Five years after the first film ended, the people of Berk are living in harmony with dragon-kind. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is to be the next chief, and his friends are the same as ever. However, their new-found peace is unexpectedly shattered as Drago Bludvist, a terrifying and insane Viking warrior, begins stealing dragons to form a vast fire-breathing army. During the fight to stop Bludvist, Hiccup is aided by an unexpected ally. His Mother.
How To Train Your Dragon 2 includes many of the voice talents that were present in the last film, such as America Ferrera as Astrid and Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup's Father. Cate Blanchett, known for her roles in The Lord of the Rings and Blue Jasmine, joins the cast as Valka, Hiccup's Mother. Kit Harington (of Game of Thrones) is also a new cast member, voicing Eret, a dragon trapper.
HTTYD 2 is just as full of life and laughter as it's predecessor. Often fast paced, the film never leaves you bored. There are plenty of amusing moments to keep viewers of all ages entertained, provided mostly by Hiccup's friends. Although, it should be noted that HTTYD 2 is not simply another mildly funny children's film. It becomes rather apparent during the course of the film that there are many different emotions being portrayed, giving it some extra depth and meaning. How To Train Your Dragon 2 does a wonderful job of building on the story of the first film. The backstory of Hiccup's father, Stoick, is revealed, as well as what happened to Hiccup's Mother. This develops the characters of the series well, and makes them more believable and likeable. In fact, many of the characters are further developed in this film, making the story seem more complex by making the characters more emotionally complicated. This doesn't apply to some of Hiccup's friends, however, who are as simple as ever!
HTTYD 2 is amazingly animated. From the frozen and desolate landscapes to the more beautiful and picturesque ones, the entire film is masterfully done.
The first half of this film is slower than the last half, which can sometimes leave you waiting for something exciting to happen. However, this may be one of the film's only flaws. And besides Cate Blanchett's accent being a little bit iffy, there is hardly anything wrong with this film at all. Overall, it is an outstanding and entertaining film that is suitable for the whole family. Amazingly animated, and surprisingly complex and emotional. How To Train Your Dragon 2 will make you laugh, smile, and maybe even cry. An outstanding film.
