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.