A hugely impressive animated adventure

Rating: 8/10 (9 February 2015)

A visually spectacular and thoroughly fun CGI movie, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a worthy follow up to its inspired predecessor and a movie made absolutely for those young and those young at heart thanks to its brisk pacing, imaginative design and witty yet emotionally resonate script.
Dreamworks original HTTYG was a surprise smash hit that not only made a handy buck for its studio but was well received by critics and audiences alike. The first Dragon was a real blast thanks to its abundance of charming visuals, energetic voice work and sense of adventure and it makes me happy to report that all those elements are well and truly back for Hiccup and Toothless's second instalment and there are consistent moments throughout the movie that will bring a great big smile to the face of all and maybe even a few moments sad reflection. It's great to see a CGI movie make such fine use of a script that appeals to the child in all of us and will no doubt thrill children of all ages thanks to its epic nature.
Flying through the air on the back of a dragon or falling through the clouds feels incredibly vibrant and real once more in this adventure and the stylish aspect of the films production no doubt benefited from renowned DOP Roger Deakin's assistance in crafting the films set pieces. What makes all these elements even more joyous however is the films ability to craft an interesting and effective story around all these dragons and key to the film's success no doubt, lies within its beating heart and it's a real credit to the filmmakers that first and foremost the story portrays something we're actually invested in. In an age where animated films try so hard to be hip or current it's refreshing to see Dragon mix the fun with the serious in such a splendid manner.
A hugely enjoyable ride (sometimes quite literally), How to Train Your Dragon 2 is easily one of last year's best CGI movies and one of the most entertaining movies full stop. This is one of those rare children's films that parents the world over won't be dreading each time their child requests to put it on for the umpteenth time. I for one am looking forward to Hiccup and Toothless's next journey into the exciting dragon filled world.
4 flaming swords out of 5
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