How to Train Your
Dragon 2. Rated PG (mild fantasy themes and violence). 102 minutes. Written and
directed by Dean DeBlois. Based on the novels by Cressida Cowell.
Verdict: This
perfectly dazzling sequel is a must-see in 3D.
A sequel to the
stunning How to Train Your Dragon (2010) was always going to be tricky. The
first film (in what is now slated as a trilogy) was a complete story in its own
right – a classic rite of passage tale about a young Viking, Hiccup (Jay
Baruchel), and the fearsome dragons he would learn to understand, tame and
love.
Not that any
reservations appear to have troubled DeBlois and his collaborators, for here we
have the most perfect sequel imaginable – a film that not only looks and sounds
magnificent, but one that takes the story of Hiccup (a perfect Baruchel again)
and his clan to fantastic new heights of storytelling.
From the opening
shot, DeBlois and editor John Carr are never less than in complete control,
with a dazzling (in 3D it is mind-blowing) opening sequence of gravity-defying
spectacle, as the clan’s young dragon riders participate in the annual Dragon
Race. While Hiccup and Toothless are away exploring new worlds, they fall foul
of a gang of dragon trappers who are working for the evil despot Drago Bludvist
(Djimon Hounsou). Using a ferocious alpha dragon’s powers of hypnotism to turn
the peaceful dragons against their owners, Bludvist is threatening to take over
every clan in the land.
Packed with high
drama and spectacular action in equal measure, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a
remarkable achievement. DeBlois refuses to shy away from the confronting events
that occur in Hiccup’s perilous fight (and flight) for independence, and
powered by John Powell’s ravishing score, the emotional stakes at play will
challenge even the hardest of hearts.
This review was
commissioned by the West Australian Newspaper Group.
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