How To Train Your Dragon 2 isn’t just another animated movie. From the jump, it sets out to be bigger and bolder than its predecessor and achieves on every level. From the director and writer of the original film and “Lilo & Stitch,” Dean Deblois has crafted once again a film that knows no ages and requires only an imagination. HTTYD2 is an exhilarating ride that spans new territories physically and emotionally.
How To Train Your Dragon 2 takes place five years after the Viking village of Berk has made peace with the dragons, dragons now live amongst the villagers as working animals and companions, and even take part in racing sport. Hiccup goes on adventures with his dragon, Toothless, as they discover and map unexplored lands and territories. Having come of age, he is being pressed by his father, Stoick the Vast, to succeed him as chieftain, although Hiccup remains unsure if he is ready for this responsibility.
The Good
If ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ was a raging inferno of emotion, the sequel is more like a warm, cozy campfire and it totally works to its advantage. While the initial film introduces us to its world, this puts a magnifying glass on an already beautiful creation and lets us explore its inner workings and in it’s subplots, this story flourishes to an appealing experience: one of hardship, yet truth. Struggle, then light.
As much as it is billed for children, HTTYD2 is at its core also majorly geared towards adults. Suited for all and tailored to tug emotions this movie isn’t afraid to explore the darker areas of life. Death, betrayal and suspense are all present here and while at times it may feel you walked into the wrong movie, HTTYD2 makes good on where it’s bringing you. And thats the most impressive element to this film, it has a place it wants to bring you. It not once lingers in the space of uncertainty, but every element is carefully crafted to guide you in a masterful way.
From the wonderfully arranged music to the spectacular cinematography, HTTYD2 oozes genuine emotions and authentic motives. Not only does this film teach great life lessons of overcoming fears, but in light of some events that take place in the film, HTTYD2 also teaches a much larger lesson: growing in to who your are. Like most of us, Hiccup truly perceives he knows himself, he knows who is and why he isn’t like the others. What this movie pries out of us so well is that life is about growing, not thinking we’ve arrived. If Hiccup had a closed mind to what his future held he would have missed the true fulfillment of learning who he is. Watching HTTYD2 is no different. Keep your mind open to possibilities. It may just surprise you the depth that comes from this animated film.
The Bad
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The Verdict
How to Train Your Dragon 2 reiterates that honesty and sincerity still work, and even more-so, time and time again they defeat the odds. It also reminds us to be true to ourselves, and although there are fears and repercussions to achieve such great heights, this movie teaches that they are worth it every time.
Go see How to Train Your Dragon 2 not only to experience a great movie, but to feel a breeze of righteous storytelling with flavors of a personal journey of growth.
How To Train Your Dragon 2 – 9.5/10
MPAA RATING: PG for adventure action and some mild rude humor
*ddileo 