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HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD

DreamWorks' How To Train Your Dragon: Hidden World is the best movie of 2019, so far. This movie has something for all ages. It's filled with lots of action, surprises and humor. This full length animation, co-written and directed by Dean DeBlois, is a definite must see!

Following the format of any great adventure, screenwriters DeBlois and Cressida Cowell, include everything needed to keep the continuity flowing from the first installment of How to Train Your Dragon to this one. In what is supposed to be the last movie of this trilogy, we see Hiccup, now as the spirited ruler of Berk, protector of the dragons and boyfriend of his longtime friend, Astrid. Hiccup discovers that Toothless, his best bud, is not the only Night Fury alive. He learns that danger is coming and that the only option of surviving is to seek out the Dragon Utopia that his late father once spoke of before a hired tyrant named Grimmel finds it first. There's lots of fire, fighting, roaring, funny bits and mushy stuff too, but you have to watch it to find out who gets the best of who.

Cinematographer, Gil Zimmerman, is terrific at laying out the scenes, which help the viewers understand the story. We get to see how the Vikings really feel about their dragons and what happens when Hiccup finally meets his match. Every moment feeds off the first and excitement is built off of reflections from the first two movies. The production designers and art directors help keep viewers connected to the characters by giving us realistic scenes and sets that capture you with bright lights and strong graphic details. When darkness comes, critical moments become more authentic. When there's action, you can't help but stay focused. Toothless' upgrades and the new, much larger dragons are epic!

Jay Baruchel is super cool as Hiccup, my favorite character. He's grown, has the best dragon ever, is Chief of the Vikings and everyone loves him, except the Night Fury Slayer and those dragon captors. He has crazy friends like Tuffnut & Ruffnut, who keep you laughing throughout the movie. Hidden World is a screen adaptation of the book series by children's author, Cressida Cowell. It sends you on a fun journey with some curious characters with strange outlooks on life. These anthropomorphic characters make you forget that you are actually watching an animation.

Lessons to take with you after seeing this flick are to make good choices and to allow others to do the same thing, even it doesn't benefit you. I give DreamWorks' How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 18, as well as adults. It's one film for everybody! Grab your friends and parents and get to your local theater for the premiere, February 22, 2019. Remember to like and subscribe to our channel. Until next time, I'm Brandon for KIDS FIRST! Film Critics. That's a wrap. Peace out!

Reviewed by Brandon James R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World brings one of animation's best trilogies to a beautifully done conclusion. Maturing voice talent and wild animation make for a mix of satisfying and bittersweet that just works. Any fans of this franchise in general must check this out.

The movie follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), now chief of Berk, alongside lover Astrid (America Ferrera) seeking to create a dragon utopia. Plans take a shift when Toothless smittenly chases and falls in love with a female Night Fury, dubbed Light Fury, the last of its kind. However, when dragon hunter Grimmel (F. Murray Abraham) seeks to finish what's he started and eliminate all the Night Furys, starting a cat and mouse game, all of Berk must leave the only home they have known and journey to a mystical hidden world and prepare counterattack. True destinies are revealed, dragon and rider will do whatever it takes to protect and find peace for all they treasure.

Jay Baruchel leads this ensemble cast as my favorite character Hiccup and is impressive in showcasing the growth of the character. From the first movie, we follow him from teen to adult, and his struggles to lead or even marry Astrid remain the movie's compelling center. His iconic bond with Toothless goes to further extents as he finds wrong in not providing his pal with the life he truly wants and a loving partner. Light Fury provides a great love interest for Toothless and some of the movie's most impressive special effects, with their chase being one of the most visceral scenes put into any animated film. America Ferrera provides a smart adviser to Hiccup and also a best friend, with their decision to marry being one of the most beautiful and realistic aspects of this conclusion. This line-up of heroes wouldn't be complete without a formidable villain and F. Murray Abraham's Grimmel gives us one. Grimmel is truly charismatic and a force to be reckoned with. He steals every scene he's in. Watching his cunning plans unfold is a true treat. Cate Blanchett returns as Valka, giving Hiccup more advice in his adulthood. However, Gerald Butler's cameo appearances in flashbacks truly characterize Hiccup's bond with his parents. Most of the other Vikings from past movies return, with Kristen Wig's Ruffnut being a huge standout, and her improvisation is the funniest scene.

Dean DeBlois spectacularly directs this film, with a mastery of some of the greatest animation of the decade. He continues the great work found within the past two entries and challenges himself with the Hidden World, which is the biggest visual feast of the film. My favorite scene is the entire epilogue which wraps up the movie and series perfectly. It remains one of the most emotionally effective conclusions in any movie, and no fates are left unanswered. My only problems with the film are with its initially slow pace, that don't showcase the truly grand, epic ending at first. Still, the pace quickly picks up with its fair share of epic battles and, while it's not always of that same epic scale, the characters bring out the heart of the film.

