Dragon 2
Directed by Dean DeBlois
Genre: Animated Fantasy, Adventure
Running time: 102 minutes
Released: 2014
by DreamWorks Animation
It’s been five years since Hiccup and Toothless successfully united dragons and vikings on the island of Berk. While Astrid, Snotlout, and the rest of the gang are challenging each other to dragon races (the island’s new favorite contact sport), the now inseparable pair journey through the skies, charting unmapped territories and exploring new worlds. When one of their adventures leads to the discovery of a secret ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace. Now, Hiccup and Toothless must unite to stand up for what they believe in while recognizing that only together do they have the power to change the future of both men and dragons.
I found the film to be much deeper than its prequel. The first movie is more lighthearted and humorous. In comparison, while keeping to the standard battle between good and evil, this second movie is darker with more intense action. The antagonist, Drago Bludvist, is an evil warlord who controls dragons in order to conquer the world. The themes of control and dominance bring darkness to Hiccup’s world that wasn’t present in the first movie, as normally kind dragons are forced to do terrible things.
There are many clichéd themes in this film. There is the traditional good versus evil plot. The evil warlord who wants to take over the world. The young hero who seeks to stop him. And the unexpected discovery that Hiccup makes (that I don’t want to spoil). However, these worked for me because the filmmakers tie them well together. In the midst of the tragedy and action, there is humor and light-heartedness. I like how the film doesn’t take itself too seriously; it acknowledges how ridiculous the idea of Vikings riding dragons is and works humor out of this. The film is also very emotional with the underlying themes of self-discovery as Hiccup tries to discover just who he is and what he wants to become.
I typically find sequels to be rather bland, but this one was far from it. While keeping with the humor and fun that made How to Train Your Dragon good, How to Train Your Dragon 2 adds more depth to Hiccup’s world, further developing it and the characters that live in it. This is a movie that I would definitely recommend!
There is also an art book for the movie.
The Art of How to Train Your Dragon 2
by Linda Sunshine
Genre: Art Book Hardback: 160 Pages
Publication: May 6, 2014 by Newmarket Press
The Art of How to Train Your Dragon 2 is an insider’s guide to the creative process behind the creation of the film. It includes over 650 concept sketches, preliminary drawings, architectural plans, and digital artwork revealing how the art was created. I like how it shows the evolution of the characters and how they evolved from initial concept sketches into full-fledged characters as well as architectural designs for the different settings. If you have any interest in exploring the creation of the film, then I recommend checking out this book.
In fact, you can enter to win one on this blog today, for Harper Collins has kindly provided a copy of The Art of How to Train Your Dragon 2 for giveaway.
Another bonus entry if you tweet about this giveaway
● Open to the United States
● Giveaway ends July 21st, 2014
● Full contest terms and conditions can be found on Rafflecopter
Comment suggestion
If you had a dragon friend, what would the two of you do (for recreation / leisure)?
Author: Austin
Austin enjoys reading fantasy books and watching a variety of films from actions to dramas. In his free time, he can be found gaming.
Glenn Woods says
We really enjoyed the first movie so I would love to win this!
Jordan James says
How awesome! Thank you! 🙂
cyn209 says
i hope that my 'dragon-friend' & i would do all sorts of adventures, flying all over the world!!!
Haley Scully says
I haven't seen the second movie, but I really want to, and I loved the first one. I would watch TV with my dragon friend.
kimbacaffeinate says
I haven't seen either, but I do love dragons and when it airs on Netflix I will watch it 🙂
MelMuff says
Awesome movie and thanks for this contest. 🙂
MelMuff says
Plus, it's my birthday tomorrow so winning this contest would be an awesome present for me. 😀
ILoveAddisonRaine says
My daughter says to go on an adventure to a puppy world full of puppies!
Carmel @ Rabid Reads says
Oooh, I can't wait to watch this movie! I love animated films, and dragons are a favourite of mine, plus I really enjoyed the first one. I'd BBQ with my dragon friend if I had one. 😉
Candace says
We just went and saw this yesterday and I agree with your review. I like that it had more depth but still had the fun and silliness as well. I was a little afraid that the scary bits with the bad guy might be too much for my 5 year old who's a chicken, but he seemed to do okay. I like these movies because they are just as entertaining for the adult.
Thanks for the giveaway too, my daughter LOVES to draw and would really enjoy this.
Jason Chen says
This is an amazing review. It gives an in-depth review of the plot-line while not exposing all spoilers. I definitely will check this movie out.