How to Train Your Dragon 2
Director: Dean DeBlois
Year Released: 2014
Rating: 2.0
The continued adventures of one-legged hero Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) has him and his super-powered (but puppy-like) dragon buddy Toothless defend their village against a horde of invaders, led by ruthless Drago (Djimon Hounsou) ... and, along the way, meet up with Hiccup's long-lost Mum (Cate Blanchett), who's an impressive dragon-trainer in her own right. As expected, it's something of letdown from (what I found to be) an emotionally resonant first part (such is the problem with sequels), with the long-lost connection between Hiccup and his Mom (not to mention Hiccup's Dad and his long-estranged Wife) to be somewhat trifling; it pulls a cheap move in the third act by killing off dear old Pop by a possessed Toothless (somehow, Toothless is easily forgiven for this act of malice). Regardless, the visual design is exemplary - not to mention the voice-over work - and it is a cut above when it comes to most of Dreamworks' animated productions.
