In 2010, DreamWorks released How to Train Your Dragon. I didn't see it when it first came out, in fact I didn't see it for about 2 years. To provide some context as to why I didn't see it at the time, the film came out with a slew of other 3D movies that seemed to be following the new benchmark in 3D movies, Avatar. Now while I still think that 3D is a gimmick and merely a way for studios to make more money, I lament that I didn't see this movie when it was first released. Because while many of DreamWorks' animated films are forgettable and generic childish features, How to Train Your Dragon has become considered by many to be one of greatest animated films of all time. While it differs significantly from it's inspiration, It's setting, characters and beautiful animation have made it a favourite for all ages. Even the cartoon series spin-off uses many of the original cast to expand the universe further without becoming too kiddie for old viewers. But is this franchise Dreamwork's Toy Story? How to Train Your Dragon 2 has arrived to eagerly awaiting fans, and with a more mature storyline and even more stunning animation, it is a sequel that is just as good, if not better; than it's older brother.
Five Years Later
HTTYD2 takes place five years after the events of the original film. Hiccup, Astrid, Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut are all now young adults and seasoned dragon trainers. What made the last film so great was the wonderful characters that made the world come alive. All the performances of characters new and old are a real treat to watch. When it comes to the six dragon trainers it's especially evident. While they all maintain they're wonderful personalities, they've clearly grown and matured allowing for great dynamics between them and their dragons. But it's not just the characters that have become more mature, the world and the story have grown as well. Combined with the laughs is a more mature storyline that will definitely tug at your heart strings. What I love the most about the movie's writing is that there's no predicting where things are headed. Sure you have some idea, but DreamWorks is continuing to prove that just because it's a kids movie doesn't mean everything is sunshine and rainbows.
Beyond Berk
Because the vikings of Berk are now at peace with their former enemies the dragons, It's gone beyond the familiar island village that we've grown to love. While the islands that surround Berk are as unknown to us as they are to most of our main cast, it's clear that we're going to be treated to a vibrant and vast world of dragons. One of the downsides to the movie is that it tries almost too hard to cram everything. And yet despite this, I still want more, maybe because the movie was almost all about Hiccup and him finding himself. Maybe a little bit more from the supporting cast would nice, in many ways they're interactions as a team with hiccup are infinitely more enjoyable to watch.
Beautiful Creatures
I think what I take away from this movie the most though is how amazing the animation is. While everything does have a cartoonish aesthetic (as it should), the details and lighting truly make everything come alive. The dragons scales look real, hell even the hair of the heroes depending on lighting looks uncanny. By far this is the most beautifully rendered animated film I have seen in a long time, if not ever. I liken it to the amazing pre-rendered cutscenes of Square Enix and blizzard, based in fantasy but rendered/animated in such detail that it looks almost real. I can't wait to see what levels they can take it.
A fantastic follow-up flick, HTTYD2 shows that DreamWorks is able to take this franchise is new directions without resting on its laurels. Is it better than the first film? Not entirely. But only because the first film was simply that close to perfection for an animated movie. But is it as good? Absolutely. Go see this movie.
Verdict 10/10
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