How To Train Your Dragon 2 movie review

Dragons are one of the most fascinating mythological creatures. All regions of the ancient world acknowledges the existence of these creatures in their stories even when there is no physical contact between these cultures.But there is no physical evidence like fossil or bone remains to prove it but they maybe associated with large reptiles like crocodiles or dinosaurs or any similar specie.

Photo courtesy of Dreamworks and 20th Century Fox

But dragons continue to exist in popular culture. For those geeks like me, it is always associated with role playing games like Dungeons And Dragons. In the latest visual incarnations like The Hobbit and Game Of Thrones, the dragons breathe lifelike thanks to the latest state-of-the-art special effects the movie industry has today.

As for the story, it is something new since this is the first time the dragon folklore was used in this fictional Viking world. We know that the Vikings is one of the historical eras since it also dominates the Scandinavian parts of Northern Europe.

Since it is an adaptation of a book series for children, animation is the best medium to bring the series in a visual manner. Since this is an adaptation of a children's book, this is not the authentic Vikings unlike in the History original series.

The sequel follows after the first movie and the two seasons of Dragons Of Berk You will see lots of changes if you haven't seen the TV series. But it is still a stand alone story that you can watch. I find the story much more better than the first movie and it has more visual effects as if the dragons glides pass you. I can't compare it yet if the regular 2D is OK but it is better to watch it on 3D.

For the characters, most actors reprise their roles for the movies since some were not involved in the TV series. My favorite voice actor among the cast here is Gerard Butler who plays Stoick the Vast who is also Hiccup's father. He is the only one who made his voice different and sounded older than he actually sounds in real life. Main character Hiccup is voiced by Jay Baruchel. Although is voice is very familiar in Hiccup, he was the ideal choice for the role.

Making their debut in How To Train The Dragon trilogy are the following. Cate Blanchett plays Valka, the mother of Hiccup. Although her voice still reminds me of Galadriel of Middle Earth stories, she made her character an important role in the story. I also like Djimon Hounsou as the antagonist Drago. His voiced made the character very fierce. Making his voice acting debut is Game Of Thrones' Kit Harrington. He also delivered good acting for the role of Eret. I didn't realize it was Jon Snow who was talking there.

If you haven't seen the first movie, this is the best time to start since it is a trilogy. Just catch it one time on HBO or rent a copy at Video City or better yet, buy a copy and start a collection. The movie is not violent and it has lots of good insights and character developments. How To Train Your Dragon 2 is now showing in Philippine cinemas and is released and distributed by Twentieth Century Fox. For more updates, interviews movie releases and quality reviews, like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook or follow this blog.