Just like the first, this is a happy and average animated film

Rating: 6/10 (20 January 2020)

The world of HTTYD is fun and has obvious analogies to our world, whether towards animals or towards other societies or natives, but the plots are standard fare. The bond between Hiccup and Toothless is a heartwarming one, and seeing Toothless come back to him despite the Alpha's control was a great scene. The plot is cut and dried, with an obvious redemption arc, a token sacrifice (which was still well played in the moment), and Hiccup being the obvious hero while everyone else stands around watching. Exactly how the Alpha via Drogo controls other dragons, and how he was taken down at the end, were pretty vague, as was Drogo's specific reasoning to put together an army and take control now when it seems like all he needs is the Alpha control to get everyone. Astrid was more or less ignored by the film. I honestly didn't find it convincing from a coming of age perspective - Hiccup doesn't learn about himself, he just saves the day with Toothless. It's still an interesting world and the plot mostly works, and you still end up rooting for Hiccup and Toothless. Mediocre, but not quite a disappointment.