How to Train Your Dragon 2

"How to Train Your Dragon 2 has both visual and emotional density."

"This is that rare sequel that does't just deliver more of what worked the last time, but forges ahead with brave new ideas."

"Yes, there aren't no two ways about this fact. But if you must know, then watch it for the spectacular visuals, the color that pleases the eyes, the story that is sure to tug at your heart strings and the best sort of a relationship that you'll see between a human and an animal."

"Love, longing, tears, everlasting friendship...to watch the film in 3D is to live it. The dragons give you wings! They fly, you fly."

"The story soars and the Vikings go further and higher to newer and well-imagined lands with details doing justice to the film's 3D branding, more characters come in, including strong women roles, and the film again packs in a fair amount of surprisingly tender scenes and touches. It doesn't even have to throw in a joke, so smooth does this tale run. The scene where a masked creature in blue glides into view over clouds is breathtaking."

"Unlike the usual kiddie fare, the underlying theme of this film is dark. It is not just any other animation film and brings up issues which need to be dealt with. It is a metaphor for how humans deal with ecology and also questions if peace is an option in the real world. The darkness is balanced well with humour in the film and even in the climactic sequence, you will find something to smile over. In fact, that's what you will find yourself doing when credits roll."

"What's great about How To Train Your Dragon 2 is that it doesn't take its inevitable existence for granted. Rather it's a continuation of the tale instead of yet another victim of the forced franchise syndrome."

"The action-packed script captures the imagination from all angles, painting a proper saga of conflicting ideologies against a visually exciting backdrop. The unexpected twists, the rousing action coupled with convincing humour and emotionally affecting consequences are the highlights of the film that pad up the artistry and action."

"It's nice to be able to report that How to Train Your Dragon 2, written and directed by Dean DeBlois, does all that tricky stuff pretty darned well. And you'll be happily surprised at the new twists it takes - sort of like getting an unexpected second candy bar in the vending machine. How to Train Your Dragon 2 doesn't play it safe, and that's why it's the rare sequel that doesn't feel somewhat stale."

"Those who saw the first film would remember the goosebumps during the scene where Hiccup and Toothless play hopscotch. There is noting as memorable as that in 'How to Train your Dragon 2'. Ultimately, the film is a mildly cash grabby theme park ride for kids; a fun one for sure, just not a truly great one."

"A sweet sequel to one of the cutest dragons made in animation history, the film will appeal to both kids as well as their parents."

"The first film was more fun because it had considerable novelty but since the plot doesn't really push the boundaries this time, there isn't any surprise element. But for those looking for some fun time at the theatres, go ahead, enter the dragon."

"Hats off to Dreamworks for offering some bold surprises in a respectable sequel filled with moments of humour and emotion among its ample noise and movement. There are some terrific details amid the 3D animation..."

"How To Train Your Dragon 2 is proof of what you can do with the form, if the content has an emotional core that beats for what you feel so strongly about. Take the kids, fly with the dragons. It's one hell of a flight you just cannot miss this season."

"...the animation is of a high quality and grows more appealing in the second half but this surfeit of action tends to drag on endlessly, with the result its 102-minute duration seems much, much longer than one would like. There are other sub-plots that only seem to prolong the agony."

"The animation is immersive with a flurry of colourful dragons flying through the screen but the best moments are still reserved for Toothless with retractable teeth, very much like the narrative! The Dragon has got more teeth as it soars again without any real hiccup!"

"How to Train Your Dragon 2 has few surprises, enough predictable fun and a running time (106 minutes) that respects the scantiness of the material."