Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans. A review and why it's an abomination to the series and why it has a low rating.
I don’t know why I just decided to write a review now but I still am doing it. Original review is a tad bit long so I shortened it.
First of all, I would gladly say that Trollhunters, 3Below, and Wizards have been an amazing part of my childhood. I started watching the show in 2016 and I absolutely loved it. It excited me that 3Below had come after, along with Wizards in the making. When I heard that there will be a movie to complete the series, I was excited! — only to be disappointed in the outcome.
While I loved certain parts of the movie, everything else was badly written and executed.
Now, let’s talk about Aja. She was so out of character in the movie, as if she was a totally different person; she would never leave anyone in danger even if she did not know them, especially Claire who is a friend. Aja may be Queen now, but she is no coward and definitely no jerk.
“Jim, it’s too late, the bridge is about to fall!” Hello? Didn’t she basically try to use her own life core after finding out that Morando had just destroyed half of Arcadia and that it was too late? She would not choose running away as an option, never. She is a warrior.
Eli's appearance was not needed. But I still love him regardless. Though, he did not play a huge part but was used as an emotional anchor for Steve, basically. He doesn't do much in the movie, he didn't even do anything at all. Even if he doesn't appear in it—everything would still be the same since the Robot-Titan he designed was going to be helmed by Varvatos.
The inclusion of the Mpreg subplot felt completely unnecessary. (Apparently the person who wrote this had a fetish and it appears almost in all of his works) It’s unclear whether it was meant for comedic appeal or simply to put reason to Krel’s dislike to romance. But either way, it added nothing meaningful to the story. It wasn’t even a central detail, and its impact was negligible. Additionally, Aja and Steve's complete lack of concern for their newly born children—who essentially is about to vanish when Jim chose to go back in time—was baffling and emotionally hollow. Their reaction (or lack thereof) undermined any emotional weight the scene could have had. His pregnancy had literally more attention than the building up of the characters and the plot.
Steve had potential to be used in the movie, a more heroic part. But the writers decided to shove him off and be a forced inclusion and it was disturbing to see. But at least it made a number of people laugh. We could have had a scene where the concept of Creepslayerz is back, but NO!!! We get teenage Male pregnancy instead, a detailed one.
I don't like how the akiridions aren't glowing
Krel has done nothing in the movie but be useless [my poor boy]. All they did to him was write him as a jailbreaker, we didn't even get to see how they got Excalibur. We're supposed to SEE what they did,
Oh krel, he was only there to pick up a few jokes. He's basically non-existent in the movie. [He was supposed to have a larger role but they scrapped it up like how they did with the entire movie.]
I found this movie deeply disappointing, especially since it wasn’t directed by Guillermo del Toro, the one who started it all.
And the part where they were trying to find the Order— when Douxie's soul got reverted back to his own body, Claire tells Krel that "I can just lock on a Nari and portal us there." Then why didn't you do so to track down Douxie's soul earlier when he was mistaken for Nari at the moment? 😭
So many of the deaths felt unnecessary—especially Nomura’s. Killing off such an important figure in Jim’s life without any real weight or closure was incredibly frustrating. And Strickler’s death? That, too, lacked the emotional depth it deserved. If the writers were aiming for an impactful character death, it would have made more sense to choose Blinky—Jim’s mentor and father figure—whose loss would have carried a much deeper emotional resonance. Draal’s sacrifice worked because it was meaningful and justified within the story. In contrast, Nomura’s death felt careless and hollow. It was as if she were treated like a disposable side character, despite having a significant connection to Jim—especially during his time in the Darklands where they started to have a platonic connection. Her bond with him mattered, and the way her story ended just didn’t reflect that.
Back to Strickler’s part, he really died for nothing. His sacrifice had no use since Skrael’s titan was indestructible by just using some few pieces of bomb. They should have known that bombs will do nothing as the titans–they're made of magic. Him choosing to sacrifice himself was not a bad choice, he would do anything to protect Barbara and now Jim, but it was done unprofessionally.
The mention of Jim’s father after his sacrifice was so random while at that, it was absurd. Jim doesn't care about his father so why does he now? He said it himself, "You know I don't care about my father." To Blinky. I know that this is fan service but we know absolutely NOTHING about his father other than he is a cheater and is probably friends with Steve's father as they both do skiing.
