Josa Lamont | News editor
June 12, 2014
MOVIE RATING: 4.5 stars out of 5
Themes like “people don’t change,” “altruism through leadership” and “good conquers evil” are supposed to be passe to people of maturity, but despite traditions, “How to Train your Dragon 2” gives youth to old ideas.
An animated movie preaches to children about how to be an adult and often lacks a grabbing intrigue, but when Dreamworks injects the depth of character and complexity to its newest film release the result is gripping.
Despite several moments of doubtful synchronicity and moderately unbelievable coincidence that rivals “Breaking Bad,” humor peppers each beautifully animated scene to construct an array of strong emotions and interest.
Moments of joyful romance contrast playful animal humor that brings your favorite pet to mind. Deeper moments of fear and suspense complement joy and relief to give the film a rhythm and pace that keep audiences engrossed.
The richness and range of emotion is experienced because of strong vocal delivery by the characters on screen, with talented names like Kit Herrington, Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler and Cate Blanchett.
Strong animation and acting can only bring so much to the table without a balanced script, and Dean Deblois composed a brilliant structure, woven with subplots and developments, if it can be forgiven for where it might be a bit far fetched: after all it is a movie about dragons.
To keep it human DeBlois includes classic hurdles of growing up, including teens struggling to find where they might fit in, how much to fight authority, how to cope with forgiving their parents and worst of all, hormones.
Beyond hormones are crazy characters everyone can relate to like tyrannical leaders, idealist hippies and fire breathing teething infants.
The exploration and search for answers the preceding “How to Train Your Dragon” lent itself to were picked up effortlessly and naturally, paving the route for the history and development of the lands around Berk. Dragon behaviors and locales built wide opportunity for animators to develop color and creativity to fill the seas and skies of their constructed universe.
The entirety of the film is smooth, interesting and amusing. While it explores life in a simplified way it reaches deep into imagination to find elaborate detail. It would be hard for anyone not to find something to enjoy in the content or the fresh and unique approach to timeless themes.
It can be hard to find something in Hollywood that isn’t played out or over done, especially in series films, but this sequel is unlike anything the movie industry has created in a long time.
