“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” hits theaters today, the “Epic Conclusion” (Dreamworks Animation’s words, not mine) to the “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy. However, judging by critics score of 93 (as of posting) on RottenTomatoes.com, critics seem to agree.
I have to say… I agree as well. While maybe not “epic”, it is most definitely a worthy conclusion to one of the better animated franchises.
Good, not Great, Expectations
It’s accurate to say I went in to “Hidden World” wanting it to be good.
My expectations were somewhat muted on the heels of “Dragons 2”. That installment was a little bloated, boring for large chunks, and the family pet killed off the dad, for crying out loud. I also felt it was a bit too in-your-face in its social commentary. Though that could just be me.
With “Hidden World” I wasn’t looking for it to break new technological or story ground. This is a kids’ movie after all.
Give me the fun. Give me some action. Give me a good villain with a satisfying resolution – that means no &$#*!@ dance fight (see Madagascar 2).
Give me a happy ending.
Fortunately, “Hidden World” exceeded expectations in all areas: visuals, story, pace and most importantly, the ending.
Visually Amazing
Despite some of their previous story shortcomings, Dreamworks movies have always been amongst the most visually pleasing animated titles.
“Hidden World” takes that already lofty technical artistry to a new level of achievement. There is a near photo-realistic level of quality in the water, fire, hair and grass, some of the most difficult effects to animate. The actual “Hidden World” of the dragons is the most lavishly colorful Pandora-esque landscape this side of “Avatar”.
Technically and visually speaking, “Hidden World” is the best movie Dreamworks has ever made. It sets a standard to which all animated movies should aspire. For the full effect, see it in 3D, where it really shines.
Thankfully, the rest of the movie is as good as it looks on screen.
Brisk Storytelling
While not the most original story (another dragon hunter?), it provides enough that you at least care to see how it turns out, and efficiently moves the pace along.
There is no lengthy soul-searching diatribe. No verbose “why can’t we all just get along with dragons” speeches. Most importantly, no forced B-story lines with holdover characters from Dragons 2 that shouldn’t have been held over. Though there are a few chuckle-inducing “Graduate”-ish lines involving Hiccup’s mother and Snotlout.
The villain, Grimmel, is voiced by F. Murray Abraham (“Amadeus”) and is the studio’s best villain since Tai Lung in 2008’s “Kung Fu Panda”. With a soothing voice that drips evil, Grimmel is not overtly scary. He is, however, menacing in a way that makes you think there is a bubbling cauldron of crazy seething just below the calm facade.
At the heart of “Hidden World”, as has been the case throughout the Dragons trilogy, is the story of a boy and his dog… err dragon. As the franchise has matured, so have Hiccup, Toothless and their relationship. Hiccup is now Chief of Berk and shoulder’s the responsibilities that come with that role. Toothless is now the Alpha dragon and a leader in his own right. Their friendship is a sweet story that could be any two friends who grow up together, and, as often happens, meet significant others that draw them apart. It just happens that, while these two struggle with their girlfriends, the fate of a village and of all dragon-kind fall to them. No pressure.
A Fitting Ending
The story offers something for everyone and with a satisfying conclusion, I left feeling like I got everything I wanted and nothing I didn’t.
Without giving too much away, the good guys will find a way to save the day. The villain meets his fate – and thankfully, it does not involve a “you better leave and hope I don’t see you again” speech with the villain sheepishly skulking off tail between legs, because the filmmakers are trying to avoid the appearance of condoning violence.
Hey, bad things happen to bad guys.
There is, however, a nice twist as the final battle ends that harkens back to the original Dragons and helps bring the story full circle.
In the end, Hiccup and Toothless realize they must follow their own paths and it’s here where those paths diverge. A couple nice shots showing each realizing their destinies bring a measure of closure to their respective storylines.
I really enjoyed how the filmmakers wrap things up. No silly dance party ending like those that seem to be in every animated film these days. No clumsy, fabricated cliff-hanger allowing for Dragons 4 wiggle-room. The final scene is simple, sweet and reaffirms the notion that strong friendships will endure, no matter the time or distance.
In the end “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” is more than just a fun way to spend an afternoon with your kids. It’s a terrific conclusion to a very good franchise, and a wonder to see on the big screen.