SO many sacrifices, yet none even have the significance they deserve and the writer just shrug it off because hey time is important
Oh, and by the way,
And let’s not forget one of the biggest plot holes: they literally created a fusion of Akiridion tech and magic that could block out magic itself—and no one thought to use it against the Titans? Seriously? Only Toby remembered the artifact, but by that point, they were all on the verge of death. That kind of oversight just makes the characters look incompetent and undermines the stakes entirely. This is bad writing. Like yes, characters can forget their own creations. But this one? The one they made specifically for the Arcane order? The one that removes their magic?? Stop.
There are so MANY plot holes in just one movie, it’s hard to process.
Also, why is Jim suddenly using a serrator—a weapon he’s never used before to fight a demigod made of fire? They could have at least shown that he struggled to use something he has never wielded before.
Seriously, WHO wrote Jim in this movie? Because I have a gift for you, and it’s ticking. Jim was completely useless in this film. He’s already accepted that he is the Trollhunter—”amulet or not.” So why are we revisiting this question? Yes, the amulet’s rebuild was a nice touch, but Jim constantly went back and forth about whether he’s still the Trollhunter, quoting "but without the amulet am I still the troll hunter?” just feels unnecessary and repetitive. It undermines the growth his character went through, turning him into someone who can’t seem to accept his role despite everything he’s been through. Yes, him being anxious and questioning is his character, but we have already gone through this before. His personality has been completely altered—Almost everyone included!
I liked the jailbreak scene. It made me laugh and smile to see Lucy and Ricky playing a part. [I’m so sorry but Eli absolutely had no point in showing up. He only came back as Steve’s midwife.]
Nari and Skrael’s fight lacked depth. There was barely any meaningful interaction between them beforehand to establish why their confrontation mattered beyond the surface-level conflict—Skrael’s desire to reshape the world versus Nari’s choice to protect her friends. That alone doesn’t justify the importance of their battle. The emotional stakes were weak because their relationship wasn’t explored. On top of that, so many character dynamics were either ignored or rewritten entirely, stripping away their importance to the story and one another.
Oh and another note, Nari KNOWS that she's not the one who will defeat Bellroc and Skrael, she even made the whole speech about the ninth configuration and trollhunter will make right. Why would they make her say something vague and then change it. Girl you thought you ate with "so I can stop you" but you just puked it all up 😭
And then we have the titans, oh the damn titans. I've noticed inconsistencies with the link of the titans and the arcane order. Nari and Skrael get stabbed then die, Bellroc's Titan's arm gets RIPPED off and acts nonchalant.
And how did the heartstone suddenly come back to life? The trolls, Jim, and Claire left because they were on a quest to find a new heartstone where the trolls can live. Why did it randomly come back to life after the Titans woke up. Doesn't make sense.
But I will say that the movie did have great action scenes. But there was no teamwork when fighting Bellroc, everyone was set aside as a decoy.
Jim going back in time was my last straw. He knowingly risked everything—his loved ones, the balance of the world—just to make that speech and undo everything that had happened. He was fully aware that tampering with the past could lead to even greater danger, yet he still made that reckless choice. It undermines the growth he went through and paints him as someone willing to gamble with countless lives, including those he claimed to protect. That moment didn’t feel like a heroic sacrifice—it’s a careless, desperate rewrite.
Toby’s death was well earned, It was a heroic act.
Having Toby become the new Trollhunter is a rushed decision that obviously showed that they had no intention of continuing the franchise. Throughout the series, it was emphasized—both through dialogue and major plot points—that Jim was the Trollhunter and that it was his destiny. There was even an entire episode centered around the idea that if anyone else wielded the amulet, the world would fall into chaos. Didn’t Merlin himself say that “My Amulet does not make mistakes.” and out of every creature he can choose, it was Jim. So why are we forcing Toby to wield daylight. This is very ridiculous.
The amulet chose Jim for a reason. By suddenly passing it on to Toby, the narrative undermines its own message—especially the core theme that “Destiny is a gift.” If it was never truly Jim’s destiny, then what was the point of all his struggles and sacrifices?
