The Gold Man

It’s been 6 years since How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World concluded one of the most beloved animated trilogies of all time. In this deep-dive video essay, I revisit the entire How to Train Your Dragon trilogy to see how well these films hold up today.

From How to Train Your Dragon (2010) to How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) and the emotional finale The Hidden World (2019), I explore the rich storytelling, character arcs, and powerful themes that made these DreamWorks films so timeless. We’ll take a closer look at Hiccup and Toothless’s relationship, the breathtaking animation, and how each movie stays true to the core messages of growth, empathy, and letting go.

This retrospective analyzes how each film builds upon the last, honors its emotional weight, and whether the trilogy as a whole still earns its place as one of the greatest animated franchises ever made.

If you're a fan of animation, storytelling, or simply want to revisit Berk one more time—this is the video for you.

📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

For business inquiries please email:
[email protected]

For personal inquiries please email:
[email protected]

Chapters:
0:00 - The How To Train Your Dragon Trilogy 6 Years Later
0:35 - How To Train Your Dragon
11:03 - How To Train Your Dragon 2
21:37 - How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Music:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Back to 1981 — Iaio [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Back to 1981 — Iaio | Free Background...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/back-1981
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
-Driving along the sunset - Mark Tyner: Driving along the sunset - Mark Tyner
-Universal - Vibe Tracks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iboPdDeLkMg
-Lunar Clouds - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHCUwzFMj6o
-80s Retrowave Music - Hackers Royalty Free No Copyright

✪ Thumbnail ✪
-Render Driver: https://instagram.com/renderdriver

❗️WANT TO SEE MORE OF ME?❗️
-Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGoldMan25

The Gold Man is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/the-gold-man

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been one year since The Acolyte debuted on Disney+, and it’s time to look back. In this in-depth retrospective, I explore why The Acolyte was such a major disappointment for the Star Wars franchise. From its flawed creative vision under showrunner Leslye Headland to its weak main characters, The Acolyte failed to live up to the potential of exploring the High Republic era.

I break down the key issues that plagued the series—from the controversial flashback episodes that derailed the story, to the missed opportunity to expand Star Wars lore in a meaningful way. This video dives deep into how The Acolyte misunderstood what makes Star Wars resonate with fans, and why this series may go down as one of the most divisive in Disney's Star Wars era.

If you’re a Star Wars fan curious about what went wrong with The Acolyte, or you're interested in the future of Star Wars storytelling on Disney+, this retrospective is for you.

For business inquiries please email:
[email protected]

For personal inquiries please email:
[email protected]

Chapters:
0:00 - The Failure of The Acolyte... 1 Year Later
0:32 - What Went Wrong?
6:35 - Osha
20:17 - Mae
27:15 - Sol
32:48 - The Flashbacks
34:44 - A Missed Opportunity
38:02 - The Reception One Year Later

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

#TheAcolyte #StarWars #StarWarsTheAcolyte #DisneyPlus #HighRepublic #StarWarsReview #StarWarsRetrospective #TheAcolyteReview #TheAcolyteExplained #LeslyeHeadland #StarWarsDisneyPlus #TheAcolyteBreakdown #TheAcolyteReaction #TheAcolyteCharacters #TheAcolyteFlashbacks #StarWarsTV #StarWarsSeries #StarWarsLore #TheAcolyteEpisodeReview #StarWarsDiscussion #TheAcolyteWastedPotential #TheAcolyteCriticism

Music:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Back to 1981 — Iaio [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Back to 1981 — Iaio | Free Background...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/back-1981
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
-Driving along the sunset - Mark Tyner: Driving along the sunset - Mark Tyner
-Universal - Vibe Tracks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iboPdDeLkMg
-Lunar Clouds - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHCUwzFMj6o
-80s Retrowave Music - Hackers Royalty Free No Copyright

✪ Thumbnail ✪
-Render Driver: https://instagram.com/renderdriver

❗️WANT TO SEE MORE OF ME?❗️
-Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGoldMan25

The Gold Man is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/the-gold-man

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HBO's The Last of Us Season 2 has finally arrived… and it was a massive letdown. In this video, I break down why this highly anticipated follow-up to the critically acclaimed first season failed to deliver. From character missteps to narrative structure issues, The Last of Us Season 2 struggles in ways fans didn’t expect.

The video dives deep into the three biggest problems of the season:

1️⃣ Ellie’s character arc – The biggest issue of the season is how Ellie was written and portrayed. From poor character decisions to inconsistent performances, Ellie’s role felt dramatically weaker than in Season 1.

