It is pure art. Musically, emotionally and visually superb.

Rating: 9/10 (23 July 2014)

This movie is definitely one to be remembered and celebrated. More action-packed and thrill-seeking than it's predecessor, it soars high above the standard sequel expectations and takes its place as both standing alone from the first movie and enhancing it.
One of the things I respect most about this series is the elegant storytelling. It transcends the usual methods of communicating information to the audience and brings beautiful, raw emotion into the story. These movies tell the tale of probably the most powerful friendship I have ever seen, and the bond between Hiccup and Toothless is largely formed without words, so nothing unnecessary or cheesy is thrust in.
Unlike so many family movies, with which I can always diffuse the suspense with the reminder that everything is no doubt going to return,a-OK to the G-rated status quo by the time the credits roll, the How to Train Your Dragon movies are filled with a sense of consequence and danger that cannot be denied. The emotions are beautiful, heart- wrenching, bittersweet and laugh-out-loud humorous, leaving you feeling, like any movie should, as if the characters are friends you've known for ages.
Like the original, the flight scenes are breathtaking, but taken up several notches by improved technology. It was meant to be "filmed" like a live action movie, and you can definitely tell, with the gorgeous, moody lighting and camera angles. I just can't describe how much of a joy this movie is to look at. I mean... textures, oceans, ice, clouds, DRAGONS, flames, explosions, inventions! All rendered in reverent detail, not to mention the way that we see it! You'll leave feeling like you've actually been on a dragon. It's brilliant, and with everything that's going on, you simply have to see it multiple times to get the full effect. Dreamworks has spared no expense.
The relationships between the our favorite Vikings and dragons have blossomed and it's very easy to get sucked into the struggles, sorrows and triumphs of these beautiful characters.I give it a 9/10 only because my 10/10 is reserved for my personal favorite, the first movie, which is equally incredible but in very different ways.