The sequel's initial details were announced in October 2010, along with the tentative year of release. "[44], Bill Goodykoontz of The Arizona Republic gave the film four out of five stars, saying "It seemed as if there was nowhere new to go after the first film, but this is a richer story that dares to go darker and is thus more rewarding. All the dragons repeatedly fire at the Bewilderbeast until Toothless fires a final massive blast, breaking its left tusk. [12]:10 The film was originally scheduled for release on June 20, 2014,[13] but in August 2013 the release date was moved forward one week to June 13, 2014. DeBlois, who co-directed the first film, agreed to return to direct the second film on the condition that he would be allowed to turn it into a trilogy. It is a thrill- ride all right, but more than just theme part excitement, this sequel packs an emotional wallop that is both moving and uplifting at the same time. "[25], By the time production was complete, over 500 people had worked on the film at DreamWorks Animation's headquarters in Glendale, as well as its branch offices at PDI/DreamWorks in Redwood City and DreamWorks India in Bangalore. [72] In its fourth weekend, the film dropped to number five, grossing $8,961,088. Without ever saying a single word, Toothless still manages to be ceaselessly endearing, embodying not only feline affection and playfulness this time round, but a canine sense of loyalty to Hiccup. The group moves as one, receding into a shadowy alley, pushing one sheep out into the light. How to Train Your Dragon 2. [68], In the United States and Canada, the film earned $18.5 million on its opening day,[69] and opened at number two in its first weekend, with $49,451,322. Synopsis. [3][65][66] While How to Train Your Dragon 2 only earned $177 million at the US box office, compared to $217 million for its predecessor,[67] it performed much better at the international box office, earning $438 million to How to Train Your Dragon's $277 million. And so co-writer and co-director Dean DeBlois has returned to pen and helm this sequel set five years after the events of the first movie - though this time, he is going at it without his partner Chris Sanders.Proving that two heads need not always be better than one, DeBlois' solo venture is no less compelling than the first film, and indeed sees the filmmaker demonstrate an imagination and derring-do which truly makes it soar. If you loved the first film, you'll be sure that this second entry into what is now planned as a trilogy more than brings this animated franchise to new and exciting heights. When Hiccup discovers Toothless isn't the only Night Fury, he must seek "The Hidden World", a secret Dragon Utopia before a hired tyrant named Grimmel finds it first. [13] Bonnie Arnold, the producer of the first film, also returned, while Chris Sanders, who co-directed and co-wrote the first film, acted only as an additional executive producer this time due to his involvement with The Croods. "[60] Lisa Kennedy of The Denver Post gave the film a positive review, saying "How to Train Your Dragon 2 is soaring, emotionally swooping, utterly satisfying fun. Parents need to know that How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a sequel to both 2010's How to Train Your Dragon and the popular Cartoon Network series. "[53] Stephanie Merry of The Washington Post gave the film three-and-a-half stars out of four, saying "This may be the first and last time anyone says this, but if How to Train Your Dragon 2 is this good, why stop at 3 and 4? [20] The ensemble was conducted by the composer's usual collaborator Gavin Greenaway. A grateful Eret later helps her and the others escape. How to Train Your Dragon 2 When Hiccup and Toothless discover an 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. ENTER CITY, STATE OR ZIP CODE GO. As unlikely as it may seem, it is a Dreamworks animation that we had most looked forward to this summer. "[59] Bill Zwecker of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film four out of four stars, saying "Not only does this second movie match the charm, wit, animation skill and intelligent storytelling of the original, I think it even exceeds it. The thrilling second chapter of the epic How To Train Your Dragon trilogy brings back the fantastical world of Hiccup and Toothless five years later. So while How to Train Your Dragon 2 is every bit as entertaining and engaging as its predecessor, it’s traded some of the whimsical, childlike wonder for a more nuanced—and at times darker—examination of the clash between good and evil. (Gene Shalit, Today) How to Train Your Dragon 2 From DreamWorks, the studio behind the Academy Award-Nominated film, How to Train Your Dragon, comes the next chapter in the epic trilogy. He cited The Empire Strikes Back and My Neighbor Totoro as his main inspirations, with the expanded scope of The Empire Strikes Back being particularly influential. You bet. Po and his friends fight to stop a peacock villain from conquering China with a deadly new weapon, but first the Dragon Warrior must come to terms with his past. Hiccup and Astrid return to Berk to warn Stoick the Vast about the dragon army that Drago is b… [95], The third and final film, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,[96] was originally scheduled for release on June 17, 2016,[97] but in September 2014, DreamWorks Animation moved the release date to June 9, 2017. Was this review helpful to you? A video game based on the film, titled How to Train Your Dragon 2, was released in June 2014 by Little Orbit. Children and Young Adults responded most strongly, with those aged under 25 giving a grade A+. How to Train Your Dragon 2 From DreamWorks, the studio behind the Academy Award-Nominated film, How to Train Your Dragon, comes the next chapter in the epic trilogy. "[39] Elizabeth Weitzman of the New York Daily News gave the film three out of five stars, saying 'It's the unflinching edge that gives the film its unexpected depth'. , Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson song, `` no fight, ending with Drago on back. 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