2️⃣ Abby’s storyline – A key character in The Last of Us Part II, Abby’s story was crucial—but the way it was handled on screen left much to be desired.

3️⃣ The season’s structure – Pacing issues, timeline jumps, and scattered storytelling all hurt the emotional core of the season.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Naughty Dog game, or just watching the HBO adaptation, this video offers an in-depth critique of The Last of Us Season 2 and why it didn’t live up to expectations.

📺 Let me know your thoughts in the comments—was Season 2 a step back, or did it work for you?
👍 Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more video essays and reviews on your favorite shows and movies.

The Gold Man is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/the-gold-man

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Head to https://www.squarespace.com/thegoldman to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code "thegoldman".

HBO's The Last of Us Season 2 has finally arrived… and it was a massive letdown. In this video, I break down why this highly anticipated follow-up to the critically acclaimed first season failed to deliver. From character missteps to narrative structure issues, The Last of Us Season 2 struggles in ways fans didn’t expect.

The video dives deep into the three biggest problems of the season:

1️⃣ Ellie’s character arc – The biggest issue of the season is how Ellie was written and portrayed. From poor character decisions to inconsistent performances, Ellie’s role felt dramatically weaker than in Season 1.

2️⃣ Abby’s storyline – A key character in The Last of Us Part II, Abby’s story was crucial—but the way it was handled on screen left much to be desired.

3️⃣ The season’s structure – Pacing issues, timeline jumps, and scattered storytelling all hurt the emotional core of the season.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Naughty Dog game, or just watching the HBO adaptation, this video offers an in-depth critique of The Last of Us Season 2 and why it didn’t live up to expectations.

📺 Let me know your thoughts in the comments—was Season 2 a step back, or did it work for you?
👍 Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more video essays and reviews on your favorite shows and movies.

For business inquiries please email:
[email protected]

For personal inquiries please email:
[email protected]

Music:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Back to 1981 — Iaio [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Back to 1981 — Iaio | Free Background...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/back-1981
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
-Driving along the sunset - Mark Tyner: Driving along the sunset - Mark Tyner
-Lunar Clouds - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHCUwzFMj6o

Chapters:
0:00 - The Last of Us Season 2 was a Huge Disappointment
0:47 - Ellie Williams & Bella Ramsey's Portrayal
15:04 - Abby & Co's Storyline
19:20 - Squarespace
20:44 - Season Structure & HBO

✪ Thumbnail ✪
-Render Driver: https://instagram.com/renderdriver

❗️WANT TO SEE MORE OF ME?❗️
-Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGoldMan25

The Gold Man is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/the-gold-man

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Head to https://www.squarespace.com/thegoldman to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code "thegoldman".

With the conclusion of Andor Season 2, it's time to ask the big question: Does Andor make Rogue One a better movie? In this video, I explore how the critically acclaimed Disney+ series Andor—a direct prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story—reshapes the way we view the characters, themes, and stakes of the 2016 Star Wars film.

Does Cassian Andor’s expanded character arc make Rogue One more impactful? Do Mon Mothma, Luthen Rael, and the political intrigue of Andor deepen the narrative of Rogue One? And if Andor does improve Rogue One, is it a significant improvement or only marginal?

I also tackle the ultimate viewing question for new fans: Should you watch Andor or Rogue One first? This video breaks it all down with character analysis, narrative impact, and fan perspective.

If you're a fan of Star Wars, Rogue One, or Andor, this deep dive is for you.

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments and let me know what you think!
👍 Like & Subscribe for more Star Wars retrospectives, analysis, and reviews.

For business inquiries please email:
[email protected]

For personal inquiries please email:
[email protected]

Music:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Back to 1981 — Iaio [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Back to 1981 — Iaio | Free Background...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/back-1981
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
-Driving along the sunset - Mark Tyner: Driving along the sunset - Mark Tyner
-Lunar Clouds - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHCUwzFMj6o

✪ Thumbnail ✪
-Render Driver: https://instagram.com/renderdriver

❗️WANT TO SEE MORE OF ME?❗️
-Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGoldMan25

The Gold Man is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/the-gold-man

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andor All 8 Arcs Ranked!

Tier List Link: https://tiermaker.com/create/andor-arc-tier-list-16680989

The Gold Man is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/the-gold-man

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andor Season 2 is not just good Star Wars—it's one of the best seasons of television I’ve ever seen. In this video, I break down why this season of Andor cements the series as a storytelling triumph within the Star Wars universe and modern TV as a whole.

