Oscar® Nominee for Best Animated feature filmHow to Train Your Dragon 2
for adventure action and some mild rude humor.
Reviewed by: Alexander Malsan
CONTRIBUTOR
| Moral Rating: | Average |
| Moviemaking Quality: |
|
| Primary Audience: | • Kids (8 and up) • Teens • Young Adults • Adults |
| Genre: | Animation Action Adventure Fantasy Comedy IMAX 3D Sequel |
| Length: | 1 hr. 45 min. |
| Year of Release: | 2014 |
| USA Release: |
June 13, 2014 (wide—4,100+ theaters) October 21, 2014 (Digital HD) November 11, 2014 (DVD) |
- The maturation process of becoming a man, rather than remaining just a boy
- The importance of conquering fear and anxiety
- What does the Bible say about disobedience, disobeying father, rebelliousness?
- Sin
- Note: Many of the real Vikings of old, became followers of Jesus Christ
- Growing up having never known your mother
- The pain of having a parent/spouse die
- Is it true that people are not capable of changing, as Valka states?
Dragons and dinosaurs—discover how they are connected
Dragons in the Bible
Are dinosaurs mentioned in the BIBLE? Answer
| Featuring |
Jonah Hill … Snotlout (voice) Gerard Butler … Stoick the Vast (voice) Kristen Wiig … Ruffnut (voice) Kit Harington … Eret, Son of Eret (voice) Cate Blanchett … Valka (voice) Jay Baruchel … Hiccup (voice) America Ferrera … Astrid (voice) Christopher Mintz-Plasse … Fishlegs (voice) Djimon Hounsou … Drago Bludvist (voice) T.J. Miller … Tuffnut (voice) Craig Ferguson … Gobber (voice) Andrew Ableson … Ug (voice) |
| Director |
Dean DeBlois |
| Producer |
DreamWorks Animation Mad Hatter Entertainment |
| Distributor |
 20th Century Studios, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company |
Prequel: “How to Train Your Dragon” (2010)
Sequel: “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” (2019)
“How to Train Your Dragon 2” takes place five years after the events of the first film. The village of Berk has thrived. Man and dragon are no longer mortal enemies. The villagers have become accustomed to having dragons around and ride them often, participating in various games and activities together.
A lot has changed, including our hero Hiccup (Jay Baruchel). After his victory in the first movie, Hiccup now spends his days mapping the land masses and finding the locations of new dragon nests. While exploring a new territory with his previous enemy turned girlfriend, Astrid (America Ferrera), and his dragon Toothless, he comes across some wreckage and mercenaries who attempt to shoot nets and capture the dragons. When Hiccup confronts them about this, he is told that a man, named Drago (Djimon Hounsou), has hired them to capture dragons and build a dragon army. Drago’s plan? To conquer and rule the surrounding lands by commanding his dragon army (he does this by befriending the dragons).
It’s up to Hiccup, Astrid, and all the Vikings to stop Drago before it’s too late.
“How to Train Your Dragon 2” is one of those rare sequels that actually works. With animation (and pretty much any genre of film for that matter), filmmakers attempt to make a sequel, usually due to the success of the first film, and during that attempt the qualities and values that made the first film a spectacle are lost in the translation. Additionally, inappropriate humor and other unsuitable elements are added to bring in a larger audience. To me, this is due to a lack of listening on the filmmakers’ part to avid movie-goers. Bigger does not always mean “better.”
“How to Train Your Dragon 2” is different though. While it is apparent that certain elements in the film that might concern parents are increased (like the violence), other elements like the story (including the scene where Hiccup meets his mother) and the character development are also built up for this sequel—which made it much more enjoyable for me.
The Good
Story and Character Development: While the first “How to Train Your Dragon” had a solid story, I felt the story for its sequel was much, much stronger. There were moments where I literally forgot I was in a movie theater… at a kid-targeted animated feature. I had no questions about what I had watched. Concerning Character Development, I related, understood and sympathized with each main character more than I did in the first. I understood Hiccup better and his search for meaning in his life, I understood the heartache Hiccup’s mother had regarding the circumstances of her disappearance
Animation: Before I viewed the film, I was given information that Dreamworks, one of the best U.S. animation studios, had created “…Dragon 2” using a new program called Apollo. In short, Apollo was used as a means of making the characters more life-like (animators were able to “get rid of the loose skin) by being able to use a stylus to create their characters rather than the click of the mouse. The detailing of each character, dragon, and land mass are more refined than in the first film. As a viewer, I preferred this form of updated animation, compared to the first film.
