Expectations were sky-high even before the release of How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World – the third and supposedly the final part of a trilogy of animated films set in a land where dragons and men co-exist.
The first part had set the tone of the franchise by introducing us to the lovable, all-black, fire-breathing dragon named Toothless and his master, Hiccups – the hero of the story who represents the talented but confidence-lacking individual inside every teenager.
The first part showed us how Toothless and Hiccups formed a strong bond (one that can be understood if you have a pet of your own) and how the duo transforms the dragon-hating village of Berk into a place where beasts and humans co-habit.
The second part upped the ante with Hiccups becoming the chieftain of his dragon-loving village and showed the human-dragon relationship set in an action-packed storyline. But just like in reality where humans always find a way to spoil everything beautiful in nature, the village of Berk, which is drowned in dragon love utopia, is threatened in The Hidden World with the introduction of the villain, Grimmel, a dragon hunter who wants to rid the world of ‘night fury’ – the dragon species that Toothless belongs to.
Meanwhile, Toothless falls for a female dragon akin to himself but is fully white – a ‘light fury’. The most delightful parts of the movie are set between Toothless and the light fury, as he tries to impress her.
As the story unfolds, it explores the concepts of taking responsibilities and self-confidence, how important it is to let go in love as much as it is to hold on, and of course the man-animal conflicts.
As one would expect, eye-catching and jaw-dropping visual effects are the biggest draw of the movie that is once again written and directed by the brilliant Dean DeBlois.
The scenes where we are taken to the magical hidden dragon world are simply beautiful. By now, the relationship between Toothless and Hiccups is so well developed that they almost feel like family/friends to the movie watchers. How Hiccups helps Toothless get the attention of his lady love was simply adorable and rib-tickling. The Hidden World is filled with filler materials like these and we are not complaining.
The voice work is also top-notch thanks to perfect casting choices. Baruchel’s voice fits the awkward character of Hiccups and Cate Blanchett’s voice is perfect as Hiccup’s fierce and stoic warrior mother Valka. The ones voicing Hiccup’s comical pals are ideal too.
Deftly blending comedy, adventure and emotions, How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is a rare series capper that not just works, but also leaves one wanting for more as we walk out of the theatre.
PS: Dear Toothless, You will be missed.