How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World Review - 5 Ups & 3 Downs

Downs...

3. The Script Is Generic & Predictable

The movie's biggest overall issue is its general lack of ambition. The A-to-B-to-C plotting is far more formulaic than in the previous HTTYD films, cycling through typical character "growth" cliches while failing to do much terribly creative with the usual animated adventure film formula.

The foundation is at least charming enough that this isn't a fatal flaw by any means, but given that the film was fashioned as the series finale from the outset, it's surprising that writer-director Dean DeBlois settled on a narrative so workmanlike and, honestly, a bit forgettable.

From almost minute one it's incredibly easy to predict where things are going, and a couple of well-placed surprises sprinkled throughout would've helped break up the familiarity.

What's here is absolutely executed with heartfelt gusto, but the sameness also prevents it from ending the series on anything close to a high.