At The Omniplex: ‘How To Train Your Dragon 2’

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How To Train Your Dragon 2

By John Lyons

rsz_dragon_1If I had to sit down and make a list of my five favourite animated films right this second, ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ would definitely be on that list.

Dreamworks really outdid themselves in 2010 with a breathtaking adaptation of Cressida Cowell’s book series about a young, meek viking who befriends a wounded dragon.

The premise might sound a bit odd, but the film is a solid 10/10. It’s Dreamworks finest animated film yet. I would even go as far to say that it’s very close to being a perfect film.

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ is not a film that I would’ve imagined to have a sequel in the works, but ,in fact, it was the first instalment of a planned trilogy. The second act of the trilogy, ‘How to Train your Dragon 2’, has just arrived in cinemas.

It has a lot to live up to, and for fans of the first film, the question on all our minds is can Dreamworks deliver again?

It’s been four years since the first film and interestingly all the characters have aged by four years as well. Protagonist Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) and his friends are all entering young adulthood and trying to find their place in the world.

The film continues the story of Hiccup and his pet dragon, Toothless, as they set out to discover and chart unexplored territories.

After the pair have a close encounter with a group of dragon-trappers, Hiccup and Toothless happen upon a mysterious dragon rider, who leads them to a hidden ice cave filled with thousands of dragons.

Hiccup soon finds himself in the middle of a war being waged on the dragons by the dragon-trappers leader – Draco Bludvist (voiced by Djimon Hounsou).

Even though the film is epic in scope, what makes ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ special is that rather than trying to dazzle us with spectacle, the filmmakers instead focus on the complex, intimate relationships between the main characters.

The core of the film centers on Hiccup’s family ties and accepting his responsibility to protect his loved ones at all costs.

Despite the fact that it’s very much a family-friendly film, ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ isn’t afraid to deal with dark subject matters that most other animated films would normally shy away from.

The characters in the film go through some traumatic experiences and learn some harsh truths, not the least of which is that not all conflicts can be solved peacefully.

I think that bold creative decisions like these are what really elevates the film to greatness.

‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ may not have surpassed the first film, but it’s still by all means a worthy successor. And with the sole exception of ‘The Lego Movie’, ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ is the strongest animated film I’ve had the pleasure of watching this year.

8/10

•  ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ is currently playing at Tralee Omniplex. For times of showings more click here

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