Dreamworks Animation’s final installation of the successful
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ franchise is a definite improvement on its
predecessor, and is actually quite sweet and charming. It is a fitting
conclusion to the series – if you loved the previous films, chances are you
will definitely love this one as well. I am not the greatest fan, and for me
this one was, like its predecessors, a decent watch but wouldn’t rank among my
favourites.
‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World’ (THW) continues
to follow the story of unlikely Viking leader Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and his
dragon Toothless. Hiccup and his fellow dragon riders of Berk are now into
saving dragons full-time – so much so that they have caught the attention of
infamous dragon hunter Grimmel the Grisly (F. Murray Abraham). Hiccup must now
try and find the “Hidden World” to provide a safe haven for all dragons.
Meanwhile, Toothless discovers a female Fury dragon and falls head over heels
in love – but is it a ploy by Grimmel to capture Toothless?
One of the key highlights on the movie is, of course, the
animation – the evolution of the quality of the animation is very impressive to
say the least. The detailing in this movie, in scenes of Toothless with Light
Fury, and especially in the scenes in the Hidden World, are beautiful. This
coupled with a good story and screenplay, which highlights the evolution of
these characters, and highlights mature themes of family, relationships and
letting go, and you have the basis for a fine movie. The voice acting complements
these very well – so you have a well-rounded finished product.
For me, the issue was that the material never really
elevates to the status of some of the best animation movies I’ve seen. The
emotional heft is missing, and I felt the third act in particular was a bit
flat – while it concludes the series perfectly, I felt the major conflict is
resolved way too easily, and Hiccup’s misgivings are more of an afterthought.
‘THW’ is a decent watch, and if you are a fan of the series,
a fitting conclusion to the franchise.
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