Consider this Dragon Trained

Confession: I love to see things end.

Truly, there's nothing more satisfying to me than knowing something has an ending (Sheldon-vibe from Big Bang Theory, anyone?)

I have anticipated the end of one of the best non-Disney animated trilogies for some time, especially because they trailered it to death.

What I got, however, wasn't what I expected.

How did this movie make me feel?
I felt on edge the whole movie, anticipating something worse than what I received. Yet, despite being a bit underwhelming in that area, this movie packed a punch for viewer emotions. It was heartwarming, sad, touching - you know, bittersweet.

Really, in the end, it was perfect.

Following Hiccup and Toothless on their journey is nothing short of special. They created two characters that are lovable, strong, vulnerable, and worthy of our time and attention. Seeing their story end had the little girl in front of me in tears - while her jerk little brother told her not to cry because it was only a movie.

You cry, sweet girl. Your emotions were mine. I cried, too.
There's nothing wrong with feeling the story.

The Positive:
There's so much to say for positivity in this movie

• Coming of age story handled well
• Romance treated sweetly, but also real (both for Hiccup and for Toothless)
• Friendship at the core of the story, the strongest theme
• Learning how to lead and stand up for what you believe, even when others don't agree

The messages in this movie, as well as the voice acting, the animation, and the fun are all amazing positives.

The story is well told. It isn't as strong as the second movie, but it's equally as strong as the first. While I was a bit disappointed in the unexpected safety net of the third movie after the tragic ending of the second, I loved that everything turned out okay with a happy ending. I didn't love feeling anxious for 3/4 of the movie.

The Negative:
Because the second movie had such a tragic theme, I expected the third to be even more gut-wrenching. I'd been led to believe by the director's words that I was in for loss. That's not what I received, and while I'm glad they kept the family friendly tone of the first movie, my expectations weren't met, which left a halting and less-than-perfect satisfaction.

The Rating:
3.5 feathers

Final Verdict:
See all three. This trilogy is strong narrative, and while the second may be the strongest, the third is the most delightful to watch.