From the gripping character arcs to the intricate political tension, I explore each of the 4 major story arcs in Season 2—analyzing how they tie back to the show’s central theme: the true cost of rebellion. Through characters like Cassian Andor, Mon Mothma, and Luthen Rael, this season delivers some of the most emotionally resonant and thematically rich moments in the entire Star Wars franchise.

We also look at how Tony Gilroy’s direction, sharp writing, and grounded world-building set Andor apart from other Disney+ Star Wars shows—proving that a slow-burn, character-driven series can thrive in a galaxy far, far away.

Whether you're a diehard Star Wars fan or just someone who loves brilliant TV, this deep dive into Andor Season 2 will show you why this series is something truly special.

🔔 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more Star Wars reviews, retrospectives, and deep dives!

For business inquiries please email:
[email protected]

For personal inquiries please email:
[email protected]

Music:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Back to 1981 — Iaio [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Back to 1981 — Iaio | Free Background...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/back-1981
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
-Driving along the sunset - Mark Tyner: Driving along the sunset - Mark Tyner
-Lunar Clouds - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHCUwzFMj6o
-80s Retrowave Music - Hackers Royalty Free No Copyright

Chapters:
0:00 - Andor Season 2 is an Unprecedented Masterpiece
0:27 - Arc 1
16:05 - Arc 2
26:18 - Arc 3
37:42 - Arc 4

✪ Thumbnail ✪
-Render Driver: https://instagram.com/renderdriver

❗️WANT TO SEE MORE OF ME?❗️
-Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGoldMan25

The Gold Man is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/the-gold-man

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#Andor #StarWars #CassianAndor #StarWarsAndor #DisneyPlus #StarWarsSeries #AndorSeason1 #StarWarsShow #Lucasfilm #DiegoLuna #LuthenRael #MonMothma #SyrilKarn #DedraMeero #BixCaleen #StarWarsCharacters #Rebellion #EmpireVsRebellion #RiseOfTheRebellion #StarWarsPolitics #StarWarsLore #StarWarsGalaxy #StarWarsRetrospective #AndorAnalysis #StarWarsBreakdown #VideoEssay #TVReview #SciFiTV #AndorReview #AndorExplained #Narkina5 #AldhaniHeist #Ferrix #ISB #andorseason2 #andoranalysis

For business inquiries please email:
[email protected]
-Currently accepting sponsorship offers through https://www.agentio.com/

❗️WANT TO SEE MORE OF ME?❗️
-Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGoldMan25

The Gold Man is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/the-gold-man

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the golden age of Star Wars animation over?

In this video essay, I take a hard look at the decline of animated Star Wars, from the peak of The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, to the more recent and disappointing entries like The Bad Batch, Tales of the Jedi, and Young Jedi Adventures. What happened to the storytelling, character arcs, and emotional depth that once defined this side of the franchise?

I explore why the Lucasfilm Animation legacy has struggled in recent years and why the future of animated Star Wars on Disney+ looks uncertain. With few new projects announced and creative risk-taking seemingly on pause, many fans are left wondering—is Star Wars animation dying?

Whether you're a longtime fan of the galaxy far, far away or just curious about the evolution of the franchise, this retrospective dives into what made Star Wars animation special—and why we’re in danger of losing it.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Star Wars retrospectives, reviews, and video essays.

For business inquiries please email:
[email protected]

For personal inquiries please email:
[email protected]

Music:
-Driving along the sunset - Mark Tyner: Driving along the sunset - Mark Tyner

✪ Thumbnail ✪
-Render Driver: https://instagram.com/renderdriver

❗️WANT TO SEE MORE OF ME?❗️
-Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGoldMan25

The Gold Man is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/the-gold-man

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#Andor #StarWars #CassianAndor #StarWarsAndor #DisneyPlus #StarWarsSeries #AndorSeason1 #StarWarsShow #Lucasfilm #DiegoLuna #LuthenRael #MonMothma #SyrilKarn #DedraMeero #BixCaleen #StarWarsCharacters #Rebellion #EmpireVsRebellion #RiseOfTheRebellion #StarWarsPolitics #StarWarsLore #StarWarsGalaxy #StarWarsRetrospective #AndorAnalysis #StarWarsBreakdown #VideoEssay #TVReview #SciFiTV #AndorReview #AndorExplained #Narkina5 #AldhaniHeist #Ferrix #ISB #andorseason2 #andoranalysis

For business inquiries please email:
[email protected]
-Currently accepting sponsorship offers through https://www.agentio.com/

❗️WANT TO SEE MORE OF ME?❗️
-Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGoldMan25

The Gold Man is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/the-gold-man

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices