How to Train Your Dragon 2

Cresida Cowell's book series How to Train Your Dragon became a wonderful surprise success for Dreamworks. Now they're ready to go Dragon-Flying again with this sequel, How to Train Your Dragon 2.

The first film followed young viking Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) as he made peace between his people and the "menacing" dragons. Five years later, he and his dragon Toothless have adventures mapping the world. But his father Stoick (Gerard Butler) wants him to follow him as chief. Typical family film issues.

One of Hiccup's adventures lands him in trouble with a band of Dragon-Trappers. Even more troublesome, these trappers work for Drago Bludvist (Djimon Hounsou), the nastiest warlord in the world. Drago wants to conquer the world with a Dragon Army, so Stoick prepares to fight back. Hiccup runs off with Toothless to make peace with Drago; along the way, he meets a master Dragon Rider (Cate Blanchett) who happens to be his long-lost mother, Valka. Her expertise is needed to fight off Drago's bloodlust.

Dean DeBlois, co-writer and co-director of the first film, takes up both departments himself this time. The story he's created is actually rather simple. There's the main plot of Hiccup's struggles, which include trying to stop Drago and meeting Valka. There's also Stoick trying to reel in his son. Meanwhile, Hiccup's friends chase after him and run into Drago's main trapper, Eret (Kit Harington). Credit for DeBlois for keeping it cohesive (instead of subplots galore squeezing through the door).

Whether in 3D or Flatscreen, you'll still get the same visual experience. The Dragons, whether they be new characters or established ones, are wonderfully unique. Their flying scenes are an amazing display of animated cinematography; they were made for John Powell's magnificent score. The scenery they inhabit, which include Valka's sanctuary, are spectacular animated environments.

There are now two top animated films this year: The Lego Movie and this one. That's because How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a greatly-conceived and realized sequel. It's funny, heartwarming and tragic. It's worth any admission price.