How to Train Your Dragon 2 Review

RYAN: As I’ve been off interviewing stars for their new movies next week, I took time off from reviewing and sent associate Chuck Walker to screen this one.  I know you loved the first installment.  How was it?

CHUCK: You’re so right – I have anxiously been anticipating this movie since even before the credits rolled on the first one! That movie so emotionally and visually moved me, I remember thinking to myself ‘Whoa! Pixar should take some notes!’ This time around, co director and co writer of the first, Dean DuBlois, has taken the helm of the second, and what a ship he’s built!

RYAN: Nice metaphor, Noah! (laughs) Why so good this time?

CHUCK: There is such a unique vision in this film and it contains a cast of awesome, quirky characters that truly touch the heart. This movie takes place five years after the first and although the characters have aged, the action and palate of the film has gotten more vibrant! If that’s even possible…

RYAN: I know the first one has a lot of fans – I’ve never heard anything bad about it.  How’s the animation?

CHUCK:  It’s ridiculous.  And the 3D is off the chart! The colors and crispness of the renderings are truly the stamp of many gifted artists. This is one movie that is a must see in 3D. But more importantly, it’s the story and relationships that truly set this film apart from other movies. All of the characters, human AND dragon, and their relationships, are fully fleshed out. With the addition of some new faces, the relationships are allowed to grow.

RYAN: Good themes in a movie can certainly make it memorable.

CHUCK: I really appreciate that everyone involved took their time to make this film. It’s so obvious in the strong storytelling and visuals, along perfect casting. Getting Cate Blanchett, Djimon Hounsou and Kit Harrington to climb on board just adds more weight to an already strong cast (all of whom return to reprise their roles). Blanchett is, of course, waymazing.

RYAN: And now Oscar-winning Best Actress.  She’s a lil out of touch, LBH, but she is brilliant in her craft.  I love fantasy movies though – how are the dragons?  Does Elliott make a cameo?

CHUCK: (laughs) No.  But the dragons are not to be upstaged by the humans, and they succeed masterfully. Attaining such emotion and individuality in non-verbal characters is no simple task. I wish Toothless could be nominated for an Academy Award. I’m creating a new catagory: Best Sidekick.

RYAN: Cute.  How’s the score?

CHUCK: John Powell also returns as composer and he, again, has creates epically gorgeous and triumphant music that lifts an already high-in-the-clouds film. See what I did there?! LOL (I’m actually listening to it now and crying)

RYAN: All right, pull it together.  What’s your bottom line?

CHUCK: I cannot rave enough about this movie! Your movie club all agreed and there wasn’t a dry eye in the group when we all left the theater. Hollywood in general needs to take note that THIS is how you make a sequel. How to Train Your Dragon 2 is indeed why we go to the movies!!! Grab the whole family, and run to the nearest theater. By far my favorite of the year so far!

RYAN: Ok, sold.  Glad everyone enjoyed it so much.  Thanks for the report, Chuck!

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