A great follow-up that feels natural

Rating: 10/10 (20 October 2019)

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a worthy follow up that's easily on par with the first, if not even better. It boasts the requisite stellar visuals and talented returning voice cast, that alone gives it six stars. The way the story progresses in such a natural, satisfying way that doesn't feel forced yields two more. (So far we're at eight.) The emotional beats work on so many levels. Whether it's watching Valka reunite with Hiccup and later Stoick or the sacrifice and funeral of the latter, you're made of stone if you don't tear up even just a little bit. Just saying. I give it one more for that. (Now we're at nine stars.) And now for the most important ingredient that yields the tenth and final star. (Insert drum-roll here.) TOOTHLESS IS SO ADORABLE! HE'S JUST SO CUTE! Okay, in all seriousness, while Toothless is easily responsible for some of the first six stars, the tenth star has gotta be given for John Powell's amazing score. Every track makes each scene feel exciting, (Dragon Racing, Battle of the Bewilderbeast) wondrous, (Together We Map The World, Flying With Mother) dark, (Meet Drago, Alpha Comes To Berk) emotional, (Stoick's Ship) and even satisfying. (Two New Alphas.) All this comes together to create an excellent experience that's worth re-visiting.