Familiarity: As I said in the beginning, I really appreciated the fact that the people at Dreamworks did not “fix what wasn’t broken.” Instead, they took the good things they had in the first film (the silliness and mood from the characters, good action sequences, beautiful scenery, etc.) and continued to develop and improve them. Bravo!
The Bad
As I walked out of the theater, I couldn’t help but say to myself, “Wow, this movie certainly had more dark moments than the first!” While “…Dragon 2” had a lot of good, fun, spirited and uplifting scenes, I felt that, for a children’s movie, this sequel has quite a few dark moments (most of this comes in the form of violence, which I will get to later).
Objectionable Content
Violence: Heavy. In the beginning, we witness forms of slapstick humor during the great dragon races (including riders bumping into each other on purpose). There is a scene where Hiccup, in an attempt to use his new paragliding suit, almost hits a giant boulder and crashes to the ground. There is also a scene where Hiccup is abducted off Toothless, and Toothless falls into the water, struggling to get out and at first, he starts to drown. There is an extensive battle sequence, toward the end of the movie, where we see dragons attacking other dragons (with riders on them), ground explosions, and dragons (under the control of the Alpha Dragon and Drago) attacking Hiccup and his friends, leading to a scene where a main character is killed by a dragon.
Drago mistreats everyone, including those who work for him, and can be seen choking people, slapping them in the head, and threatens. There is also a scene, during a flashback, where Drago, during a meeting of the chieftains, sends his swarm of dragons to burn everyone in the building—except for Stoick (Gerard Butler), the chief of Berk.
In another flashback, we watch as Hiccup’s mom, Valka (Cate Blanchett), tells the tale regarding her disappearance, which occurs during a malicious dragon attack on Berk, and we watch the destruction the dragons create (including the burning of buildings). There are also some staff and sword fights between characters and a scene where Astrid jokingly tells her dragon to drop a mercenary, Eret, into the water as they are flying (she goes back for him, of course, before he strikes the water).
Profanity: Mild. Bad languages includes, but is not limited to, the phrases “oh my gods,” “soil my britches,” “moron” and other forms of name calling.
Sex/Nudity: Mild. Astrid and Hiccup share a couple kisses (one where Astrid tastes spit from Toothless licking Hiccup earlier). Stoick and Valka share a passionate kiss.
Other Content for Concern: As I’ve said, there is a darker feel in some parts of this sequel. Some younger children may be terrified by the main villain, Drago, his appearance (including a missing arm) and his misuse of the dragons. Some children may also be terrified by the appearances of both of the alpha dragons (especially during their battle sequence).
Morals/Issues
In this second film, we watch as Hiccup struggles to determine who he is and what his purpose is. His father, Stoick, wishes for Hiccup to grow up and become Chief of Berk, but Hiccup states that being Chief is not something he feels he would ever be good at. He later realizes that his love of dragons and his destiny to become the chief will be what saves the people of Berk and brings peace to all the lands.
As Christians, God will call upon us to rise and conquer our fears, driving us out of comfort zone so that we may be used for His honor and glory. When we are called to this, God asks us not to hesitate. When He calls, we are asked to stand with Him and build His kingdom. This may come in the most unexpected way, but if we trust God and rely on Him, the Lord can make the impossible possible.
FEAR, Anxiety and Worry—What does the Bible say? Answer
Final Thoughts
Shortly after watching “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” I went to visit my family. One of my family members asked me, “How was ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’? Would you recommend it?” I hesitated. While there is clearly a significant improvement with “…Dragon 2,” there is also content to be more cautious about (more violence and a little darker feel at times). Is this movie appropriate for children? If you mean anyone younger than age 8, I would say no, because of the violent content. For older children, teens, and adults, I would definitely recommend “How To Train Your Dragon 2” for viewing. My final grade: B+
Violence: Heavy / Profanity: none, except “Oh my gods” / Sex/Nudity: Mild—kisses and one mild comment
Editor’s Note: This is a very minor point in the movie, but perhaps should be mentioned. In a quick scene, Gobber the Belch very subtly comes “out of the closet” (hinted at, not explicit), becoming Berk’s resident Gay. This was intentionally included by Dean DeBlois, the movie’s openly homosexual director and writer, who told Fox News, “It’s progressive, it’s honest, and it feels good… It does make for an interesting revelation because now, what does that mean, do we shed a little more light on Gobber’s love life?” The first major animated feature film to introduce a homosexual character, to our knowledge, was Focus Features’ “ParaNorman” (2012). [About homosexuality, see: What about gays needs to change? Answer]
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.
Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
Additionally, there are some sequences throughout the film consisting of dragons and Vikings falling through the air that can be intense at times. A few hints at profanity, although minor, also present a bit of an issue. However, most of these consist of phrases such as “soil my britches” and “gods help us all.” The phrases in the film that would have been actually offensive are tactfully cut short to exclude the expletive and are, therefore, easy to dismiss as a non-issue. See all »
Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
However, I didn’t see anyone mention the one thing I thought was important, so I decided to write a review. I really thought I’d see more reviews about the positive representation of family in this film, and especially the positive representation of marriage that is presented. Amid a sea of clichéd rom-coms that miss the point, and young adult material that glorifies unhealthy, abusive relationships, there is a serious need for positive, realistic views of relationships.
***SPOILER*** I kind of want to expound and rant a little, so lots of spoilers, go see this beautiful movie for yourself first, then read this, so you can really appreciate this scene for its surprise and beauty. / The relationship between Stoick and Valka is so positive. When he first meets her, again, after twenty years apart he doesn’t yell, or rant, or ask her how she could have done this, or anything along that line. Valka expects him to though, and she defends herself accordingly, but she doesn’t really need to, because Stoick forgives her. He’s just so pleased that Valka’s still alive when he’d never thought he’d ever see her again, that all he can do is say that she’s still as beautiful as the day he lost her and kiss her. I liked the realism of them, because they don’t just magically mesh all of a sudden after the scene cuts. There’s awkwardness there, Valka doesn’t know how to respond to Stoick, to a husband, because she’s been without one for so long. See all »
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Discussing How to Train Your Dragon afterward with my 14 year old son, he said that he liked how the adults were not shown to be “stupid adults” who needed their wiser children to rescue them. Stoick, Gobber, Valka and the other adults are shown as normal people with normal faults, doing their best to do well despite their faults. This goes for the young characters also; they are not shown as know-it-alls but as maturing children coming into their own.
If you enjoyed the first How to Train Your Dragon you will thoroughly love “How to Train Your Dragon 2;” it surpasses the original. It is a spectacular work of art and a well told tale.
Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Secondly, I highly disagree with the person who wrote the review on this movie. I am sorry, but kissing is not sex nor is it a form of sex; it is a form of passion and emotions towards one person. See all »
Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
They also refer to “the gods” a few times. Of course the relationships between the characters were cute. They did have one of the characters that was more like a teenager, had this major sensual crush on one of the other characters. It was way over the top and completely not needed. Then the “powers” of the head dragon would take over the others like they were in trance, and the nice dragon did some evil things. It did have some weird parts like that. So that is the frustration with Hollywood, they just can’t make movies without that stuff. I certainly did not like this one as much as the first, it had way too many of the above things in it.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
It is dark, as others have mentioned, but they do keep the music light and in a more happy tone, so I did not fine it that intense. I’m sure some sensitive younger children could be upset by it, but mine (5 and 7) weren’t.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality:
Secondly, there was a lot of violence, and it was a very dark movie. I know dragons are used as weapons, but there is lots of murder going on. I’ll tell you if you watch this movie, and have never thought about these things, you will stand for this movie, because it was amazingly written, and it makes people sitting next to you cry. A lot! It very much jerks your emotions, and I felt all kinds of them. I immediately felt dead to the movie as soon as I noticed myself feeling bottled up rage, and absolute hatred for the antagonist. See all »
Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
Someone has commented about the reference to Norse gods, but even though the way they say some things is frustrating, it doesn’t really bother me when they talk about it in general. Why? Because this is a sequel to a movie about dragons and Vikings! If you know this beforehand, you should actually expect to have references to Viking gods/mythology. That’s the belief Vikings lived with. And it isn’t used all that often and not in your face type stuff. See all »
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Although it was a great film content and making wise, it did feel very condensed, like it could have been 3 hours long instead of 1 and a half. Almost every scene felt as if it could have been extended by a few minutes. I know that a lot of people find these movies objectionable in relation to the references to the Norse gods. I have a problem with that. They are Vikings, not Christians, so it can’t really be expected that they would worship the Lord. Plus, there is only one scene in the second one where it is flaunted.
The other thing that worried me was the language. Before the movie came out, when a few people had the privilege to see a pre-screening, a parents guide was posted on IMDb. This parent’s guide stated that there was three Da**s, one coupled with the Lord’s name. This is not true. The only profanity is Astrid: “Oh my gods!” Although, technically this is taking the Norse god’s names in vain, not the Lord’s.
So this is one of the best animated movies I’ve seen in a long time, although I will restate that it was very condensed.
Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
PLEASE share your observations and insights to be posted here.
For those complaining about the kisses—actually one kiss at the end—between Hiccups and Astrid, right at the beginning Hiccup’s father says about Astrid “that’s my daughter-in-law”. My kids understood very well that they kissed each other because they are married. As Hiccup’s parents kissed each other, too. See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5