How to Train Your Dragon 2: Gotta Watch It

Even if you missed the first one...don't miss the second!

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2: A worth-while sequel.

In 2010, Dreamworks stepped up their game with
'How to Train Your Dragon,' based off the
Cressida Cowell book from 2003. It was a smash hit; making it a nomination for the Oscars the same year. Now, after four years of waiting, Dreamworks Animation has bestowed us with what can be considered as one of their best sequels of all time. If you don't take my word for it, it received 92% on rottentomatoes.com, as well as four stars on IMDB. But enough of the stats, let's a-break-it-down.

The story:
The film takes place 5 years after the first movie, where Hiccup forever changes Berk by opening everybody's eyes about the truth of dragons. Hiccup; a more developed and older character by now, has a lot on his plate: he holds the responsibility of someday becoming chief, which is constantly a reminder from his father. However, as the film progresses, Hiccup, Toothless, and Astrid embark on an epic adventure after discovering a secret ice cave...and a conspiracy. Many new characters emerge from the new story, including the mysterious 'Dragon Rider,' and the latest villain, 'Drago.' Can Hiccup unlock the greatest secret of all as well as protect the dragons from being manipulated by evildoers?

Raves and Reconsider:

Rave:  Something that the studio never fails to do is prevail for its fans. The second film only adds on top to the first; like a delicious double-decker sandwich. The deep-rooted relationship between Hiccup and Toothless seems to have reached a whole new level; and throughout the film you will see how they brawl through turbulent times and grieve together, a strong concept in the film that very much resembles a real life friendship.

This NEVER gets old!


 

Reconsider: This movie really kicked butt. But the plot seemed to contain too many events that didn't seem to fit, unlike how the first movie accomplished. I mean, *SPOILER* how Hiccup finds his mother, the two Alpha dragons, Drago and Stoick...it's just...too much for one film. If these ideas were organized smoothly into more than one movie, maybe it wouldn't have seemed as hodge-podgey. None the less, this wasn't why this movie wasn't 100% enjoyable for me...

IT WAS THE TRAILER!

Come on, Dreamworks. I really love you guys, but the trailer seriously killed it for me. Why? You probably have all seen it. It reveals some big details, such as *ahem* the whereabouts of Hiccup's mother. I understand they were trying to find some exciting content for the trailer, but did that really mean that they had to reveal a huge spoiler that shaped the whole film? Perhaps a hint or indication that Hiccup would meet his mother could have made the movie even something bigger to watch, but they even showed her and Hiccup in the trailer, really marring the quality for me.
But I still enjoyed the film a whole lot; as it was one of Dreamworks' finer pieces.


Overall, this is a great movie for fans and first-time viewers, as it provides a healthy amount of Dreamworks humour and a jam-packed, (almost too packed), storyline.

Howl's Moving Castle: A personal gem:

                                                 A WALTZ IN PARADISE

Many of Studio Ghibli's extraordinary

films go under the radar, despite their

beauty and flawless animation. One of those features, (which is an Oscar

in my books!) was Howl's Moving Castle. (2004)

This was one of my favorites because of its Baroque-theme.

Miyazaki has successfully combined

the many intricate and formidable 

human emotions, as he captures in all

of his works, with the magical Japanese-perspective of 19th century Europe. These two elements make Howl's Moving Castle an excellent motion picture with a very unique aura, if you compare it to any other

movie. If you have never seen Howl's Moving Castle or any of Miyazaki's other works, I highly recommend it. 

THE STORY: 

The story follows Sofi, a young, lonely woman who works in a hat shop. After encountering the charming wizard Howl, she is cursed by the Witch of the Waste and is turned into a 90-year old woman. Sofi is now whisked into the wonderful castle of Howl's; as she attempts to find the cure to her spell, she also finds herself becoming closer with the notorious but heartless Howl, who brought something vivid into her life. The story tends to get slightly perplexing if you are not used to Miyazaki's works, but the perfect formula of a complicated story and handsome art style will take your breath away. This movie tends to give many details about each character, such as Howl and his former mentor, Madam Suliman, Calcifer and his correlation with Howl, or even Turnip-head and his fondness for Sofi. Not many animated films put so much focus and soul into each character, which also makes this piece count.

RAVE, AND RECONSIDER:

Rave: Backgrounds did it for me. Studio Ghibli always presents us with beautiful hand painted back drops to accompany their characters, but Howl's Moving Castle contains some of the most elaborate Ghibli has given us so far. 

Reconsider: Is it ever possible for a film to...overwhelm us? Yes. Although Howl's Moving Castle raises the bar high for every animation out there, the story was overflowing with aspects of the plot that didn't really intertwine together as they do in other Studio Ghibli movies. There were many subplots but not all of them pointed to the main focuses of the film which gave it an almost perplexing feel. But then again, that is why this film could be considered to be so unique.

So, there you have it. Howl's Moving Castle is a must-see and will appeal to anyone who enjoys a heart-felt and imaginative movie.

What It's About:

Hello everybody. Mind you, this is my first blog, but I have a lot of great ideas and topics to overview. Please support me and new reviews for animations will presume.