The third (and final) film in the “How to Train Your Dragon” series has arrived, and with the third major studio releasing them (the only time that has ever happened) it still holds true to the reputation DreamWorks Animation has kept since the first with visuals that even from the very opening sequence had the line between CGI animation and live action blurred for me.
Loosely based on Cressida Cowell’s series of books, “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” takes place one year after the second film as Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and his dragon, Toothless, lead their friends into their ongoing request to keep dragons safe and away from hunters and trappers. Unfortunately, this has caused some severe overcrowding in their homeland of Berk, and with Astrid (America Ferrara) by his side along with their friends in Gobber (Craig Ferguson), Snotlout (Jonah Hill), Fishlegs (Christopher Mintze-Plasse), Eret (Kit Harrington), and the twins of Tuffnut and Ruffnut (Justin Rupple stepping in for T. J. Miller and Kristen Wiig, respectively), they not only embark on a quest to find “The Hidden World” where dragons can live in peace away from man (which takes almost all of Hiccup’s focus) but they also encounter another Night Fury (who captures the affections of Toothless) and have to fight off a new enemy in a warlord named Grimmel (F. Murray Abraham), who is paid by others to capture Toothless with the other Night Fury as bait.
With almost all of the voice cast returning to fill out a great story that features delightful humor. Rupple steps in seamlessly to the point where I didn’t even pick up on the recasting until I wrote this review. I also enjoyed Blanchett as Valka, who provides words of encouragement and wisdom for both Hiccup and Astrid as they start to emerge as the true leaders of their people.
From fighting on ships to flaming swords to flying dragons and even a little romance, I was truly taken on a very enjoyable journey with “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”. Even though this film is rated “PG,” I still did not ever have the feeling I was watching a movie for kids (although it did leave me wanting my own pet dragon and making the world a better place where humans and dragons can live together in harmony). This is great for the whole family, so go see it!