All good stories come to an end. With movie sequels, that end is often unsatisfactory and contrived. The final installment in a trilogy often feels forced and not like part of a consistent and compelling story arc. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World does not fit that pattern. The third movie in the How to Train Your Dragon series is a nearly perfect conclusion to the trilogy.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World begins with a raid on a dragon hunting ship. Hiccup and his friends have grown a little older and are working at freeing as many captured dragons as they can. This has led to the unintended consequence of a Berk that is overflowing with dragons. The existence of so many dragons together, combined with Berk’s mission to save even more dragons, has put the former dragon-fearing village at risk. Hiccup, remembering stories his father told him, has big plans to find the Hidden World where dragons reign supreme.
As the story unfolds, Hiccup and his friends must wrestle with danger, risk, growing up, and responsibility. Hiccup and Astrid are growing closer as they try to find their way and lead Berk into the future. They soon find this must involve a fight they had not expected. The movie is rated PG, but be prepared for some short but intense scenes that may be momentarily scary for smaller kids.
As a mom, I found the family-focus of the film to be its most powerful feature. Each of the movies in this trilogy has a family message at its heart. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World does a beautiful job of illustrating the transitions everyone makes as they grow into adulthood and take more responsibility on their shoulders. When you watch the movie, pay attention to how Valka, Hiccup’s mom, advises Astrid. As a mom of a 15-year-old young man, it was a good reminder that I will not always be the most important woman in his life. Valka shows much wisdom here by not rushing in to manage her son’s problems. I also love the way the film develops Astrid and Hiccup’s relationship. Partnership is the key. This is no domineering chief ruling over his sweet yet powerless woman. Hiccup desires to protect Astrid, but he also honors her wisdom and abilities. These are all great topics to discuss with your children after the movie.
Finally, the movie is beautiful. We watched it in 3D and I suggest you do, too. The animation was dazzling and there are many aspects that were clearly designed for the 3D experience. The dragons, scenery, and effects are mesmerizing. Take your family to see this movie. Do not miss it on the big screen!
Rating: Rated PG for adventure action and some mild rude humor.
Scene after the credits: No. However, the credits include some neat imagery.
Running time: 104 minutes
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