Rated PG for adventure action and some mild rude humor.
Starring Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Craig Fergusion and Kristen Wiig
Directed by Dean DeBlois (How to Train Your Dragon)
Rarely is a sequel better than the original…but this one is.
The thrilling second chapter of the epic HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON trilogy brings us back to the fantastical world of Hiccup and Toothless five years after the two have successfully united dragons and Vikings on the island of Berk. While Astrid, Snoutlout and the rest of the gang are challenging each other to dragon races (the island’s new favorite contact sport), the now inseparable pair journey through the skies, charting unmapped territories and exploring new worlds. When one of their adventures leads to the discovery of a secret ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace. Now, Hiccup and Toothless must unite to stand up for what they believe while recognizing that only together do they have the power to change the future of both men and dragons.
When the original How To Train Your Dragon was released DreamWorks was known for extremely silly and extremely lucrative franchises like Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda. And after a series of financial disappointments (Rise Of The Guardians, Turbo, Mr. Peabody & Sherman) it’s surprising to see animated films like How To Train Your Dragon 1 & 2.
How To Train Your Dragon 2 is bigger, braver and even more visually rewarding than the original. I was genuinely surprised by the action scenes that are both fun and exciting. Plus there is plenty of the charm, humor and excitement that made the first one so appealing. At the same time, How To Train Your Dragon 2 is much darker, with a dramatic storyline reminiscent of Bambi and The Lion King.
Director, DeBlois does everything right with How To Train Your Dragon 2 including agreeing to direct this installment only if was part two of the epic trilogy. Where the series goes from here is anyone’s guess, but be sure How To Train Your Dragon 3 is happening.
Finally there are the dragons…lots and lots of dragons. Hundreds of them in fact, and each one is different and wildly creative.
From the story and cast to the visual excitement, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is “Theater Worthy.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Some of the dragons and dragon hunters may be scary for younger viewers. Other than that, this one is fun for the whole family.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
- How would you compare Hiccup to his father, Stoick?
- What are some things Stoick tries to teach Hiccup?
- While talking about leadership, Stoick says, “A chief protects his own. No task is too small when it comes to serving your people.” How does Hiccup respond to that?
- What do you think of that advice?
- What are some examples of Jesus serving?
- What are some ways you can be a servant leader this week in school? Church? Home?
Read Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Jonathan McKee
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for youth workers on TheSource4YM.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.