Nari was a good inclusion since she plays a big part in the movie and the entire series, but I feel like Douxie was the only well written character throughout the entire movie, but he still has flaws just like every other major character that appears in this movie. Though, he wasn’t really important in the movie. He was more of a sideline.
The two pages of a book being stuck by a sticky food was the dumbest decision to build up climax. Blinky is not that stupid to not notice that two pages are glued to each other, if so, the pages would be bulky.
Also, WHAT happened to the thousands of foster children of Barbara and Strickler? The last we've seen of them was in 3Below's "Mother's day" episode. Why is Barbara and Strickler on Camelot??? I am very worried
It would have made for a more decent ending if they had allowed Toby to die entirely. While it’s harsh to say, it would have added importance to the story and given Jim a much-needed emotional arc. Jim could have been forced to confront the harsh reality that he can’t save everyone, no matter how much he tries. Instead, he passes his so-called destiny to his friend, the one who he went back in time to, knowing all the huge responsibilities, hardships and death-experiencing moments he had that would now be Toby’s future. Why would he ever want this to his friend that just died a moment ago? This is so stupid, then he goes off chasing after Claire while completely aware of what Toby will go through.
Toby wouldn’t even survive Bular in the canals. Because as it was stated, Jim only did thanks to his chef skills. Not to be offensive, Toby was in a bad shape at the beginning of the show [not that there’s anything wrong with that of course.] The writers are PRETENDING, gaslighting themselves that Toby will be exactly how Jim came to be the trollhunter. Toby has his own skills and fighting style, but he is not made to wield daylight. It completely invalidates his character and abilities as a person.
And one of the reasons how Jim was able to defeat Gunmar was because he had to SACRIFICE himself to transform into a half troll. Toby will most likely will get himself killed trying to defeat Gunmar and so will Jim, probably. Unless he has the ability to while being human. The world is screwed.
The ninth configuration scene was so ass, that's all I can say about it.
"The amulet chose me for a reason" yeah right and you just traveled back to time to give it to Toby, oookaaayyyy.
If Jim had to choose a moment to go back to, it would have made sense for him to pick the point just before the fight with Bellroc and Skrael on the train. With the knowledge he gained from experiencing the entire battle, he could have easily defeated them, avoiding the entire mess that followed. [He can actually choose a time to go back to, by the way.] This decision also seems selfish as his choice.
Honestly, they could have defeated Bellroc without having to use the new amulet if they just remembered to use the trifurcate blaster [magic blocker].
The only good parts in this movie was the animation, cinematography, and the visuals.
The only reason I’m giving this review two stars is because of Bellroc. Their portrayal in the movie was genuinely compelling, especially the scene where they try to manipulate Jim into abandoning the fight and fleeing to his friends—just to make it easier to seize the Heartstone. [Also a self-indulgent reason because they’ve become my favorite character.]
This was a terrible way to end the series—terribly written, atrocious even, and incredibly rushed. Even fanfictions written by 13-year-old fans have more cohesive plots than this. It’s disappointing to see a story with so much potential collapse like this. It reminded me of how I felt about How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World's ending—but at least that had meaning and had a reason WHY. Rise of the Titans doesn’t even offer that. [And ironically, both stories are canonically set in the same universe] which just makes the contrast more frustrating. It’s like Spider-Man no way home had a cheap copy of an ending. This movie was a mistake.
The ending is what makes you say: “why?”
I recommend stopping at Wizards and imagine your own ending on how they’ve come to save the world.
Tales of Arcadia was a big part of my childhood and I totally agree on this opinion. All my thoughts and comments about the Trollhunters movie are this exact review.
I mean, THERE'S LITERALLY AN EPISODE WHERE THEY EXPLAIN WHY JIM HAS TO BE THE TROLLHUNTER. Not Toby, not Draal, JIM. And they COMPLETELY IGNORE IT TO GIVE US A SHITTY ENDING just because they probably wanted to end the franchise once and for all. It would be better if they DIDN'T GIVE US A MOVIE AND LET THE FANS IMAGINE THE ENDING.
I hated how they mischaracterizad all of them, especially Aja.
