How to Train Your Dragon 2 is the sequel to the 2010 film of the same name. Directed by Dean DeBlois, it stars Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Cate Blanchet, Djimon Hounsou, and Kit Harington. For more information, see our review of the film. In addition, we will discuss its characters, storyline, and the latest advancements in animation technology.
Review
This sequel to How to Train Your Dragon is a fun, if not completely successful, continuation of the popular animated series. The movie is smart, funny, and entertaining for children. While the original film was more grounded and focused, the sequel tries to go for emotion and scope. Although it’s an improvement, there are some flaws with this film. We discuss a few of them below. If you’re thinking about seeing this film, keep these ideas in mind.
While the movie is still a family-friendly adventure, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 is darker and more mature than the first film, with more real-life consequences and stakes. While it’s not as inspiring as its predecessor, it does maintain the fun and family-friendly atmosphere of its predecessor, and its charming characters make it easy to recommend to kids. It is also fun, if predictable, and will entertain families for a long time.
The action and pacing in HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 isn’t as consistent as the first film, but it’s still an entertaining movie. Hiccup’s relationship with his father is fleshed out, and Toothless is explored more fully. The movie also offers great special features, including the inclusion of Hiccup’s pet Toothless. Overall, this is a fun movie for kids to see.
Hiccup’s narration in How to Train Your Dragon 2 parallels the storyline of the first film. While the characters are still largely the same, the film takes on an increasingly complex theme: Hiccup becoming the leader of Berk. The story focuses on the role of family in defining a person’s character and identity. Although Hiccup is different from his father Stoick, he fears that he cannot live up to his father’s leadership style.
Characters
How to Train Your Dragon 2 continues the story of the beloved animated series with a sequel to its original. Following Hiccup and his dragon Toothless as they successfully unite the Vikings and dragons on the island of Berk, the sequel continues to explore new worlds and chart uncharted territories. Along the way, they find a secret ice cave inhabited by hundreds of wild dragons. Unfortunately, the journey is not without its share of obstacles, including a vicious dragon rider who wants to kill Hiccup and Toothless.
Stoick and Hiccup have their own point of view, and Mother Valka takes up the father’s viewpoint. Both of these characters advocate for the protection of “our own” and their children. Unfortunately, Stoick’s father, Stoick, doesn’t share the same sentiments. The two of them disagree on how to deal with the dragons. Ultimately, Hiccup’s journey leads him to face a difficult choice.
Hiccup’s mother, Valka, and sister Berk are both in danger of being captured by the ruthless Drago. Drago has plans to capture all the dragons in the world and enslave them. While he warns Stoick about the threat of Drago, Stoick fortifies Berk, and Hiccup refuses to believe that war is inevitable. However, he is determined to stop Drago’s plans by defeating him.
Story
The Story of How to Train Your Dragon 2 continues the story of Hiccup and Toothless five years after the events of the first movie. The dragons have made peace with the village and each resident now has a personal dragon. Hiccup has grown into a confident young man and is eager to explore new territory with Toothless. The story is fun and entertaining, but it has a few points that may not be suitable for children.
The film continues the adventures of Hiccup and Toothless, but takes some unexpected turns. Like its predecessor, the story is unevenly delivered and features a few unexpected choices, which may not sit well with younger audiences. While children may have no problem handling the film, parents may want to consider discussing some of the darker scenes and choices with their children before letting them see the film. The Story of How to Train Your Dragon 2 is one of the best animated movies of the year.
While Hiccup and Toothless are two of the most beloved dragons in the world, they are also among the most misunderstood. Many people associate dragons with violence, but this is far from the case. Hiccup’s attempt to act as a peacemaker falls flat. Eventually, he defeats Drago Bloodfist, and becomes the chief of the tribe. Sadly, he’s no better than his father.
In the first movie, Hiccup and Astrid were a couple. This time, Hiccup has found a better way to live in Berk. The dragons there are now living among the Berk villagers as companions and working animals. Hiccup even participates in a dragon-riding sport. In this sport, the dragons and riders compete to catch sheep. However, this game has an element of risk and danger.
Advances in animation technology
Advanced animation technology can create incredible visual effects in animated films. The production of How to Train Your Dragon 2 utilized cutting-edge digital technology to bring the story to life. The film’s creators used HP workstations, blade servers, and private cloud services to create a world of breathtakingly realistic and emotionally moving scenes. For the film, HP worked with DreamWorks Animation to develop a billion-color display that enabled artists to view a truer color for their animation technologies.
A new animation system was developed to help the animators add details to the characters, such as the wings, skin, and fur. The software’s developer, DWA, has been working on this system for the past 17 years. He worked as the production manager on the first Shrek film in 2001. This company was founded the same year that Netscape went public. By 1994, the internet had become a powerful medium. To accelerate the production of Dragon 2, the DWA team developed the Apollo software suite, which uses cloud technology to simulate light behavior.
The new animation software is also responsible for bringing Hiccup’s world to life. The film’s characters’ facial expressions are more realistic and believable than in the original film, thanks to advancements in animation technology. DreamWorks has a long history of introducing new technology and software to its animated films, and this latest project is no exception. Aside from the impressive effects, How To Train Your Dragon 2 is also full of fun and action for the whole family.
The production is also being remastered for digital video and released in IMAX 3D. This technology has been crucial in the production of the first two films, and it will only improve on that with How To Train Your Dragon 2.
Comparisons with Shrek 2
Comparisons with Shrek 2 are inevitable given the film’s similarity to the original. While both feature the same characters, Shrek is more colorful and well-animated. Both films also feature a strong blend of adventure, romance, and humor. However, the second film lacks the original’s magic and shock factor. For all its similarities to the first film, Shrek 2 is a worthy sequel.
While the first film was a colossal success, Shrek 2 has the distinct advantage of remaining irreverent, despite fulfilling serious’moral’ obligations. The sequel is more realistically shot, but it still looks cold compared to recent Pixar movies. Despite its raunchy ambiance, the human characters look like cheap knock-offs of Toy Story toys. Nevertheless, the film is still a huge hit.
The plot is the same as the first Shrek film, with the same green ogre playing the same role. As in the first film, the movie begins with Shrek and Princess Fiona on their honeymoon. In the meantime, Shrek is reunited with his cartoon donkey pal Eddie Murphy, as they journey to meet Fiona’s parents. The two are soon confused when their friends Donkey (Eddie Murphy) shows up at the wedding.
While there are some flaws with Shrek 2, it’s still a great family movie. The film doesn’t have a great story and isn’t as memorable as the original, but it’s a solid sequel. While it’s not as good as the first, it does maintain its playful tone and adorable characters. Despite the flaws in its script, Shrek 2 is an enjoyable and charming movie for the entire family.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.