The message of this film is that love is an irreplaceable bond, unlike any other that applies to all living things, from family to lovers, to even pets. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18, due to some intense scenes and mild language. The movie releases in theaters on February 22, 2019, so check it out.

Reviewed by Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

This bittersweet film, directed by Dean DeBlois and set in medieval times, is a very fantastic adventure. As the last movie to the How To Train Your Dragon trilogy, it is the perfect ending to the lives of a young Viking boy named Hiccup and his unexpected friendship with a fearsome Night Fury dragon, Toothless.

This time, Hiccup is now the Chief Ruler of the chaotic city of Berk, where dragons and humans live peacefully together. When he and Toothless discover the mysterious appearance of a Light Fury, they realize he is not the only one. Their relationship is tested as they must search for the hidden world - a dragon paradise where no one has ever traveled, before a greedy dragon hunter finds them. Everything is at stake as Hiccup must not only save Toothless and his people, but the entire population of dragons.

I am really amazed by the incredible animated scenery throughout the film and how it successfully compliments the mood of certain scenes. One of my favorite parts is when we are first introduced to the village of Berk. It is stunning to see the varieties of dragons inhabited there. Also, the city is very colorful and quirky, which I really like. The movie is full of humor, action and tearful moments. Throughout the film we get to see how all of the characters change, grow and discover who they are and who they can become.

The film explores the message of finding courage to journey to the unknown and how love comes with learning to let go.

I rate this film 4 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 10, as well as adults. It opens in theaters February 22, 2019 so look for it

Reviewed by Jordan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

All of the How to Train Your Dragon films are well illustrated, with a huge variation between the different characters. The animations are very creative and realistic, accurately depicting the personality and essence of the character they portray. It is enriching how technology and the different ways of communicating a story through different platforms is advancing and growing in exciting ways. I have been following this series I was a kid and watching the third movie made me realized how remarkably this series has affected a large number of people with the message it passes through its amazing animation.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is a story about an unexpected friendship between a teenage Viking and a Night Fury dragon that turns into an epic adventure between them that changes their lives completely. In this film, Hiccup and Toothless must leave the only home they have known and travel to a hidden world thought only to exist in myth and by Hiccup's father. They face this new chapter of their lives along with the rest of the Vikings and dragons in fleeing from the danger that will put the security of the dragons on the line.

My favorite scene of the film is when the landscape and full pan of the village is shown with all the distinct Vikings and unique dragons that accompany each character. Apart from the fact that you get to admire the different animation styles and how much creativity is involved in bringing all these characters to life, this is my favorite scenes, because it introduces the audience to what will be shown in the movie. You get an idea of what is going to happen and start predicting the events of the story, based on the personalities of each Viking and dragon.

The important message gleaned from this film is that finding the courage to face the unknown is important in one's life. In the movie, as soon as the dragons are in trouble, the whole Viking village decides to do anything in their power to try and save them, even if it means leaving their home and journeying to a place that is mythical. The sacrifices that are made are worth it in the end. I rate the film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18, as well as adults. It is in theaters now, so look for it.

Reviewed by Alejandra G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World is a film with colorful explosions that includes magic and it made me say "wow!" It is the third film in the series and now, I need to check out the previous two films.

As it begins, we see that Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is now chief, after the death of his father, and leading his mixed group of friends and their respective dragons on rescue missions to free captured dragons and take them home to a now densely-populated Berk. But their work is getting them noticed by those that don't agree that dragons should be treated as equals.

There is a bit of violence, without blood, and lots of battles that between dragons and humans. We see the young Viking chief and his trusty alpha dragon, Toothless facing big decisions and going up against evil forces who want to kidnap and enslave dragons. My favorite scene is when Ruffnut (Kristen Wiig) is captured by villain Grimmel (F. Murray Abraham). Grimmel thinks he will be able to use Ruffnut as a pawn against Hiccup. However, to his dismay, Ruffnut keeps talking nonstop until Grimmel is not able to take her babbling any longer and sets her free. It is a very funny scene.

How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World has messages about courage, love, determination and commitment. Hiccup and his relationship with Toothless show us the challenge of love and commitment between a human and a creature. Toothless finds love and Hiccup must let go for the benefit of others, yet he needs his long-time pal to fight the dark forces and protect the dragons.

I recommend this film for ages 8 to 18, and some adults will enjoy it also. I give it 5 out 5 stars. This film opens in theaters February 22, 2019 so look for it.

Reviewed by Juanita L., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror

As Hiccup fulfills his dream of creating a peaceful dragon utopia, Toothless' discovery of an untamed, elusive mate draws the Night Fury away. When danger mounts at home and Hiccup's reign as village chief is tested, both dragon and rider must make impossible decisions to save their kind.