How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Dragon 2) was released about a month ago and after seeing it four different times; it’s safe to say that not only it’s my favorite movie this year so far but also it is one of my favorite sequels since The Dark Knight.
Dragon 2 is nothing short of a visual masterpiece. The film will dazzle audiences with its flying sequences with vibrant colors which awe struck me while I was sitting in the theatre. The level of details from characters facial expressions to counting every scale of a dragon enhances the movie going experience. And top it all of the music composition adds an extra element to the overall experience
Now do not be mistaken there is still a story and unlike other films where the visuals are a distraction, it just adds to the experience. Like the original Dragon 2 perfects the show not tell technique; the act of showing the characters emotions and development rather than having say whether or not they are happy or sad. In Dragon 2; the film takes a break and have moments where the action stops and characters just interact with each other whether it is two characters bonding while flying with dragons or another two characters being reunited after a long absence.
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One could make a lot of comparisons between Dragon 2 and Empire Strikes Back, which is considered the essential sequel. The tone is very similar between the two films, where both are darker than their originals and the stakes are higher. But also Both Luke Skywalker and Hiccup go on a journey of self-discovery. With Luke it finding what it takes to become a Jedi and with Luke trying to find out what it is his purpose in life. Is it to succeed his father as chieftain of Berk or is there something more out in the world.
Unlike the TV show Riders of Berk, everyone from the original Dragon movie are back including Gerald Butler, Craig Ferguson and Jonah Hill to name a few. There are also additions to the cast like Kit Harington from Game of Thrones who adds to the hilarity antics of the cast. Jay Baruchel still shines as Hiccup and his friendship with Toothless is the soul of the movie and raises it from a great film to something special.
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Now Dragon 2 is not perfect. There are minor nitpicks now and then but will not ruin the movie. The biggest one is that the final fight could have been better and came off a bit too corny. Also some people might find the villain Drago Bludvist bit one-dimensional. But again these are only minor complaints that will not ruin the movie as a whole.
Parents might be hesitant showing their kids this movie due to its darker tones as well as the controversial decision to make a character gay. However the darker tomes opens much discussion about diplomacy and how to deal with advocacies that cannot be reasoned with. This film also opens discussions about friendship, forgiveness and loss. As with the coming out scene, it is so subtle that most kids if not all will go right over their heads. Overall Dragon 2 is no worse than the Lion King or other Disney movies that scared kids for generations. Hakuna matata right?
How to Train Your Dragon 2 is well-spent money at the theaters for it’s remaining time left. It has visually stunning as well as an emotional deep story to back it up. Hiccup and Toothless are back in one of the best animated movies in recent years.
Rating: 9.5/10
