Review of How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) by John P — 11 Feb 2015

'How to Train Your Dragon 2' zooms into the screen on the heels (or should I say, 'tail') of its predecessor. Once again we have a visually vibrant animated adventure which once more has a glittering display of arctic landscapes (and again another villain of the "frozen" variety--this time a new Northern dragon spews out a breath that turns out deadly icicles from the trajectory of its mouth).

The story is very family oriented, including a reunion with Hiccup's mother and a rousing tribute to the best virtues of his dad. While it seems to have everything going for it, 'Dragon...2' trades fast-action scenes in from the former film;s stellar snappy dialogue, keenly drawn characterization, and the on-edge advantage that the underdog may falter and keep us on the edge of our seats.

Perhaps unfairly, great expectations may bring inevitable disappointment, there's still no reason to skip this episode (and the box office receipts tell us there will be a 'Dragon...3,' but keep your hopes low for this flick--even if it remains a top contender for a "Best Animated Film Oscar," which will seem more of a delayed response to the truly superb original film.