The first How To Train Your Dragon was, for many unexpectedly, a very well made movie which also got a lot of praise for its use of 3D. Some people even visited the cinema several times because they knew they would not be able to experience it the same way they do in this. I only watched the first movie once but also really enjoyed it. Except knowing that in the original a small town learned to live with dragons I forgot almost everything else about it before watching this one. I did wonder how Dreamworks would be able to go further with the story.
The movie opens with dragon races and immediately throws the viewer into the action. The only characters missing are the heroes of the first movie, Hiccup and his dragon Toothless. The movie is set a couple of years after the original and Hiccup has grown into a young man who is expected to take over his father’s position. He isn’t ready yet and rather goes out exploring the world and making a map of it. During one of these travels he meets others who try to capture him. They work for Drago Bludvist (Djimon Hounsou) and Hiccup wants to know more about him and convince him that dragons shouldn’t be captured. While searching for him he meets the dragon rider, a mysterious character who takes him to a very special place.
It doesn’t happen often that a sequel is better than its predecessor, but this one is. I was expecting a relatively simple battle between the people from the village of Berk and Drago Bludvist, but during the movie a lot of unexpected events happen which have effect on all the characters and are also able to touch the viewer. It managed to constantly surprise me and has and emotional core which is often lacking in animated film. It is a typical example of an animated movie which offers something for both young and old and therefore should not be missed.
I actually didn’t like it as much as the first one.. it was a bit bland but maybe I wasn’t in the right mood.
No? I thought this felt much grander and was full of surprises. Mood can do a lot to change the enjoyment of a film.
I agree, I thought this one was better than the first. Great story, beautiful score, and I love how they aged the characters. They did a great job.
Exactly, happy to hear you also enjoyed it.
I loved this film and I too thought it was better than the original, although they were both brilliant. The animation and the attention to details never fails to amaze me. I’ve watched both of them numerous times and every time I spot something new.
Here is what Flick Chicks thought if you are interested http://goo.gl/06bFh7
– Jenna
Thanks, will check that one out!
What HTTYD2 did well as a sequel is expand on the universe the first film created and expand on it really well in an organic way you could believe. Personally, still prefer the first film – felt it had more heart to it. But in no way says that it’s a bad film. Still, probably the best animated film I’ve seen this year, so far.
I understand what you mean, but for this second you already know the characters and the stuff that plays with your heart strings is there.
This was a great film. The action is brilliant and the story really improved on the first. Also thought the soundtrack was great too.
Soundtracks never resonate with me, so don’t know about that. But the story was awesome.