Prepare yourselves, this is a long one. I spent too much time thinking about a kid's movie.
I'm going to be honest, I don't understand the love for this movie. I know I've given it a high rating, but that's because this entire trilogy means a lot to me personally. However, this is easily the weakest film in the trilogy for me. The story never really gets to hit its stride the way it does in the first because there are too many plot significant events happening at the same time. This makes the themes and messages of the movie weak at best and contradictory at worst.
Drago is an interesting villain in concept, being a character that Hiccup will not be able to change, but in practice it just made him a generic Sir Villain McBadguy with nothing interesting about him other than his intimidating screams that somehow manage to control even Leviathan class dragons .
Toothless. Look how they massacred my boy. The intelligent, curious creature I fell in love with has been replaced with a cute mascot with no personality of his own save for like 2 four second scenes. He acts in such a goofy, doglike manner all the time that it made 14 year old me (at the time) cringe. He's domesticated, I get that, but even when he KILLS HIS FRIEND'S FATHER there is no introspection on his part. Just Hiccup telling him it wasn't his fault and moving on like nothing happened. Why was it Toothless who did it if the writers weren't going to do anything with it? Luckily they returned him to form later in the third movie but that does not rectify the issues here.
Meanwhile we have the whole thing with Hiccup's parents, and I for the life of me cannot understand the purpose of Hiccup's mother. She does not aid in Hiccup's character development at all. She basically acts as an explanation as to why Hiccup is the way he is (which no one asked for) and someone Hiccup can relate to when he's separated from everyone else. The most significant function she serves is to made Stoik's death more impactful, as he finds his love again as a changed person only to die quickly afterward. Not that that's emphasized, this movie can't choose a character to focus on and as a result I can't feel for any of them.
So, let's talk about Hiccup. Hiccup's character arc in summary goes as follows: "I like exploring and don't want to be chief, I want to be a peacekeeper." Later: "Man, the world does not want me to be a peacekeeper or explorer, better do what my parents want me to and just protect my own." This is even expanded upon in the third movie when he has to abandon all the dragons for the sake of not being hunted all the time. I like the idea of him having to accept that's he's going to be Chief, but I think breaking all of his ideals is a bit much, although potentially realistic in a sense.
TL;DR: Not great but still a solid movie.
Heya, fluffballs! It's your alpha ice wolf from HowlStrom, Kiba Snowpaw, coming at you with a review that'll chill your bones and warm your hearts. Today, I'm diving deep into the icy waters of "Over the Edge." Now, before you start howling, this review is gonna be a whirlwind of internet slang, movie lingo, and a splash of furry flair. Buckle up, furfriends, 'cause we're going in-depth!
"Over the Edge" follows the story of Jack, a hot-headed street racer who finds himself entangled in a high-stakes underground racing scene. When his arch-nemesis, Blaze, a cunning and ruthless racer, returns to the city, Jack must navigate treacherous roads, shady alliances, and his tumultuous past to prove he's still the king of the streets. It's a tale of speed, betrayal, and redemption, with enough twists and turns to keep your tail wagging.
While street racing films aren't new territory, "Over the Edge" brings a refreshing spin with its intricate character dynamics and high-octane action sequences. The film doesn't just rely on flashy cars and heart-pounding races but delves into the personal struggles and growth of its characters, making it more than just another racing flick. Think "Fast and Furious" meets "Need for Speed," but with a storyline that hits harder and deeper.
This adrenaline-pumping ride comes from ThunderPaw Studios, a relatively new player in the animation and action film scene. Known for their crisp animation and attention to detail, ThunderPaw has quickly gained a reputation for delivering visually stunning and emotionally resonant stories. Their previous works, like "Dragon's Blaze" and "Midnight Run," have set the bar high, and "Over the Edge" is no exception.
The characters in "Over the Edge" are well-rounded and relatable. Jack’s struggle with his past mistakes and Blaze’s desire for dominance are themes many can connect with. Luna’s arc of stepping out of the shadows to stand beside Jack is empowering, and Max’s unwavering support showcases true friendship.
The film’s structure is tight and engaging. It opens with a breathtaking race that sets the tone, then transitions into character-driven moments that build the emotional stakes. The climax is a nail-biting race that keeps you on the edge of your seat, culminating in a satisfying resolution.
"Over the Edge" makes a significant impact with its blend of action and emotion. It’s not just a thrill ride but a story about redemption, friendship, and the cost of ambition. The film’s themes resonate, making it memorable long after the credits roll.
From the get-go, "Over the Edge" hooks you with its dynamic visuals and intense action sequences. The thesis, the redemption of a fallen hero, is explored through every character interaction and plot twist, making it a cohesive and compelling narrative.
I had a blast watching "Over the Edge." As an ice wolf who’s been around since the 80s, I’ve seen my fair share of racing films, but this one stands out. The blend of action, emotion, and character depth kept me engaged from start to finish.
Overall, "Over the Edge" is a fantastic film that balances high-speed thrills with heartfelt storytelling. ThunderPaw Studios proves they’re a force to be reckoned with, delivering a movie that’s both visually stunning and emotionally rich.
In the end, "Over the Edge" is a roaring success. It combines the best elements of street racing films with a story that hits hard and stays with you. Whether you’re a fan of fast cars or deep character studies, this film has something for everyone. As your alpha ice wolf, I give "Over the Edge" two paws up! So, grab your popcorn, gather your pack, and get ready for a ride you won’t forget.
Keep your tails wagging and your engines roaring!
Review by pygospaVIP 3BlockedParent2019-03-01T17:01:05Z
After the first part of "How to Train your Dragon" introduced us into a new world where vikings where fighting with dragons for their existence, where our two unequal outsiders managed to form a team that finally united dragons and vikings, in the second part of the series we revisit the viking village which of course has changed a lot. Instead of playing amusing sports with sheep and fighting against dragons, our vikings now ride dragons to play new and more exciting amusing sports with sheep.
Different to the first movie that had it's entire focus on the main story, this movie however opens a number of side stories: A father-son conflict between Hickup and Stoick, Hickups search for his identity, how to cope with new family members, as well as questioning deep friendships. We get happy moments, but also really dramatic and sad moments, experience a lot of rage as well as loss and grief. And all these things are just side elements to a typical action adventure story, where we have a main enemy - Drago - who is threatening the peaceful cohabitation of our dragons and vikings.
This movie will surprise you with topics that you wouldn't expect an "children's animation movie" to have, and to me, even the finale was pretty surprising, and also pretty touching.
Additionally this movie has a great soundtrack that goes right into your ear from the first minute, and compared to the first movie, the animations got even better, and the humor is a bit more mature that it was - as is our Toothless-riding Hickup.
It's a really good movie, a must see!