After the first trailer for How to Train Your Dragon 2 was released, I only wanted two things: first a dragon (but that’s not new), and to see the movie in the seconds to come. I had to wait a little bit longer than that, but it was so worth it! This sequel was everything I was waiting for and more! We are reunited with Hiccup and Toothless, always ready for adventure, while they find a mysterious Ice Cave filled with Dragons and organized by the even more mysterious Dragon Rider.
I’ll begin by saying that the storyline is more mature and darker. It can feel a bit déjà vu: The hero doesn’t know how to become the chief he is supposed to be, and he meets someone who could show him the way, but eventually something tragic happens and the hero finds his inner strength and becomes his own kind of Chief. It’s not something we aren’t familiar with already, but it is dealt with more realistic situations and heavier themes that we are used to see (in the limit of realistic, we are still speaking of a world with Dragons).
It’s a pleasure to see Toothless and Hiccup in action again. Their friendship is stronger than ever while they are trying to keep the peace in the Dragon world. From his reunion with his long-lost mother, the Dragon Rider Valka, to the death of Stoick (If you’re wondering, yes I cried a lot), How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a roller-coaster of emotions, going from laughter to tears.
One of the points I particularly loved is that everyone can be their own kind of hero. Of course, you have the two main characters, Hiccup and Toothless, but it’s not only about them: It’s also about Valka and her difficult return to what she left behind; it’s about Astrid, Ruffnut, Tuffnut, Snotlout, and Fishlegs doing what they think is right to save their friends etc… Everyone is given equal chances.
What completely blew my mind during the movie, was how detailed How To Train Your Dragon 2 is. I was impressed several times by the little details that make this animation so great! The texture of the hair is different for each character, the way the fabric folds and twists when a character moves, Toothless’ cat-like movements etc… Usually, an animation rarely gains my attention, but here I couldn’t believe the amount of work that was put in to produce an animation movie of this quality.
In addition to that, the way they reproduced the characters expression and emotions is just as incredible and natural as the rest. Coming back several years after the event of the first movie, the characters grew up, and once again the result is astonishing. It’s all about the little details: they’ve grown in height, more defined facial features, the guys start to have a subtle scruff etc…
Dreamworks has really grown in quality in the last few years, and truly became my favorite animation studio (with Studio Ghibli, but they are apart from other animation studios). It’s always a pleasure to see a studio improving themselves with each movie, introducing different kinds of characters, improving their animation techniques etc.. It is refreshing.
I don’t have many negative things to say about How To Train Your Dragon 2, apart from the fact that towards the end, I was less focused and got a little lost in the action, I couldn’t understand much of Drago’s intention. Other than that, it is a celebration of life, friendship, and kindness, the whole being a real inspiration for everyone watching.
Four years after the first movie, It was a delight to be back in the world of the Vikings from Berk. Dean Deblois succeeded in providing a sequel that is just as good, or even better, than its predecessor. The only thing I hope, is for Dreamworks to do a third one that is as good as those two because I can’t get enough!
Rating: 4.5/5
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