Written and directed by Dean DeBlois, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is the final installment in the DreamWorks Animation fantasy saga, distributed by Universal Pictures.

Set one year after the second film, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is trying to fill his father Stoic’s (Gerard Butler) shoes as leader of Berk. He, his Night Fury dragon Toothless, girlfriend Astrid (America Ferrera), mother Valka (Cate Blanchett), and his friends are rescuing dragons from vicious warlords who collect them. However, Berk is becoming overcrowded with the dragons and Vikings, causing problems for Hiccup.

The warlords become so desperate to stop Hiccup that they turn to Grimmel the Grisly (F. Murray Abraham), a vicious dragon hunter who has driven to the Night Furies to the point of extinction. He is given a female Night Fury, which he uses to distract Toothless and force the Vikings of Berk to flee their home in search of one with more space. Little do they know this is all part of Grimmel’s plan to capture the dragons and control them.

This is one of the best animated films I have seen come from DreamWorks in a long time. Its attention to detail and the way in which it wrapped up the trilogy was in perfect fashion. Also, the music by John Powell was done with precision. It matched the movie perfectly.

The animation and action sequences were rendered incredibly and excellently. Props to the animation for bringing such a stunning spectacle. A lot of animated features, especially CGI, have a bad habit of making air sequences confusing and dizzying. This feature, the animation was brisk and clean.

As for the voice acting, it was spot on. Baruchel, Ferrera, and Blanchett were at the top of the game, but I also want to shout out to Kit Harington as Eret. His character was well written and he performed it well. Also, it was good to see (or hear) F. Murray Abraham again. He’s an underrated actor who deserves more screen time, so hearing his voice acting was a lot of fun.

I also appreciated the themes of the film. Hiccup goes from being a disappointment to his father to the leader of his village and now he has the responsibility to not only lead his people, but to find a way for them to co-exist with dragons. It is a poignant tale of growing up, accepting responsibility, and falling in love.

Bottom line, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is one of the best finales to an epic film series. It wraps up the dramatic story of a boy and his dragon in epic fashion. With a plot that is incredible, a moving voice cast, and a soundtrack that matches the story perfectly.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Fantasy Violence, Suggestive themes

FAVORITE QUOTE: Legend says that when the ground quakes or lava spews from the earth, it’s the dragons letting us know they’re still here. Waiting for us to figure out how to get along. Yes, the world believes the dragons are gone, if they ever existed at all. But we Berkians, we know otherwise. And we’ll guard this secret until the time comes when dragons can return in peace.

Check out the trailer below:

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out my music review of Kim Walker-Smith ‘Insatiable‘ and my movie review of American Psycho. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.

Did you know my new fantasy novel “The Seven Royals: All Good Things” is now available on Barnes and Noble and Amazon? You can get your e-book copy at BookLocker.

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