Review: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (2014)


DreamWorks Animation have really stepped up their game when it comes to the sequel to 2010’s How to Train Your Dragon with the Addition of new cast such as Cate Blanchett and Kit Harington and improved animation, that at times seems almost real. The film takes everything we learned about the in the previous film and takes the world to a whole new level. Making it a more deeper, richer, lived in world then we saw before.

With two seasons of the Nickelodeon series under it’s belt, it’s had a chance to build the world and its characters in ways the makes sense but does what any good film should and makes it accessible to an audience who may not have seen it. With the film picking up five years after the original, we catch up to Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and His faithful dragon, Toothless on a journey of self discovery exploring the farthest reaches of the land, leaving behind the responsibilities left to him by his aging father Stoick. (Gerard Butler) Which Leads Hiccup and Toothless into the direction of two Dragon Masters, Valka (Cate Blanchett) and Drago (Djimon Hounsou) each with their own plans for the dragons.

With all the beautiful colors, high octane action, cool gadgets, and lovable characters, it’s fun for all ages, but It’s apparent that the film is taking on the structure of a trilogy, with this feeling more as a second chapter the just another Sequel. With the Director (Dean BeBlois) even stating how much he loves the Empire Strikes Back, It’s darker and more emotional then the first film with the loss of life by the hands of a friend and the reconnection of long lost love. What is most impressive with this second act, is that it leaves our heroes in a completely different place emotionally by the end of the film. The relationship between Hiccup and Toothless is forever changed in a rather bitter sweet way that only makes them stronger. I for one can’t wait to see how it plays out with the next film already slated for a 2016 release date.

Reviewed by David West of Sequel Buzz & Kind of Epic Show
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