Viewing Review: ‘How To Train Your Dragon:The Hidden World’

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD is the final installment of this animated trilogy.  We get to see Hiccup and Toothless grow from the early discoveries in the beginning to where they are now at the end.  Accompanying them on this last journey is Astrid, Hiccup’s girlfriend, along with his band of misfit dragon rider friends. Joining Hiccup and company are his mother, Valka, and new ally(former dragon hunter), Eret.  The story involves the discovery of a female Light Fury(as Astrid put it), and a new antagonist in the form of Grimmet the Grisley, one nasty dragon hunter who is after Toothless’ head.  The movies have always been epic in proportion and this last installment is no exception.  ‘The Hidden World’ resolves many issues and really is an appropriate ending to this beautiful story.

The animation is nothing short of breathtaking as can be expected from this franchise.  HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON has set the bar high when it comes to creating computer generated animation, and part three is no exception.  The landscapes are epic as the film shows just how big the world is beyond the four corners of Berk. The animation also shows the right emotion for the characters in facial expression and body movement even though this is an animated feature.

There are new dragon designs here.  Some are variations of previous ones while others are new and, I might say, frightening.  This just adds more layers to the depth of dragon lore established in this franchise.  Yes, Toothless is ‘king’, but in order for the world of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON to have an excellent amount of world and lore building, there’s a need to populate the story with not just different types of vikings, but also different types of dragons.  This has always been part of what makes this franchise special, and it does not disappoint.

The boys, Hiccup and Toothless, have grown so much since the first movie. That is apparent here as goals are set, and priorities change without breaking the friendship.  It was inevitable that these two characters evolve in different directions in the story.  Though they are strong together, the movie reveals just how strong they are apart, and that their friendship just made it easier for them to accomplish what they have done so far.  ‘THE HIDDEN WORLD’ is a story of how friends, Hiccup and Toothless, grow apart while still keeping the friendship together in spite of the difference in goals they both have.  I refer to them as friends because there never was a master-servant relationship to begin.  Both characters helped each other find their way around to answer the mysteries of life.  For the most part, Toothless helped Hiccup discover the answers to most of these questions.  In this final installment, we find Hiccup returning the favor as everything comes full circle.  That’s what friends are for, right?

The antagonist, Grimmet the Grisley, is a fitting villain for the story.  He tests the friendship of Hiccup and Toothless, constantly putting obstacles between the two friends.  The Chief of Berk and the Alpha Dragon have overcome all obstacles set before them.  This is one that will truly test their mettle. The tests of character were challenging, but in the end we find out how mature both characters have become. Grimmet is an excellent obstacle to end the trilogy.  And, as we reach the film’s climax, there is no room for doubt just how noble and grown-up Hiccup and Toothless have become.

The presence of the Light Fury adds a lot of flavor to an already flavorful cast.  Who says Hiccup is the only one who can have a romantic interest?  Just like Astrid is the counterbalance to Hiccup, the Light Fury is the same to Toothless.  With her presence, Toothless has caught up in character development to Hiccup and the friends have become truly equals in where stand in life.  The Light Fury is one strong personality, and it takes one to enamor a handful like Toothless.  The Light Fury is a most welcome addition to the stable of already existing dragons.

As for Astrid, her role as support to Hiccup’s brooding throughout the film helps progress the story.  There are a lot of decisions Hiccup makes with her prompting and influence.  She is a very shrewd character,and has revealed another layer to her personality,  She was always an excellent warrior before.  Now, she shows her wisdom with the promptings of Vulka, Hiccup’s mother.  Hiccup and Astrid’s standout relationship in the story captures what a trusting relationship is like. It’s only fitting since both characters have know each other for a long time by now only matched by the length of Hiccup and Toothless’ friendship.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD fits well with the overall theme of this animated trilogy.  The story is more character driven than plot, and we get reminded again why Hiccup, Toothless and the rest of these characters continue to captivate our imaginations.  It leaves you hoping that dragons DO exist, and maybe they are just waiting for us to invite them openly into our world.