How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)

Director: Dean DeBlois
Stars: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, F. Murray Abraham
Runtime: 104 minutes

Synopsis: When Hiccup discovers Toothless isn't the only Night Fury, he must seek "The Hidden World", a secret Dragon Utopia before a hired tyrant named Grimmel finds it first.

Animation: 9/10
Performances: 8/10
Screenplay: 6/10
Editing: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Entertainment Factor: 7/10 

Verdict: A solid end to one of the best trilogies in the animation world, "The Hidden World" may not benefit from the best story in the franchise, but is sure elevated by some of the most visually gorgeous animated work I have seen in the past couple of years.

Once again centered around the relationship between Hiccup and his dragon Toothless, this third entry adds a few new characters to the ever growing world and sees the protagonists running against the clock to find the legendary Hidden World before Grimmel, a dragon hunter that is up to no good.

Story-wise, I wasn't much impressed by a narrative that despite being aimed at a younger demographic, failed to bring anything new to the table. I'd even go as far as saying that the screenplay for this entry, while still being carefully handled and well crafted for the targeted audience, was probably the least interesting in the trilogy. However, the film's breathtaking visuals and mesmerizing score more than make up for it. I was in constant awe at the design of both the characters (including the dragons, which all felt unique in their own way) and the world itself. That design wouldn't have been as powerful as it was without John Powell's extremely well fitting score that kept elevating it throughout the film.

What "The Hidden World" lacks in substance is made up in style. It's a visual feast that concluded the "How to Train Your Dragon" trilogy in a more than satisfying way and is a great movie to watch with the family.

FINAL GRADE: 7/10