This review does contain spoilers.

performance

Teaser trailer for HTTYD 2:









DreamWorks Animation's 2010 fantasy adventure film, "How to Train Your Dragon," was a surprise hit, both financially and critically. The coming of age story about awkward teen Viking, Hiccup, and his unlikely friendship with Toothless the Night Fury, found its way into the hearts of audiences and critics, with it gaining a 98% Rotten Tomato score, two Academy Award Nominations and went on to becoming the 10th highest grossing film of 2010. It managed to hold its own against other animated films of that year, such as "Despicable Me" (Illumination Entertainment's debut feature), and the behemoth "Toy Story 3." While HTTYD, as it's known amongst fans, did go on to have a TV show, a live arena show and video games, one thing that was planned a few months before the film's release, was two sequels, since Dean DeBlois (Chris Sanders couldn't direct due to his commitment to "The Croods") didn't want to make a sequel for sequel's sake, and only agreed to direct if it could become a trilogy, and no more. Thankfully, his astuteness to create art rather than squeezing money out of fan's pockets has paid off, because his 2014 follow up, "How to Train Your Dragon 2," is pretty much an all around amazing film.The sequel takes place five years after the first, with the Vikings of Berk having fully accepted the winged beasties as part of their way of life. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), is now a 20 year old man, who has grown significantly into his boot (and I do mean boot, since at the climax of the previous film, he lost his left foot), despite not being quite as meaty as his peers or superiors. Despite having physically grown up, Hiccup still feels like he doesn't know his place in the world, and while his father, Stoick (Gerard Butler), wants him to take over the mantle as chief, Hiccup would rather fly around and discover new worlds with his best friend and dragon, Toothless.When Hiccup, Astrid (America Ferrera) and their dragons find the fort of dragon trapper, Eret (Kit Harrington), they find out that he is working for Drago Bludvist (Djmon Honsou), a blood thirsty warlord who wants to build a dragon army. Stoick tells Hiccup that they must prepare for war, and that "a chief protects his own." Hiccup, having changed his village's mindset around dragons, in particular his formerly dragon hating father, feels like he can talk some sense into Drago, going as far as to say "if I can change your mind, I can change his." While trying to find Drago, Hiccup and Toothless come across a mysterious dragon vigilante (Cate Blanchette), who holds keys to Hiccup's past. As the story comes to a head, Hiccup and Toothless have to fight for both their kinds, and face the ultimate tests to their bond along the way.The first thing one may notice about this film is that it'sThe set pieces, shot composition and story have magnified in scope, and even the score is more bombastic in some regards. There are these alpha dragons called Bewilderbeasts, that shake the ground when they move and take up the entire frame when they gaze into the camera. The stakes are still very high, but a particular event that happens towards the last third of the film amplifies things into the empt degree. The parallels between this film and its predecessor are impressive, such as the villain having lost his left arm and entire family to dragons, and therefore becoming so terrified of them that he feels he has to dominate them in order to cope with his demons. This juxtaposes with Hiccup's positive encounter with Toothless, who did injure his foot to the point of amputation, but this was when saving his life rather than being predatory. Hiccup's chin scar plays a major role in being recognized by his mother, Valka, who just so happens to be a "crazy, vigilante dragon lady," who couldn't kill a dragon that encountered a baby Hiccup in his cradle, because his "soul reflected her own," much like Hiccup claiming he couldn't kill Toothless in the first film, "because I looked at him, and saw myself." There are even music cues that appear at around the same time in both films; both cues are the same score, and while in the first, tragedy is avoided, here, it is brought upon the characters in the most brutal way possible.The story in its own right can very much be viewed as its own thing, if one were to go into this film without having seen the first, but they both enrich the other and feel very much connected in the best way. In fact, some aspects may seem confusing if one were to come in without having seen the first, such as why the Berkians initially hated dragons, and how Toothless and Hiccup became so close. The films tie in very well together; at one point in the first film, Stoick exclaims that he "should've seen the signs" in regards Hiccup having a pacifist view of dragons, much like his wife, who was a dragon lover, and due to not being able to kill one, was carried away