For me, Tales of Arcadia ends with Wizards. I saw someone headcanon that the movie was just a very bad story of Blinky (because at the start of it, Blinky talks as if he was going to read us a story) and now that's my headcanon too. The movie does not exist.
Edit: I just realised that VARVATOS ISN'T EVEN INCLUDED ON THE MOVIE POSTER, WTF. HE'S A MAIN CHARACTER AND EVEN PART OF THAT NINTH CONFIGURATION SHIT.
Like, even Archie is there and he's more of a side character. No hate to Arch though, I love him but I don't consider him a main character, unlike Varvatos who IS A MAIN CHARACTER IN 3BELOW.
Hey!! Was the person who asked for the Tuffnut x musician!reader headcanons, absolutely loved it! I didn’t mind the long wait as I haven’t been active on here for months lol
OMG HIII I'M SO HAPPY YOU LIKED!!!!
I was worried you wouldn't be able to read it because, after the long wait, I didn't think you'd be around honestly hahah. But seriously, I'm really glad you like the headcanons. Doing this type of thing helps me to improve my "english writing", at least a bit.
If you ever —or someone else— have another idea, you can send it to me! It will probably take a while or you'll be lucky and have it in a week, but I'm gonna do it (people say better late than never, right? Lmao). That's for sure.
Why did no one told me how AMAZING are The maze runner movies???? I just watched it with my young sister and OH MY GOD EVERYONE'S FINEEEE IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEANN
Back to my point, I know The maze runner are books and also there were movies but for some reason I've never watched them. Now that I did, I feel like I missed a lot 😔 and feel bad for joining late the fandom, cuz the "og" fandom could tell me "you weren't here before, go away" or sh1t like that yk.
Now I'm hoping to buy the first book next year (no pun intended) because rn I'm in my "maze runner era" and need to consume every piece of media of this fandom.
I’d love to see hc’s about Tuffnut with a reader who is musically talented and/or can sing, I feel like there could be some really fun dynamics <3
A/N: i'm so sorry for the really long wait. I got a massive writers block and lot of stuff happened in my life (got fired, university exams, economic and emotional issues). After all, I finally could bring myself to finish this. Sorry
A/N#2: I wrote this with the reader already dating Tuffnut in mind because I couldn't get if it was like crushing or dating. Hope it's okay and that you like it!!!
More headcanons here and here
•●•●•●•●•●•●•●•●•
Tuffnut x Singer!GN!Reader
warnings: none that I could tell; fluff; english is not my first language, so maybe bad grammar, insomnia ig.
Honestly, I don't think Tuffnut is good at singing. Sure, he can "rap" and rhyme words but can't sing.
You, though, have a melodious voice. And are really good with instruments like the lyre (or any other of your preference).
You play and/or sing at celebrations (like Snoggletog), and people would join your "band", and eventually all Berk is singing and dancing.
Tuffnut would also join, using a bucket and a stick as a drum, just because you're there. As hard as it may be to believe, he is not very fond of dancing, singing, or anything related to celebrations (an exception is the Loki day which has no dancing) but he's doing it for you.
Tuffnut would say that you're actually an asradi (norse mythology siren) disguised as a viking that came to take him away into the sea.
And you take that as a compliment, because in some weird way it is.
Although he doesn't like singing, that doesn't mean he doesn't like to hear you sing. Tuffnut loves your melodious voice and how magical you sound.
Especially when he's having a hard time trying to sleep. He goes to your house in the middle of the night and somehow he gets to your window and knocks on it, patiently waiting for you to open and let him inside.
When he tells you he just can't sleep, you two would cuddle on your bed and you sing or hum a quiet song (it's a lullaby, but don't tell Tuffnut that you're treating him like a baby) while you play with his hair.
Suddenly, the boy has no trouble sleeping and falls asleep instantly.
Always works.
Or when you're just walking around Berk, doing your chores while humming, he is still mesmerized despite having heard your voice thousands of times before. You're just so perfect in every way.
He still believes you are an asradi waiting for the perfect time to kidnap him and take him to the sea.
And he couldn't be happier about that.
