How to Train Your Dragon 2

DreamWorks Animation Studios has produced some incredibly creative features that span over a long period of time, so when "How to Train Your Dragon" came about in 2010, it, if nothing else they've done, definitely put them on the map. It was such a hit, and rightfully so, that they produced yet another appropriately titled "How to Train Your Dragon 2".

It's been five years since Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless (voice designed by Randy Thom) successfully united dragons and Vikings on the island of Berk. While Astrid (America Ferrera), Snotlout (Jonah Hill) and the rest of the gang are challenging each other to dragon races (the island's new favorite contact sport), the now inseparable pair journey through the skies, charting unmapped territories and exploring new worlds. When one of their adventures leads to the discovery of a secret ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle with Hiccup's father, Stoick (Gerald Butler) at their side to protect the peace. Now, Hiccup and Toothless must unite to stand up for what they believe while recognizing that only together do they have the power to change the future of both men and dragons.

Others to round out the cast are Cate Blanchett as Valka, Craig Ferguson as Gobber, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Fishlegs, T.J. Miller as Tuffnut, Kristen Wiig as Ruffnut, Djimon Hounsou as Drago, Kit Harington as Eret, Kieron Elliott as Hoark the Haggard, Philip McGrade as Starkard, Andrew Ableson as Ug, and Gideon Emery as Teeny.

This was directed by Dean DeBlois ("Lilo & Stitch" '02, "Heima" (Documentary) '07, "How to Train Your Dragon" '10), and even though he doesn't have a ton of feature film work under his belt, he really knew how to pull emotion out of these characters--so much so, that I did shed a tear or two myself. This guy will receive more work--in fact "How to Train Your Dragon 3" has already been announced. This was also written by DeBlois and this installment was almost as good as the original. There were a couple of choppy places, but all in all it was creatively written. Speaking of creative, DreamWorks' animation was simply seamless and the sweeping score by John Powell was breathtaking.

If you liked the original you certainly will like this, but it was solid all on its own. Where can we go today and get entertainment, with a great message of peace and family all rolled up in a 3D format?

Out of 4 Stars: 3                               Rated: PG                               101mins.