DreamWorks Animation’s 2010 surprise hit “How to Train Your Dragon” was one of the Best Animated films of the year (second only to “Toy Story 3”) and is still one of the top-grossing and most impressive films for the studio. Four years later, DWA soars again with “Dragon 2”, a more dramatic, action-packed and visually stunning sequel.
“How to Train Your Dragon 2” picks-up five-years after the end of the original. Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) is now 20. Through love and understanding he has completely united dragons and the people of the island of Berk. They now live together, work together and play together. His best friend is still Toothless, the rare Night Fury. The two spend much of their time flying high above the clouds in search of new lands, and maybe new communities of dragons. But Hiccup soon learns that there is danger not far from home, in the form of Drago, an evil Dragon Master (“Blood Diamond”‘s Djimon Hounsou), who’s looking to capture all dragons to build an army and take-over the world.
Stoick, Hiccup’s father, (voiced once again by Gerard Butler), is pushing his son to replace him as Chief, but Hiccup is much more concerned with trying to make peace and prevent war than follow in the footsteps of his warrior father. Hiccup, as it turns-out, is much more like his mother, who joins the series (excellent voice performance by Cate Blanchett). Valka has been a dragon caretaker for the past 20 years in a nearby land, and the reuniting of this family is the cornerstone of this sequel.
There’s a lot going on in “How to Train Your Dragon 2”. The original was mostly about the relationship between Hiccup and Toothless, but that element takes a backseat this time until the final act (that includes some nice twists). The core of “Dragon 2” is the family dynamic, which is played out in a series of well written scenes. The up-close conversations and facial movements of the human characters are more authentic than we’ve ever seen portrayed on screen.
The major difference this time is in the subject matter, which is quite heavy. Themes of war, capture, torture, and death dominate the film – not your typical animated movie material. But because this franchise in the right hands, it all works. DreamWorks has now lifted the “Dragon” franchise above everything else the studio is producing. “Dragon 2” is an animated action/drama, with real emotion and power. Each aerial and battle sequence (and there are many) provides its own “wow” moment, and the messages about forgiveness, friendship and living to one’s potential are nicely prominent.
My main issue with “Dragon 2” is that, unlike its predecessor, the subject matter and atmosphere are often so dark that it’s difficult to say it’s a fun movie experience. There are a few attempts at humor, but the overall tone is very serious, which will hurt its appeal with younger children. This is a complete 180-degree difference from Disney’s colosal hit, “Frozen”, which has now set the bar at a new height for every major animated movie. Kids between the ages of 7 and 12 did not bug their parents with “Let’s go see ‘Dragon 2’ again!” The lack of repeat business from this key demo, without a doubt, hurt the film at the box office and prevented it from becoming a mega-financial hit.
Still, with its amazing animation, a risky, adult script, and outstanding voice work all around, “Dragon 2” is a remarkable achievement and a lock for a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” gets a B+.