Certainly demonstrates (in case we didn’t already know) that Peele is an incredible directing talent with a unique vision and an irresistible energy. Technically, this film fires on all cylinders. The performances land a great mix of humor, intensity, and creepiness. The score is a stunner and ensures that even if the story has trouble resonating, the visceral experience remains steadfast. Many scenes are thoroughly effective at building tension, and there’s a chaotic energy to it that works.
It was always going to be a tough task to top the magical first installment, but this finale still manages to capture some of that wondrous, soaring energy that accompanies watching these dragons glide through the air. The best scenes in this film see Toothless and Light Fury engaging in a wordless dragon courtship, getting to know each other amidst the backdrop of Powell’s beautiful score and the dazzling visuals (once again, anything Deakins touches turns to gold). The ending is also really lovely. What stops this from being truly great is a one note villain and occasionally a lack of focus on the central relationships and characters. The Hidden World itself gets shortchanged in the process. Nevertheless, I have nothing but respect and admiration for this trilogy and the ways in which it stayed true to its characters and themes, carving out an unmistakable space for itself in a Pixar dominated world.
GRADE: B
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