Incredible sequel and an animation film for the ages

Rating: 9/10 (17 June 2015)

In 2010 a little movie called How To Train Your Dragon was released by DreamWorks to great critical and commercial success. As circumstances would have it, I would watch the movie 2 years later and be completely mesmerized by its beauty and amazing storytelling. So with success came the inevitable sequel. I think it's safe to say that most of us fans weren't worried about this one. For starters, the director and writer of the first was back on board. Then there is an undeniable connection between leads Hiccup and Toothless that even with a lackluster script, I think it would still have had its moments. The thing is that not only does HTTYD2 deliver, it is on equal level with its predecessor, but in a different way.
The movie's plot focuses on a now human/dragon community in Berk and all seems well. Hiccup is in search of the many lands and dragons to be discovered, while his father is trying to pass the mantle of leadership onto his son. When Hiccup and his girl Astrid come across a ship that's trapping dragons for an unknown figure named Drago who's assembling a Dragon Army, an impending doom seems certain. Hiccup will also come into contact with his estranged mother, whose disappearance is explained in the most beautiful of ways. In the end though Hiccup will have to make choices and deal with the consequences of what does around him do.
Overall, this movie is a better sequel than most. Not only does it become its own movie without disconnecting from the first one, but also does lead to some bigger stakes, something I feel most sequels should do. The relationship between Hiccup and Toothless is a strong one, yet not impervious to threat. It was very refreshing seeing even the most strong of friendships challenged with both sides coming out stronger after the ordeal and their bond even more apparent.
There's no doubt that comparisons will be made between both movies, and for me I'm still on the fence given I haven't watched the original in a little while. Still I feel that they are of an equally good quality whilst being different from each other. For now though, I can't deny the impact How To Train Your Dragon 2 had on me and I can safely say that this is one of the most incredible movies I've ever seen.
Rating: 9-9,5/10