, family friendly humor, and beautiful visuals ⭑⭑⭑⭑1/4🎟🍿 Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes PG

Reasons to watch it: You like any of the aforementioned actors. You have seen the previous entries and want to see how the trilogy ends. You enjoy family friendly fantasy movies that involve dragons and have a lot of charm. You don't mind bland antagonists.

Reasons to avoid it: You dislike any of the aforementioned actors. You aren't interested in this franchise. You don't enjoy family friendly fantasy movies.