A classic example of a movie sequel that builds on what came before it, How to Train Your Dragon 2 ups the scale and emotion from the solid first film, making for a more thrilling and gratifying ride that, with its gloriously-rendered flight scenes, was a rare film actually worth seeing in 3D. Confident enough in its characters and affecting family-centric narrative that it doesn't have to rely on crude sight gags and forced pop-culture references, Dragon 2 forges a familiar yet engrossing opening before proceeding with a considerably more ambitious (and admirably downbeat) second half. Despite its tendency to wring out our tears, the movie is still a wildly fun outing, particularly when it serves as a homage to classic monster movies, and of course, during those breathless flight sequences, of which there are considerably more than in the original film. The movie may not have been the financial juggernaut that analysts predicted, but it was still a considerable success, and as such, a third film is due for release in June 2016. We can't wait.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
