How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)


In 2010, DreamWorks Animation produced a movie entitled “How to Train Your Dragon” which became an instant success. Now, four years later, a sequel has come around. And “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is definitely an improvement over the first film. This movie does everything right for all the good reasons a sequel should do. There are a few minor setbacks, but, they are nitpicks; the rest of the film is quite impressive, and an advancement over its predecessor. “How to Train Your Dragon 2” improves what the first one did in many ways possible.

The story picks up nearly five years after the first one. The vikings of Berk now have a massive supply of dragons that they have tamed and own. This is all thanks to Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) who is now a twenty year old adult who still likes to have fun with his dragon Toothless. However, he still likes to explore the world, and see what it can offer up. One day, while riding with his friend Astrid (America Ferrera), they encounter a group of dragon hunters, who work for a ruthless man named Drago (Djimon Hounsou). Hiccup must warm the people of Berk about him, but gets swept away from another powerful dragon which leads him to his mother Valka (Cate Blanchett) who is also a dragon tamer as well. Hiccup must decide whether to fight or create peace among both dragons and humans.

“How to Train Your Dragon 2” is one league up from its predecessor. For one thing, the animation is definitely improved as the characters and backgrounds really stand out. Even the new dragons here look fantastic; the creative thoughts behind all of these designs are incredible. DreamWorks really upped their game with the animation here.

The music is even more fantastic than ever, creating the perfect blend of both Celtic and Scottish music into one unique combination. There is even a little musical number that will definitely bring out the emotions.

The 3D, which made the first movie awesome, is kind of toned down here, but it still looks amazing, even in 2D. Even if it is not as impressive as its predecessor, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is still a visual masterpiece that needs to be seen.

The voice acting is great as always, and each performance sounds convincing enough to know who these actors are portraying. With one exception.

Drago is not that interesting of a villain. Don't get me wrong, Hounsou is doing great with what he is given, but honestly, he really doesn't offer the intensity of being a fearful bad guy. He doesn't seem that threatening, and just comes off as a weak villain.

Yet the biggest upgrade is the story. The first one was basically setting up the events for this movie (as well as the TV show). But here, everything is pushed up a notch. For one thing, all the characters are given a major upgrade, especially Hiccup who acts more mature in this one. And there are a lot of moments where the movie can get a little dark, but not too dark. Especially near the end where a major twist occurs. But this all applies to the main theme of growing up and changing in the ways that one acts. The first one focused on the philosophical and psychological aspects of the dragons; now here, we see the interactions between both the humans and the dragons, which is a nice contrast.

If there are some complaints with the story, it's that there are some plot holes that don't get answered, and some continuity issues that seem out of focus.

Overall, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this sequel, save for just a few minor setbacks. However, it is on par with the first one in terms of quality. But in terms of story, it is one major step up. “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is definitely a sequel worth talking about that overcomes is predecessor in many ways and more. Give this one a chance and fall in love with dragons all over again. Here's hoping a third movie will be even better.

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