How to Train Your Dragon 2

                When it comes to Dreamworks films as of recent, the film that everyone seems to claim is above some of the rest is “How To Train Your Dragon.” The film tells of a young Viking named Hiccup, who only wants to be accepted by his father as a noble warrior, during the times of dragon attacks. However, when Hiccup encounters a night-fury he hit, he soon starts to befriend the creature, showing us that they’re not as dangerous as everyone makes them out to be. Needless to say, this is an example of a film that takes tired old clichés and turns them into something new. We do see the prejudice authority figures and liar revealed tropes, but the way the film handles them is really neat, and really adds to some of the likability of each of these characters. Not only that, but the animation is outstanding, showcasing just how far this animation studio can go with their technology and beyond. While it isn’t my favorite Dreamworks film, I still consider it among the best in its library.

                Now after four years, we have a sequel to this film. And seeing how Dreamworks has had its share of doing both good AND bad sequels, where does this one stand? Well, let me just say this…not only is this film better than the first…”How to Train Your Dragon 2” is by and large, Dreamworks best animated film.

                Five years after the Vikings of Berk have allowed acceptance with the dragons, Hiccup is told by his father, Stoick, that he’s ready to become the new chief. He doesn’t believe his IS ready, and soon discovers the rise of a dragon army by Drago Bludvist, a vicious dragon hunter, and tries to find him as a means to negotiate. However, on the journey, Hiccup encounters someone who’d he never thought to see leading a nest of dragons…his long lost mother, Valka. This film manages to do what a good sequel should do, and that’s developing the story and characters further than before. The way these characters interact with one another not only feels genuine, but you can relate to them incredibly well. For a sequel to an incredibly clichéd film, this really manages to blow any expectations out of the water, with just how passionate and real it feels.

                Not only that, but this and its predecessor are two examples of doing celebrity voice casts right. Unlike most big animated films like from Blue Sky Studios, Dreamworks has us not see a bunch of celebrities in a recording booth, but rather see these characters. I mean, this film alone has Jay Baruchel as Hiccup, Gerard Butler as Stoick, Cate Blanchett as Valka, Djimon Hounsou as Drago, and other celebrities like Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Craig Ferguson, Kit Harrington, Kristen Wiig, T.J. Miller, and even America Ferrera, yet I could barely tell if it was them or not. That just shows how good you can get.

                One of the things that really do make this film worth watching again is the mother-son relationship between Hiccup and Valka. Despite being away for twenty years, they manage to have this strong and powerful chemistry that makes it sweet and heartwarming, much like Hiccup’s relationship with Toothless in the first film. Speaking of which, the two still keep the friendship going well too, and they even push it further with the theme of trust that goes on in this film. If you see it for yourself, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

                Now for the main highlight of the film, the flying and battle scenes. Let me just say, this proves to be Dreamworks best animation work, as you can see a lot of detail and effort went into it, especially if the film’s in 3D. Screw “Avatar,” THIS is the best 3D film of all time, and they take advantage of it way better than others. But even without the 3D, it’s still amazing to look at. You feel like you’re actually flying and on the battlefield. And with the flying and battle scenes, the animation is still glorious to look at, especially with the different designs of the dragon, including the alphas.

                Overall, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is the must see film of the summer, and I can’t wait for the third film! It not only stands as one of the best sequels ever made…it’s one of the greatest films of all time! I love the characters, I love the story, I love the animation…I just love this movie!

Rating: 10/10