Movie Review: How to Train Your Dragon 2

How to Train Your Dragon 2/Rated PG/DreamWorks Animation/Dir. by Dean DeBlois/102 min.

Referring to a sequel as the Empire Strikes Back of its franchise has become somewhat of a film criticism cliche.  It is, in essence, a quick shorthand meaning that the film is a) equal to or of higher quality than the original and/or b)darker in tone, while still maintaining a similar overall feel.  However, the comparison is apt for more than just those reasons when applied to DreamWorks' new animated sequel, How to Train Your Dragon 2.  Yes, the sequel is at least equal in quality to the surprisingly excellent original (upon further viewings, I may even decide it's better) and, yes, it's unquestionably darker in tone while still keeping the fun and humor associated with the earlier adventures of Hiccup and Toothless, but there are certain thematic and plot development elements that are very much like Star Wars: Episode V.  Indeed, this IS the Empire of the Dragon series.

We begin five years after the events of the first film and thanks to the forward thinking of young Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), the vaguely Scottish Viking colony of Berk has been living in harmony with their former enemies, the dragons.  In fact, the Dragons have become regular members of the community with many of the facilities formally used for armaments now used as stabled for the beasties.  However, Hiccup is still not always on the same page as his rugged chieftain father, Stoick (Gerard Butler).  Now, the topic which they are most at odds about is Hiccup's destiny to become the clan chief.  Hiccup avoids talking with his father by flying with his dragon, Toothless, and discovering new lands and new dragons.  On one of these journeys he learns of new dangers facing the peaceful world of Berk, including a mercenary dragon hunter named Eret (Kit Harrington), a warlord named Drago (Djimon Hounsou) and a mysterious dragon rider whose intentions are shrouded in the unknown.

Of course, at the center of this story just as in the first film is the relationship between a boy and his dog, er...dragon and the connection between Hiccup and Toothless is one of the most touching depictions of the very real bond between man and animal.  Masterfully animated, Toothless combines the characteristics of a fearsome predator, a loyal puppy dog and a somewhat rebellious child, making him one of the most lovable animal characters to ever grace the silver screen.

The animation throughout is the best the studio has ever produced.  There are more images of jaw-dropping beauty than in any film since 2009's Avatar.  Director Deblois has created a film that is visually equal parts exciting and pure art and it all, especially the flying sequences, explodes in 3D.  The colors remain bright and vivid and the world expands around the audience in a way that shows that the 3D was not an after-thought, but an integral part of the creative process.

Adding to the overall experience is a terrific new musical score by John Powell, which expertly incorporates themes from his Oscar-nominated score from the first film while under-laying new themes and musical ideas to enhance the films' ever-expanding universe.

As mentioned above, the plot deals with similar themes as The Empire Strikes Back, and, without giving away any plot details, these events give Dragon 2 a depth and richness rarely found in animation.  The joys and the sorrows are real and heartfelt and don't come cheaply.  In fact, I can't think of another animated film after which my wife and I have spent this much time talking about subtle little plot points and visual cues that were delicately placed throughout.

To 3D or not 3D?:  If you can afford the 3D surcharge, this is an easy yes.  It has equal parts showy camera motion and subtle drawing in to the world.  However, if you find that financially it's a "2D or wait until DVD" type of situation, go with the 2D.  This is a grand, visually enveloping film that deserves to be seen on the big screen in all its glory.

Bottom Line:  How to Train Your Dragon 2 is the film to beat this summer and the best animated film since the Oscar Best Picture-nominated Toy Story 3 (and, yes, I'm including last year's wildly popular, Frozen).  Emotionally rich, narratively complex, and visually stunning, it contains more wit and depth of character than the last three Pixar films combined (and this is coming from a rabid Pixar fan).

Grade: A+