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Some might argue that films from Dreamworks Animation have a tendency to be inconsistent. They will show us that they know what true heart is in films like Kung Fu Panda 2 and The Croods, but then they’ll remind us that the laughs and amicable ridiculousness always come first with efforts like Turbo. Fortunately for us, it appears that they have forgotten their motto when creating the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. Because of this, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a fabulous film that provides a heartfelt story while having stunning visuals, writing, and overall displaying to everyone how a sequel should be made.
The story takes place 5 years after the events of the first, with Vikings and dragons living in harmony in the village of Berk where they now compete in beautifully animated sports that could give Harry Potter‘s Quidditch a run for its money. Our hero Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) has grown too, and is now sporting a bit of stubble and some nice moves with his fancy flame sword (a new addition in this outing). Due to his new found manliness, his father Stoick (Gerard Butler) wants him to take over as chief of the village, but Hiccup would much rather go off expanding and mapping the world with his dragon and best friend, Toothless. While they’re exploring, they meet a dragon trapper by the name of Eret (Kit Harrington) who is capturing creatures for the dragon army of his boss: Drago Bludvist (Djimon Hounsou). But they also learn of another mysterious dragon rider and other forces so destructive as to bring down a castle in ice. When Hiccup goes to confront Drago Bludvist and rework his first-movie-mind-changing magic, along the way he accidentally stumbles upon Valka (Cate Blanchet) and discoverers things that are seemingly impossible about both her and her dragons. All the while the threat of the dragon army on Hiccup’s family and friends continues to expand.
Expansion really is the name of the game in this movie. What this movie greatly succeeds at is expanding on every aspect of the first movie: it sets up more about dragons and the way they work, it forces Hiccup into a second coming of leadership, it feels like part of a franchise. That’s not to say the movie doesn’t stand on its own. The movie has completely different themes and lessons and focuses on its own plot rather than having everything being set up (I’m looking at you Amazing Spider-man 2). These characters have grown up and are now dealing with new themes and lessons. Where the first movie was a coming of age story and dealt with the accepting of new ideas, How to Train Your Dragon 2 focuses on the importance of a bond between friends and family and deals with what it means to be a leader.
The most analogous comparison would be with the Harry Potter franchise, as it too slowly expanded its world and had the characters grow up in front of the camera while dealing with darker themes. Of course there’s no nightmare fuel in the form of Helena Bonham Carter (it is still a kids movie), but there are still some things that will affect even the most stoic viewers.
Dean DeBlois does a fantastic job as director. There is never a hiccup in the pacing (no pun intended), but he also knows the value of a slow moment. There is a fantastic scene in which Hiccup and Toothless are just flying together and it tacitly reinforces the bond between the two, while being beautifully animated. The entire movie, in fact, is gorgeous, with the attention to detail being outstanding. There is an immense amount of unique dragons, and every character has weirdly detailed and fabulous hair. (I cannot fathom the amount of money that went into Stoic’s beard). Also worthy of note is John Powell’s fantastic score, which makes a return in this movie.
The performances in this film are also above average. Kristen Wigg, Jonah Hill, and Christopher Mintz-
Plasse as Ruffnut, Snoutlout, and Fishlegs are hilarious secondary characters, while not being too restricted as comic relief. Bulter’s Stoick finds a fantastic balance between grit and heart, while America Ferrera’s Astrid is unbelievably charming. Given more screen time together Astrid and Hiccup could have given Amazing Spider-Man’s Peter and Gwen a fight as best onscreen couple. Cate Blanchet also brings a lovely amount of tenderness to her role. Baruchel does a perfectly fine job in his typecast role as a nerdy, witty hero, though he does show his chops in the more dramatic scenes quite well. The only performance that falters a bit is Djimon Hounsou, as he can be a little distractingly evil sounding. Also, while not technically a role, director Dean DeBlois deserves acknowledgement for making Toothless just as powerful and funny as Hiccup.
DeBlois has succeeded here in creating what sequels should be: steps forward in characters and themes and world development. The film can be both hilarious and extremely emotional at times, which all help to connect with the characters. Although we are not close to Oscar push time, I can definitely see this being nominated for Best Animated Film.