herself.Of course, the star of the show is Toothless the Night Fury, with his sleek animation, affable personality and his rumbly, feline like purrs and coos that are masterfully rendered by Randy Thom. Toothless is as lovable as he was before, and we truly feel every bit of his happiness and love for Hiccup, his worry and his anger when his best friend is threatened, and his visceral pain and confusion when he is shunned by Hiccup after being used as Drago's pawn to carry out the unthinkable. The joy in his eyes upon being freed from the Bewilderbeast's control is palpable, his fury when challenging said alpha is monumental. Toothless is the real star of the films, as is Hiccup, whose plight and reasoning is so painfully relatable, that while you cringe at his decision making, you cheer when he wins and cry when he faces his greatest downfalls, as we have been Hiccup at many times in our lives. Hiccup is one of the most realistic young adult characters in any film series, due to his circumstance and his dealing of them.Hiccup and Toothless' friendship is the heartbeat of the HTTYD films, both their characters and their bond is what makes the films great, with The main crux of the two films is the relationship between Hiccup and Toothless, which has grown stronger over the five years they have been together. There are only three major scenes with their characters, but it's with these sequences and the little character moments scattered throughout that we see how strong their bond has become; playing on a cliff, flying side by side, Toothless' worried glances at his best friend. The last third of the film pulls massive punches that could make or break their friendship, but Toothless' daring challenge against the massive alpha to protect his rider cements their connection. Their bond is simply beautiful,The teritary relationships have strengthened, with Atrid and Hiccup now engaged, poking fun at each other and sporting a loving, mature romance. Stoick's immediate, overwhelming shock and joy at seeing his long lost wife is simply lovely, as is the song he sings to her, written by Jonsi and Shane McGowan. Stoick's repore with his son is on more steady ground, with him viewing Hiccup as "the pride of Berk," and, of course, seeing him as so much of an equal that he thinks he's more than ready to be chief. However, they still have the stubborn streak that makes them deaf to each other's pleas, but this time around, it's Hiccup's turn to listen to his father. Every single emotion is incredibly believable, even when it comes to the dragons. It's a perfect blend of stellar character animation and voice acting.The other characters remain largely unchanged, with Ruff nut (Kristen Wiig) being hilarious in her lusting over Eret's abs, and the other comic relief being funny but not overbearing, and they do provide a major helping hand in the end, that if their actions failed, the hero may very well have been eviscerated. Gobber is still likable as the happy go lucky secondary father figure, and has made history as the second openly gay character in an animated film, with the first being in Laika's "Paranorman." Butler's voice work as Stoick is simply amazing, he brings so much gravitas and a world weary, gruff demeanor that hides a caramel heart, unwrapped upon seeing his beloved wife. The new characters are amiable, with Valka being bought to life with elegance by James Baxter, who animated Rafiki in "The Lion King," and Blanchette's voice work is a hodge podge mix of Australian and Scottish that quite suits the semi feral qualities of her character. Drago is menacing enough, and provides a strong parallel to Hiccup, and while having him shrouded in mystery added ample tension, his appearing in the middle of the film was perhaps a misstep, as we don't see much of his character. His actions towards the dragons, however, are so abhorrent, especially with what he does with Toothless, that he does come across as a madman, and he does live up to Stoick's ominous line, "men who kill without reason cannot be reasoned with." The only character that feels like a total misfire is Eret, due to Harrington's flatThe themes of the film are largely those of the first, built upon, but with other important elements and lessons. There's the idea of peace and tolerance being the way to go, as Hiccup claims is the Berkian way. There's following your own path, and learning through harsh circumstance that your ideals may not fit the status quo. Some minds can be changed, others simply cannot. We see how fear alone can instill pain and torment so immense, that one feels the only way to cope is to inflict it on others. There's the importance of listening to your elders, stepping up to your responsibilities and still finding it in yourself to stick to your morals, while also accepting that some things simply cannot be done, and you'll have to adapt to save your own skin. Of course, there's the element of nature; how much wild can be taken from an animal, how much can we