Usually, when you hear about a sequel to a movie you really really loved, you think twice before going to see it because you wouldn’t want to be disappointed in it. Personally, I had stayed away of all previews and trailers of “How To Train Your Dragon 2” precisely because I didn’t want to get my hopes up. I went into the movie theater not knowing what was going to happen, and oblivious to the fact that there was a major new character introduced that had the power of changing the whole course of the story.
To my surprise, the movie turned out to be one of the few sequels that are actually worth watching because they have the same quality as the first movie, an interesting story that could stand on its own but very linked to the first film, and new plot twists and discoveries that kept you on the edge of your seat. How To Train Your Dragon 2 starts five years after the time the first film ended. Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) and his friends are not teenagers anymore, but young adults in their early 20s.
They still live in Berk, where now, people and dragons have bonded and exist happily together. Hiccup’s relationship with his “Night Fury” Toothless is stronger than ever, based on loyalty and trust. And we also see a growth on Hiccup and Astrid’s romance, and why they complement each other. While Astrid (voiced by America Ferrera) has the guts to do the things Hiccup is too scared to do, he is dragged into the action because he has the most knowledge on dragons.
Hiccup, Astrid and the gang, along with their dragons, embark on a new adventure that might seem exciting at first, but isn’t necessarily the best idea. They come across Eret (Kit Harington), a dragon trapper who works for Drago Bludvist (Djimon Hounsou), an insane conqueror who is building a dragon army. When Hiccup tells his dad, Stoick (Gerard Butler), he orders the people of Berk to fortify the island and prepare for battle. Hiccup, however, decides that talking is better than fighting and he goes on a quest to find Drago, because why cause a war when a little civil debate could fix the problems?
Just when he thinks he’s found him, he realizes this is yet another person, Valka (Cate Blanchett). She is a dragon rider who has spent the last twenty years rescuing dragons from Drago’s traps, and bringing them to an island haven. Not too long after Hiccup and Valka meet, they realize they have a stronger bond than they thought. Valka is Hiccup’s long lost mother. Meanwhile, Stoick is looking for his son, and just when he founds him, he comes across the greatest surprise of his life: his wife is still alive. They unite their forces to fight Drago’s army. Of course, adding Valka to the story is an incredible plot twist, and once her identity is revealed, you cannot wait to see how Stoick is going to react.
The film touches on the subject of war and peace, and watches Hiccup go from being a boy to becoming a man and taking responsibility. It is the natural growth from the first installment. With a more complex story, vivid animation, and perfectly timed comedic reliefs, this movie teaches kids that you should always try to solve things without violence and talking. Unfortunately there will be people who will just not take it. In this case, you have to step up and let your instincts guide you, trying to cause the least harm possible.
Overall, it is a great film and an outstanding follow up to “Dragon 1.” Animation and music were perfectly synched to heighten up the flying sequences, the fighting sequences and the tender moments, as well as the not-so-happy moments. The story followed an arc of emotions throughout the whole film and kept surprising us with shocking revelations and outcomes. After the way this movie ended, we can’t wait until the next one comes along, completing the trilogy.
How To Train Your Dragon 2 was simply exquisite, with excellent work by writer and director Dean DeBlois, and amazing voice acting work by Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller and Kristen Wiig with the addition of Kit Harington, Cate Blanchett and Djimon Hounsou. Produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by 20th Century Fox, this film is more than a kids movie, it also has a great message for adults. It opens nationwide on June 13.
Don't miss the first five minutes of the movie below!
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