Plot Overview
How to Train Your Dragon 2 is an animated fantasy film released in 2014. The sequel to How to Train Your Dragon, this DreamWorks movie follows the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager, and his dragon, Toothless. Hiccup and his friends soon discover that the peaceful inhabitants of the island hide a mysterious secret that could threaten the existence of their beloved Berk.
The movie begins with Hiccup and Toothless exploring the sea, embarking on daring and thrilling adventures. As their journey progresses, they find a world of dragons, led by a powerful and dangerous alpha dragon. Gruff, yet kind, the dragon introduces Hiccup to the land of Valka, ruled by his long-lost mother.
The alpha dragon informs Hiccup that the evil warlord Drago Bludvist is threatening to enslave all dragons, endangering their existence. Upset by this news, Hiccup and Toothless pledge to help the dragons, and set out to defeat Bludvist and restore the peaceful order.
Animated Fantasy
How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a compelling mix of vibrant animation and exciting fantasy. Director Dean DeBlois, also known for Lilo & Stitch and The Lion King, doesn’t shy away from diving into dragon culture, with plenty of exploration and detail that younger and older viewers alike will appreciate.
This sequel also benefits from additional talent. Hollywood actor Cate Blanchett, who plays the role of Hiccup’s long-lost mother, Valka, adds an extra layer of drama to the story. Blanchett is joined by popular actors such as Kit Harington, Craig Ferguson, and Djimon Hounsou, contributing to the animated fantasy genre.
From sweeping shots of the sky to detailed creature designs, the movie offers a visually stunning spectacle with its innovative animation. The breathtaking scenes and exciting action sequences are sure to keep viewers engaged. Choreography and motion capture technology combined with visuals add an extra layer to the fantastical world of dragons.
Themes and Messages
The movie contains themes of family and sacrifice, hammered home by a memorable final circle of flying dragons of all sizes, along with a heartfelt farewell. The movie also encompasses the idea of environmentalism, as dragons and humans fight together to protect mother nature and the vulnerable. These messages come through loud and clear but are never overbearing.
In addition, How to Train Your Dragon 2 contains a strong emphasis on growth and risk-taking. Hiccup must learn to take greater risks and become a leader if he is to succeed. The audience is treated to the inspiring arc of a young man who learns how to fly and how to show courage in the face of danger. Such powerful messages are sure to influence and inspire.
Critical Reception
Critical reception for How to Train Your Dragon 2 has been mostly positive, with many critics responding positively to the film’s emotional depth, characters, and themes. Many critics also praised the movie for its impressive visuals and groundbreaking animation.
The movie also won a number of awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Animated. Additionally, the movie was nominated for a number of other awards, including the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film and the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Animated Feature.
Overall, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is considered one of the best animated fantasy films of recent years. It has earned widespread critical acclaim for its innovative visuals, profound themes and engaging storytelling.
Score
Composer John Powell, who also composed the scores for the predecessor and the following How to Train Your Dragon movie, returns to create a rich and dynamic soundtrack. Powell uses elements of Nordic melodies and heroic themes to create a soaring and epic score. The gorgeous score amplifies the emotional resonance of the movie, further transporting the viewer into the fantastical world of dragons.
In addition to the score, the movie also contains a few new songs, performed by popular artists such as Jónsi of Sigur Rós, Jeffrey Walker of the British indie rock band Modern Interns, and the English rock band Bastille.
Conclusion
All in all, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a lavish and lyrical animated movie that brings with it compelling themes, exciting battle sequences, and eye-catching visuals. With echoes of Norse mythology and a beautiful score, the movie is sure to captivate viewers of all ages. Dedicated fans of the How to Train Your Dragon series will find much to enjoy in this worthy sequel.