mold nature and humanity into one, cohesive whole. What is friendship, love and trust, and what does it take to make and break the ties that bind?The film handles all these themes exceptionally well, through it's sequencing, character moments and dialogue. It's executed almost flawlessly. I say almost, because while the main scenes are well paced, some interconnecting scenes drag on, such as those on the trapper's ship or at their forts. There is so much going on, that whiile it feels a tad overstuffed, it flows remarkably well and all the emotional pulls and moments feel real. There is an almost "Beowulf" epic feeling to the story and how it's presented, in that it can feel a bit clogged, but God damn does the film do it's job so well that it is a joyride from beginning to end. One aspect of the film that may be overlooked, is the treatment of disability; both protagonists have prosthetic limbs, and are seen as spirited, respected and independent characters that thrive and grow from their successes and failures. This film is vital for youngsters and adults alike, in knowing that it isn't the disability that defines you, but the person you chose to be, regardless of what society throws at you.Of course, without a shadow of a doubt, the film is stunning to look at. The original is beautiful enough as it is, but the animation here is even more so. The textures, scales, hair, water and ice, everything looks impeccable. Not to mention the shot composition, the lighting, even the camera that shakes when dragons pass by, or how it rolls as we roll down an incline. There are several moody scenes where the lighting is breathtaking, in particular Valka's introductory scenes, where we see her and Hiccup on their respective dragons, flying above the clouds during twilight, with Valka's dragon. Cloudjumper, mussing up the clouds with his massive wings. Then, in the basalt cave we see Hiccup use his flame sword to calm the dragons, and Valka uses her staff to tell them light up the cave with their fire, in an eerie light show that casts a feeling of mystery and awe. Not to mention the dragon sanctuary, or how Toothless' skin has become more defined and flexes when rubbed, or how Hiccup's Adam's Apple move when he swallows. This film is simply beautiful, thanks to the talented animators and their new software, Torch and Premo, and the continuing help of master cinematographer, Roger Deakins. John Powell's score is also eclectic, although nothing quite reaches the mesmerizing level of "This is Berk," "Forbidden Friendship" or "Test Drive." In fact, despite how fantastic the film is, and the numerous scenes I adored ("Where No one Goes," "Two New Alphas," "Toothless Found" and many more), nothing will ever quite top the scenes where Toothless and Hiccup get to know each other in the original film, although they do come neck and neck at points. In a way, that's what makes this film so incredible; it doesn't try and recreate the magic, other than paying homage, and instead makes its own. This is a special film."How to Train Your Dragon 2" is a thematic, sprawling sequel. It's a fantastic successor that lives up to the original, even if I do prefer the original by a very short hair. This is an absoultley brilliant film, that may have a few issues with pacing and with two of the new characters, but overall, it's an animation accomplishment that should be seen to be believed. "How to Train Your Dragon 2" is a sequel that soars alongside the original, much like Hiccup does with Toothless in his wingsuit. As Hiccup would say, "this is amazing!"9.5./10Aileen's Appreciaton Corner:* As I wrote above, the song "For the Dancing and the Dreaming" was co-written by Shane McGowan, former member of the Irish group, The Pogues. He is probbaly most known for singing with his band alongside the late Kirsty McColl in the beloved Christmas song, "Fairytale of New York." My mother aptly pointed out, that he is also "Toothless."* Gobber was supposed to be killed by the brainwashed Toothless, but Guillmero Del Toro mentioned that it would have more emotional weight if Stoick was the one killed instead.* Valka was supposed to be the sympathetic villain, but this was deemed too frightening, so Drago was created instead.* The film was supposed to be titled "How to Train Your Dragon: The Secrets of the Ice Cave." The subtitle was somewhat revived for the final film in the trilogy, "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World."* The animation department built their assets from the ground up for the film.* The film used new animation software called "Premo," "Torch" and "Apollo." These allowed for more subtly in facial animation, and made the characters look more realistic instead of moving masses. "Apollo" allowed the animators to manipulate the characters using Cintiq tablets in real time, instead of opening a separate window and entering the exact amount you wanted something to move. DeBlois said, "it allows animators to go back to working with their hands."