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

Page Revisions:

(Jun. 10, 2018) Original
(October 28, 2018) New Trailer (#2) / New Poster (#3)
(February 17, 2019) New Posters (#4-#5) / Updated Plot Description

Release Date:

March 1, 2019

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “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.”

Poster Rating: C / C+ / C / C / C

SEE ALL POSTERS BELOW
Review: (#1) The neon color scheme adds contrast to the black-and-white, yin-and-yang dichotomy of the two lead dragons; however, it doesn’t add depth or intrigue. (#2) I like the concept of a reflection of younger times; however, it doesn’t have a lot of connectivity to the trailer we’ve so far seen.

(#3) Lots of color, but it all feels haphazardly placed and none of it looks visually appealing.

(#4) Born from fire, this poster doesn’t have a lot of details and that’s both a good thing and a bad thing. (#5) The love between a boy and his dragon has never been so inadequately staged.

Trailer Rating: B / B

SEE ALL TRAILERS BELOW
Review: (#1) Fans of the original films will be instantly drawn into this trailer. The plot doesn’t feel to distinct from prior outings, but there are some incredibly funny moments in the trailer, most notably the one at the end.

(#2) If you’re already a fan of this series, this is yet another trailer that plays into that interest. A lot more of the drama is on display here, but the humor’s been toned down and the film doesn’t quite have the same energy we’ve come to expect from the series.

Oscar Prospects:

The second film may have come the closest yet to an Oscar, but this third film will face an ever-mounting push against sequels in the Best Animated Feature race.