by Leah Stone
Sequels are often debated upon. With some films, it is better if they are stand-alone, as when a sequel is created it has to try and beat the quality of the first film, and sometimes this isn’t possible. Or maybe the first film was so awful that not even a sequel can bring it back. The first How to Train Your Dragon film was, let’s face it, incredible. And just when you think a sequel could never meet the high standards set by the first, How to Train Your Dragon 2 comes along and completely surpassed the first one. .
Sequels are often debated upon. With some films, it is better if they are stand-alone, as when a sequel is created it has to try and beat the quality of the first film, and sometimes this isn’t possible. Or maybe the first film was so awful that not even a sequel can bring it back. The first How to Train Your Dragon film was, let’s face it, incredible. And just when you think a sequel could never meet the high standards set by the first, How to Train Your Dragon 2 comes along and completely surpassed the first one. .
Its five years since the events of the first film. Hiccup and his loveable dragon Toothless are close than ever as is our heroes relationship with Astrid. The whole of Berk have accepted dragons into their lives and is leaving peacefully alongside one another. However, as Hiccup follows his heart, he finds himself in trouble again when he comes face to face with a Drago thief named Drago. Can Berk survive this new onslaught?
The animation is first-rate. Dreamworks have succeeded in not only creating an outstanding film but have competed against the likes of Pixar and, frankly, excelled in what some are calling their Renaissance period of the studio. Everything is so clear, so detailed, that it completely immerses you as though you were actually there. In addition, the voice actors such as Jay Baruchel and America Ferra return to make this film epic. It is a wonder how they manage to keep the voices exactly the same as they were in the first film, and Cate Blanchett is a great addition to an already stellar cast.
The animation is first-rate. Dreamworks have succeeded in not only creating an outstanding film but have competed against the likes of Pixar and, frankly, excelled in what some are calling their Renaissance period of the studio. Everything is so clear, so detailed, that it completely immerses you as though you were actually there. In addition, the voice actors such as Jay Baruchel and America Ferra return to make this film epic. It is a wonder how they manage to keep the voices exactly the same as they were in the first film, and Cate Blanchett is a great addition to an already stellar cast.
With the story, we follow a curious and courageous Hiccup as he tries to defeat Drago and saves the day (again). It is not easy, of course. He is met by many adversaries and faces many challenges that test him to the limit. However we learn, through his experiences, that no matter how hard things get, you can always find a way through it. He gains so much, but also loses so much as well, and at the end you are inspired by the fact that through everything he still has the power, the strength to go on and lead Berk. The film also teaches the importance of forgiveness. When Hiccup comes across someone who he had not seen in years, who had seemingly run off and abandoned himself and Berk, he forgives that person, despite all of the pain that they had caused. The importance of this forgiveness is shown throughout the rest of the film.
So yes, HTTYD2 teaches children key things that they should keep through life. But it is also greatly entertaining. Like the first film, there are hilarious moments of humour, juxtaposed beside moments of sadness, violence, war, happiness, excitement, adrenaline. The plot is a perfect mix of emotional output, action and entertaining scenes to create a brilliant film that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike.
With an amazing voice cast, brilliant plot-lines, humour, emotion, fabulous visuals; animation and great morals, How to Train Your Dragon 2 takes you on an emotional roller-coaster that you never want to end, and it is one of the best films of 2014.
So yes, HTTYD2 teaches children key things that they should keep through life. But it is also greatly entertaining. Like the first film, there are hilarious moments of humour, juxtaposed beside moments of sadness, violence, war, happiness, excitement, adrenaline. The plot is a perfect mix of emotional output, action and entertaining scenes to create a brilliant film that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike.
With an amazing voice cast, brilliant plot-lines, humour, emotion, fabulous visuals; animation and great morals, How to Train Your Dragon 2 takes you on an emotional roller-coaster that you never want to end, and it is one of the best films of 2014.
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