How To Train Your Dragon 2 Review

Just a heads up if you haven't seen the trailers, you might see some spoilers in this review but rest assured there are no spoilers from the actual movies only the spoilers from trailers.

After four long years the awaited sequel to the Dreamworks masterpiece, How to Train your Dragon finally hits the big screen. Director/writer Dean DeBlois returns with a story as captivating as the last and just as rich in themes, characterisation and complications. New characters such as Valka (Cate Blanchett) and Drago (Djimon Hounsou) bring in a whole new dynamic and lead to an eye-opening history lesson of Berk. The story unfolds as Hiccup (Jay Bucharel) and friends cross paths with a group of Dragon trappers. From them they are hinted at Drago, a terrifying Dragon Hunter who plans to build a Dragon army. On paper the plot sounds childish, but as it unfolds the story intensifies into a very mature commentary on growth and relationships.

The characters have ripened seamlessly since the first film, which gives for a hyper realistic connection with the audience. The connection amongst the characters themselves is even more awe-inspiring, particularly the bond between Hiccup and Toothless. Personally I preferred watching their bond form in the first film as it captured the making of their friendship so imaginatively. Although not as creative, the sequel carries on the magical realism of Hiccup and Toothless’ friendship. Just as in the first film their bond is tested, except this time the complications are pushed beyond its genre as a “kid’s movie.” The storyline takes very mature jumps which contrast nicely with warm themes like friendship and family. It will be no surprise if parents leave the cinema more excited than their kids.

Even though How to train your dragon 2 delivers emotion, characters and plot, there were some faults which didn’t make it feel as complete as the first. The film is a conundrum for critique; some scenes were masterfully visceral whereas others seemed rushed and messy. The overall downfall of the film was poor structure - some scenes deserved a lot more screen time than they got, whereas others dragged on and should have been shortened. The audience just don’t get enough time to inhale some magnificent pieces of plot and characterisation, which could have really struck a nerve given more screen time.

There was also an issue with timing, particularly with the introduction of Valka (Hiccup’s mother). A character of that magnitude could have and should have been deployed much deeper into the film; maybe after a few hints of her still being alive? Or even just a mention of her? To prematurely thrust her upon the audience feels almost like a desperate attempt to draw out emotion, when it could have been so much more. On the other hand, the interaction with her and the other characters was shockingly realistic. A son seeing his mother for the first time, and a husband reunited with his wife after twenty years- both emotionally overwhelming in very different ways.

At times it feels like toothless is a real animal, and when all you see on screen is an animated dragon, it’s safe to say that Dreamworks really makes their characters come to life. The incredible graphics only add to the realism and will have you reaching out for a touch. The visuals in combination with a majestic soundtrack will give you chills, particularly the Toothless and Hiccup flying scenes. A sunset backdrop to the voice of Sigur Ros front man Jonsi will have you covered in Goosebumps and lost for time- it is simply some of the best minutes of the film.

The film bobs in and out of “Dreamworks masterpiece” to “Just another animation,” and thankfully it concludes as the former. It is somewhat of an inverse sandwich, where the beginning and end are loaded with enjoyable content but the middle is plain like white bread. With an engaging storyline, well developed characters and breathtaking cinematography, there’s no reason the film shouldn’t have been as good as the first. It is up there with Shrek and Kung Fu panda, but with a tedious middle, it just comes short of its predecessor.

This movie receives four out of five toothless heads. This film will probably be the best animated feature film of the year so far, this movie is definitely worth a watch in the cinemas for it's beautiful flying scenery and big set pieces. Check out the slideshow below if you want to watch some films similar to How to Train Your Dragon 2.

Review Written by Saqif