Review - How To Train Your Dragon 2

Dragons…EVERYWHERE!!!

How to Train Your Dragon rode into theaters in 2010 and surprised me. It delivered a fun, quick-witted adventure for kids and adults alike while exploding from the screen visually. I was a bit

skeptical when they announced the sequel. Could they maintain what they had? Or would this feel like another cash in of some quick dollars? Alas – this dragon is still breathing fire and flying as fast and high as ever.

For this film, dragons have now begun to be accepted. They are pets and friends. They are an integral part of life. Hiccup is still around and he’s grown! His Night Fury, Toothless, and him are still friends and they are exploring the areas that there are no maps for. On one of those journeys they find that they are not alone. There are those who wish to create a dragon army and control the world. And there are Dragon Rider’s that are trying to save the dragons from this fate. But there is more than meets the eye to the mysterious Dragon Rider.

Dragons do exist and are friends to the humans around. Now can Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), Astrid (America Ferrera)and the mysterious Dragon Rider join forces to try and help the dragons not only survive, but prosper for generations to come. But are they too late?

Story, it’s all about story. Sure visuals in this latest installment are spot on. Even having seen it in 3D the bright colors and visually stunning landscapes pop from the screen. (3D is notorious for its dark feel and muted colors.) But this all doesn’t work without a story that makes you believe in the dragons themselves.

Here, the dragons are like a dog would be. Lovable, loyal and fun to look at throughout, you want them to succeed and that is how we relate to them, as a family pet. Hiccup and Astrid have grown, and we are still intrigued by the relationship and cheering for the growth.

Instead of the typical tone of animated films where characters never grow, these characters have gotten older and yet we still relate to them and want them to succeed. It’s due to the filmmakers and the story they have presented that we still love dragons.

B+

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Dreamworks Animation / 20^thCentury Fox Pictures

Director: Dean DeBlois

Voice Cast: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera

Rating: PG for adventure action and some mild rude humor.

Runtime: 1 hour 42 minutes