•●•●•●•●•●•●•●•●•
Again, I'm really really sorry I took so long (four months to be exact) and this is too short 😭😭 I'll try to be more active again!!! I have exams coming up until december so it will be slow work on my projects. Don't hate me please 😔 Anyways, hope you still like it! Love you guys byeeee💖
oh my fcking god i hate writers block so muchhhhhhh. since JULY I can't finish or even start to write the ideas I have and the ones you gave me, like wtf just WRITE SOMETHING. OR AT LEAST FINISH. ONE. DRAFT DAMN IT.
I also stopped drawing so probably I also have an artist block... JUST KILL ME ALREADY I CAN'T LIVE LIKE THISSS
Who would have said that I would spent hours searching for careers that helps you to become a mannager just to write a fanfic about the Saja Boys with a Mannager!Reader
I'm supposed to be studying for my career and university and continue writing my other projects, not start a new one...
It's funny how people in Starbucks come here to do their work or study for college while I waste my money twice a week just to write a fanfic that probably no one will ever read.
I have an idea… maybe head cannons for a reader that like attacks tuffnut with hugs at random times I think it would be chaotic and fun THANK YOU!!!
a/n: AAAA THAT'S SO CUTE YESSS I LOVE YOU. Does this count as a request? Because if it does omg this is my first one! I'm nervous haha. Sorry for taking so long, I really tried to write this well and with relatively good grammar. Hope you like it!! 😁
(am I supposed to tag you or it will get you a notification? how does this sh*t work? I'll tag you just in case) @lavendermoon777
More headcannons here and here
Tuffnut x Gn!Affectionate!Reader headcannons
warnings: none(?; probably bad grammar (english isn't my first language), lots of fluff, reader likes to give hugs; could be read as platonic; and i think that's it (please tell me otherwise).
Tuffnut is clingy, but not too much. He likes to hug his sister and his friends when he feels like it. And if they hug him back (which usually doesn't happen) it's even better. Just, the average amount of clingy(?
I think he's the type of person that will come randomly at you any time and put his head on your shoulder. Not seeking attention, he just wants to be close to that person. (and honestly that's what I do with my family lol)
He doesn't receive affection, he gives it.
So it was a surprise when one day, out of nowhere, he feels a pair of arms wrapping him from behind and a head resting on his shoulder.
He froze in his place and slightly looked back.
You were giving him a hug!
He thought it was a one-time thing. You wouldn't hug him again, 'cause why?
WRONG
Two days after that, while he was walking around Berk preparing for a prank with his sister, you came running to him at light speed and embraced —or maybe tackled— him.
I mean, you are known in the village for being someone affectionate, but why with him?
When he asked "Why did you do that?"
"No reason... Bye!"
"Okay(? 🤨. Weird."
Which translates to "please do it again"
The very next day, he walked into a stable (idk if there's really a stable at some point of the series or movies, so I headcannon that there is one somewhere) and you gave him a heart attack by appearing behind a door, jumping into him and giving him a hug. Again.
And then again, and again, and again... That's when he lost it.
Do you think it's funny that now he's constanly looking around to see if he finds you running up to him to hug him?
Yes, it is.
Now that Tuffnut knows you like to receive AND give hugs, he returned you the favor.
He jumpscared you by tackling you in a hug while you were walking on that same stable with your dragon (yes, the stable is for the dragons and maybe sheeps, idk, don't judge).
So now it became kinda like a game between you two.
Who is going to surprise and attack- i mean hug the other first?
"Tuffnut, why are you awake? It's five in the morning." would complain Ruffnut when his brother accidentally wakes her up.
"They could come in and hug at any time. I have to be prepared" would reply Tuffnut, with a tiny smile on his lips.
Whether you or him hugs the other first, he wishes to stay like that forever.
He loves giving hugs, and loves it more when he gives them to you. You're so warm and he's cold most of the time. So that's an excuse to be close to you and give you a hug.
But he loves it even more to receive hugs from you; when you initiate the hug and warm his cold skin.
Definitely, you give the best hugs ever, and he will gladly accept them. Even if you jumpscare or tackle him just to hug him.
a/n#2: I really enjoyed writing this! So I think I will be taking requests(? or maybe ideas haha, not sure how all the "writing in tumblr" works. And I'm working on the other ideas some of you gave me on my post, I barely have time and I want them to be good😭. Besides that, that would be all for now. Byee!
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