STOP EVERYTHING YOU ARE DOING!!! There is currently a tweet that Fandom posted on Twitter that has a dog’s absolutely GUTTURAL reaction to one of the saddest moments in movie history (I see you G-Baby): The Death of Mufasa. I didn’t think that you could make that seen any sadder, but congratulations Twitter, you succeeded. Dogs are the greatest of all time. And because it includes the one dog/dragon/dragon puppy that everyone wants as their pet, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World just capped off one of the greatest trilogies of all time.
The Hidden World brings back Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) as the new chief of Berk, the Dragon Utopia that Hiccup leads with his Night Fury Toothless. When they discover that Toothless isn’t the only one of his kind, they must find “The Hidden World” for them to live in peace before dragon hunter Grimmel (F. Murray Abraham) eradicates the entire species.
The strengths of the Dragon series have always been its character-driven story and the visual spectacle. Hiccup and Toothless’ relationship is the essential boy and his dog story and forever made you want to have a pet as loyal and loving. The surrounding cast of modern-day comedic powerhouses (Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Kristen Wiig), and Hiccup’s closest relationships (America Ferrara as Astrid, Gerard Butler as Stoick, and Cate Blanchett as Valka) elevate the main duo’s portrayals by placing them in the middle of a hilariously relatable family that encourages, teases, challenges and supports. The emotional growth of all of the characters from movie one to movie three is only topped by how much better the graphics have evolved.
The Hidden World is the fulfilling completion of the growth of the series over time. Seeing Hiccup fighting the issues that his dad argued with him in the first movie brings a depth and arc to a heartfelt story. The use of photo-realistic graphics brings a visual spectacle that matches the emotional vigor. It feels like a series finale for a great television show, and that may be its only downfall. Doubling down on the series’ strengths also made The Hidden World feel slightly repetitive and has you looking for something new to latch onto. Some audiences may embrace the continuity while others may feel slightly disappointed, especially with Grimmel feeling way too close to the villain in movie two.
The difference between disappointed and slightly disappointed is the transition from Dragon 1 & 2 being the main duo’s film to The Hidden World being strictly carried by Toothless. The Night Fury’s journey is one filled with joy, love, pain, fear, loss, and a gamut of countless emotions without an utterance of dialogue. The journey’s end will undoubtedly bring the waterworks as it encompasses the theme that with any and all love inevitably comes some form of loss; but in the end, it is all worth it.
Make sure to bring a pack of tissues with you to The Hidden World. The connection the audience has made over 9 years with the human and reptilian citizens of Berk is cemented by its heart, humor, and helluva feast for the eyes. It is a must see for all ages and is a satisfying conclusion to an amazing trilogy. I am giving How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World 8/10 puppy dragons.