Team PCheng

There are a number of good things that can come about knowing that the film is the last in a franchise, the most notable of course, is writing a satisfying ending. One, which will leave loyal fans happy and satisfied and of course, one where the characters will  able to complete their journey.

Such is the case with Dreamwork’s last chapter for the “How To Train Your Dragon Franchise” with its third installment, “The Hidden World”.

The film opens, with Berk now being a Dragon Utopia, where hundreds of dragons roam freely and live in peace with their human masters. With our hero Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) now Chief of Berk. Of course, when you are basically an island of dragons, this will attract the attention of folks, who may not be so kind to Dragons as the folks from Berk. Specifically, the hunter Grimmel (F. Murray Abraham), who despite his platinum locks is no Targaryen and has a mission to kill every last Night Fury.

With the threat to the dragons, becoming ever so close, it is up to Hiccup to rise to the occasion and prove himself worthy of being Chief. He looks into tales of “The Hidden World” a real Dragon Utopia, which will not only conceal the existence of the Dragons but keep them safe from humans as well.

Now, if searching for a “Hidden World” and keeping his people (and Dragons) safe is not enough on his plate already, there is also the pressure to get married to Astrid (America Ferrera), because you know,  this is still a coming-of-age story after all, despite the flying and the dragons.

And in a similar fate, is Hiccup’s best bud, the adorable cat like-dragon Toothless who is smitten with a Light Fury, you know, the Yin to his Yang (noted by their complimenting black and white colors).

Indeed one of the film’s highlights is Toothless trying to attract the elusive female. He is both adorable and hilarious as he tries to impress her with his…umm…I’m not really sure what to call it. Let’s just say its a mating dance (kids: ewwwwww) but hey, such is life and I would like to quote “Life finds a way”.

But its not rainbows and butterflies as Toothless and his would be Mrs. Toothless have to first outwit, outplay and outlast Grimmel, with the help of Hiccup and the rest of the crew of course.

The visuals are breathtaking, the “Hidden World” sequence alone makes it worth seeing on the big screen, the finale will have you in tears. There is nothing like a story of growing up, love and friendship to get those tear ducts going and Hiccup and Toothless are definitely a special dynamic duo, which a lot of kids grew up watching and seeing them bow down to a fitting end will just make you reach for that tissue in your bag (please bring).

The plot is a bit back and worth and you feel as if they are trying to make too many things happen, with too many characters, with some taking too much screen time than necessary, but all is forgiven because that ending and the message that it brings is just too beautiful, I dare you not to cry!

7/10 – How To Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World is now showing.