I finally got to see it! It sucked not being able to see it on its opening weekend, but I finally made it and I can't even begin to explain it. There are no words to describe the beauty that is this feature. Dreamworks knows how to make a film and also an equally amazing and heart throbbing sequel. Seriously, this the year of phenomenal sequels and How To Train Your Dragon Two is just the icing on top of the under appreciated vanilla cake.
Okay, now I have begin to fawn over the movie somewhere. So lets begin with my favorite aspect. The animation. Dreamworks has to be my favorite animation studio in america. They create such flawless films, and the attention that is paid detail such as fine lines and whisping hairs is gorgeous. Definitely rivaling Pixar. With the five year time skip that this movie had it was absolutely required for our established characters to show some aging. Weather it be the slight changes to the males who bulked out and became taller. Even though I call bullcrap with twenty-year-old viking not being able to properly grow facial hair. They also made very subtle changes to their face structures so the y became a bit more angular. Where as the women received more curves, longer hair and breasts (to some extent). Not including the outfit changes each character got to match there personality and maturity. With the twin's costumes not changing to drastically, as compared to Astrid and Hiccup. Now the older characters got more sunken eyes, greying hair and either began to appear less bulky or more hunched over. Even Stoic had fine lines around his eyes, which I thought really added to his more nostalgic moments. Overall, the animation was fluid and awe-inspiring.
On to the characters. Where I only really have one or so gripe. Astrid was not as much of an important character as I would have personally liked. Especially since there was a lot of alluding to a possible marriage between her and Hiccup, so i was a bit disappointed to not see that relationship developed more. But that also made it a bit better when Hiccup was saving his lover, but his people and friends. A bit more nobel, right? Also, I dearly appreciate the decision to make most of the kids from the previous film comic relief character. That fit there personalities greatly and allowed much more emphasis on the new characters and their relationships. Plus this also relieved some of the more climatic moments. Which made this movie much more serious and relatable as a movie. Since there were some rather intense moments, that made several audience members tear up. It also opened up more room for the dynamics between Stoic and Valka who were finally reunited! (Not spoilery its in the trailers!) And the moments between them were utterly adorable and such so lively. It brought up questions, but showed how care free and enchanting love is even after years of strain. If its true and strong, their won't be much animosity and it also sent the message how marriage is a partnership made up of two equals. A very important for today's youth. This leads to another shout out to Gobber who alludes to himself being gay in one scene, which I have to say is pretty daring in a children's movie. But its progress and I much enjoyed that plot twist.
So the story and script was comical and layered with detail and themes. I couldn't possibly do any justice to the artistic masterpiece that is this film when it comes to explaining the overall plot and script. all I really have to say is that the script was hilarious and well timed, incorporating material from the previous movie and adding in new punchlines that kept running splendidly throughout the film. Now, I went into this film already anticipating what was to come so I didn't experience this film to its greatest extent. although with that said I still enjoyed myself and my expectations we exceed.
How To Train Your Dragon is good for all ages, so don't make it an excuse!
