Dragon Master

Rating: 10/10 (14 June 2014)

This film is highly recommended.
Se-quel-i-tis: The unnecessary remaking of a tale once told, based on a previous original idea using familiar characters, plot, and setting in order to profit from the prior knowledge and admiration of an unsuspecting viewing audience; this becomes a popular practice whenever the creative force is bereft of any new thoughts or practices with the sole purpose of exploiting the masses in search of its own identity.
Nowadays, so many books and films suffer from this malady. Commonplace in today's world, this safe haven is the ideal format for writers and filmmakers who may be hatching a moneymaking scheme at the cost of their own integrity. The results usually become a disappointing venture that is a par below their first imaginative offering.
￼My apprehension for returning to the "new-old" has been regularly tested, especially with recent past experiences the likes of The Amazing Spiderman 2, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Mr. Peabody and Sherman. That said, How to Train Your Dragon 2 may be the cure. This animated film is a new breed of sequel: an uplifting and marvelous blending of wonderful visual images with a clever and insightful story about courage and family ties. HTTYD2 is one of the best films of the year, totally satisfying and absolutely enthralling.
￼Somehow avoiding all the similar traps and formula that befall other second helpings, HTTYD2 is a giddy joyride, an unabashed delight for the entire family. Kudos go to Dean DeBlois who has written a literate screenplay that avoids sophomoric humor and dated pop references and also for his yeoman-like direction. Fine voice-over work from Cate Blanchett, Gerald Butler, America Ferrera, Djimon Housou, and Kristen Wiig complete this delightful filmgoing experience, with special mention to Jay Baruchel, vocally perfect in capturing the teenage tone and awkwardness of the film's hero, Hiccup. The film does occasionally slip into conventional sequel territory and its villain is a tad one-dimensional, but those minor infractions are few.
￼The story takes play five years after the first film, in a land of Berk where humans and dragons peacefully co-mingle. Hiccup is now a gawky teenager full of self doubt and recklessness, ready for adventure but not ready to take over the throne of his father's Viking kingdom. Trouble looms just outside its gates in the form of an evil dragon tamer named Drago. Hiccup, along with his trusty and loyal reptilian sidekick, Toothless, decide to make peace, not war, by trying to plead their case to this marauder and his winged fire-breathing army. Of course, that decision leads to more conflict than expected.
￼HTTYD2 remains a thrilling adventure, a visceral treat for old and young alike. The mind- blowing aerial sequences are energized with enough panoramic vistas, wide angle perspectives, and fluid camera-work that one is simply amazed at its artistry. The photo realistic details are stunning achievements in state-of-the-arts animation. Colors literally pop and the background settings are massive in scope. Textures (ice, water, fire, fur, scales, etc) are exacting and precise. Characters are nicely rendered and their natural movements subtly enhanced. The dragons come in all sorts and sizes with unique features and they themselves all have that cute as a puppy persona which helps to instantly connect with viewers.
￼This is masterful animation in every frame. No sloppy seconds, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is that rare children's film that has more to say than "Gimme your money." It is a exhilarating film experience that captivates its audience and begs for another viewing. If more sequels had this much imagination and artistic inventiveness, all I can say is, "Gimme more new-old!" GRADE: A-
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￼NOTE: I saw this film in its 3D IMAX format, expensive, but well worth the price for any serious cinephile and / or lover of superior animation.