So, I saw How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World back in February. It was really good and I wanted to write about it, but I also didn’t want to stumble into any spoilers. Makes this relatively simple task even harder because we’re talking about the end of a trilogy here. It’s interesting how the franchise has been so popular, but it still seems to be on the fringe instead of front and center like the MCU, Star Wars, and *insert other Disney properties here*. That’s probably a big part of the charm too. I’m getting off topic here.
Now, I watched the first two movies leading up to the third. I didn’t have time to watch any episodes, but I have seen many in the past. All of this might have contributed to me tearing up at the end. I kind of did the same with Kung Fu Panda, but this sense of finality really stuck with me throughout the day. It was really a beautiful send off to the franchise. Every character that we’ve seen grow throughout the series got time to shine and show a little more growth . . . Well, not the twins. I was actually surprised how active the twins were this time. Not a bad thing, but an unexpected treat. Heck, I can’t really think of anything I didn’t like about this movie. Visuals were great. Villain was deliciously evil, but not to the point where I wanted the bastard to win. The character’s challenges were agonizing at times since they really played up Hiccup’s inner conflict. A lot romance for some audiences. Lots of action and new dragons for others. Seriously, I really think this one hit all of the marks you would want to hit with a movie aimed at children that needs to keep adults interested. Also, a finale.
There was something the local reviewer said that irked me too. It was a complaint that it was a cursory goodbye. Now, I can’t tell what he meant by this. At first, I thought it was that the ending was too kind and positive. That it was a mild, mellow ending, which isn’t a bad thing. You don’t have to unleash destruction on a franchise in the final installment. I know many in society don’t like the ‘happily ever after’ thing (even though this isn’t a perfect one of those), but it does happen. One could even say that seeing a positive ending to a franchise is good because it can give people hope that it’s possible in reality. That being said, he could have also been saying that the series was ended too soon. He might not have watched the TV series, but I do understand how one would like to see this series continue. It was never overpowering and would be a lot of fun whenever it showed up with a new installment. You didn’t get sick of it either. It never seemed to get dull, which is why many might think this is too early a finish. I can see that. Though, I also worry about things going on for so long that you have to do a mercy kill.
That’s what I had to say about How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. Hard to do without spoilers, but I tried. I recommend you check it out for yourselves and see what I mean.
Legends of Windemere 
Reblogged this on All About Writing and more.
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Thanks. 😁
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U are welcome
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Fun coincidence: we watched one TV episode on Friday with the wee one. She saw it on Netflix and insisted she watch it, but was then scared of the dragons. I think it’ll be a few months at least before we try it again 🙂
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It can have that effect. I think you’re right that she just needs time.
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Good review
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Thanks.
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Thanks for the semi-review. I’ve seen the first two movies a couple of times, and seen a few episodes of the TV series. I’m looking forward to seeing this one… I’ll make sure to have my tissues handy.
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You’re welcome. Hope you enjoy it.
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I need to take my daughter to see this movie. I really enjoyed the first two. I’ve heard that the level of animation took a large leap forward in this last installment.
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It does look different, but I figure there have been so many years between movies that tech changed.
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I haven’t watched any of these, but this is a ringing endorsement, one that makes me a littlle sad it’s over.
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Yeah. It is bittersweet. On the other hand, you can now do a marathon. 😁
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My wife really wants to see it.
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It’s definitely one of the better animated movie franchises in recent years. I’d say better than Disney since it doesn’t have a song that will drive parents mad.
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Ha ha ha.
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Great thoughts. As for me, I took my youngest son to see this movie this weekend. As a huge fan who has watched the first two films over and over again as well as the tv series, he was super excited to see this one, and I’m happy to say he really, really enjoyed it. He especially liked the ending which he said was a great way to balance the sadness of a conclusion with the hope for a happy future for his favorite characters. For whatever it is worth, I liked the film too.
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That’s a great way to describe it. I do hope they keep the tv series going though.
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