How To Train Your Dragon 2
Starring: Jay Baruchel (How To Train Your Dragon and This Is The End), Cate Blanchett (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Lord of the Rings) and Gerard Butler (300 and Law Abiding Citizen)
First Impressions Before Seeing The Film
I saw the first one not long since it's been out, it's just today I saw the sequel. My first impression that came to mind is, is it going to be better than the first one? When we think of sequels it's like hit and miss you don't know. Shrek and Shrek 2 personally are great films, but when we think of Fantastic Four and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer it failed. That's why there doing a whole reboot of Fantastic Four because of the second one failing. However, this I went in open minded like I did the first one. I love How To Train Your Dragons simply because it's pure, innocent and the storyline isn't spoon feeding nor complicated.I was more curious what the storyline could be, I mean I saw the trailer so I could guess at some things and try and figure it out. I recently looked at the artwork for the film and it looked stunning. Before I went into the screening, I thought I try out 3D glasses again. Last time was about 2004/2005 simply because the glasses couldn't fit over my glasses so I was messing with them throughout the movie.
After I watched the film
IMDB defines the storyline as "When Hiccup and Toothless discover an 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" This is true to some extent, but I felt when watching this film I felt like the Government with control etc are the baddies and the dragons are freedom fighters. I dunno why, I blame one of my friends that made Harry Potter political. However, whilst watching it in 3D I love the artwork the actual environment they live in it's just inspiring and breath-taking to watch. The animation itself is beautiful to watch even in 2D I would say. I personally love Toothless and Hiccup simply because of how they act and bond with each other. I was surprise how far this film got when I was about half way through, there's so much more than IMDB says and I can see why would ruin it so am not going to say anything else. However, we do discover a lot more about dragons, Hiccup's history and mmmm shall we say the terminology of 'freedom'. This film actually made me cry at one point, because I was thinking to myself "THIS IS DREAMWORKS!" And, from the early days of Shrek to now they have grown so much as a company. But, that sad bit in the film really got to me the people that have seen this film will understand where am coming from. However, it is a major spoiler if I mention it now. BUT, a film well worth seeing simply because you don't have to be a fantasy lover of dragons ANYONE can see this film. Old and grey or young and cheeky can watch this film.
Is it worth watching in 3D?
Personally, I liked the 3D in this film because I liked seeing the oceans, the buildings, the statues and it's just breath-taking. If you want to spend that bit more to make your film experience more remember-able for the scenario sure go for it. However, the more....action packed scenes I still would or wouldn't some bits worked and some didn't. But, for a kids film and animation the 3D Dimension was brilliant especially the 'sheep' moments they were ace. I have to keep remembering this is an animation kids film, but with the glasses on the comedy was funnier I thought and the action was more realistic. So, is it worth watching? Only if you pay for it and your not out of pocket by the end of the night.
So, what's the bottom line?
If you liked the first one, you will even love this film better than the first. As sequels goes, this should be right near the top because it's a beautifully created artwork and the storyline is itself creative. The dragons are cheeky as ever. So, bottom line? Grab a hot batch of sweet popcorn and an ice cold drink because this film is going to be a hot and cold action packed film to enjoy this summer.Tips if watching the film?
No tips for this, it's simple and pure. If you haven't seen any How to Train your Dragon. Go and see it however you can. Simply because, it is one of the best animation films I have seen that isn't Disney. Think of it that way, Disney controls most animation film box office. However, Dreamworks has Turbo (brilliant film and a must watch as well) and even Kung Fu Panda (Jack Black full of Awesomeness). Right now, I can't think of a BAD dreamworks animation film and I mean really bad! Forget the whole sequels to Shrek it's like Friday the 13th there gonna keep on coming. Dreamworks when taking there time knows how to make good animation quality films.
My rankings
IMDB users give this a solid 8.4. I give it a 10 out of 10. I personally, can't see anything wrong with this film. It's powerful, emotional and entertaining to watch.
Here's the link to find out more: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1646971/?ref_=nv_sr_1
