How to Train Your Dragon 2 takes an unusual approach in that it takes place five years after the first movie. Hiccup is now 20 years old and very proficient in dragon knowledge, it's cool to see how all the characters have grown up. Hiccup hasn't changed too much and he now takes to exploring the world on the back of Toothless. The plot isn't too original and can stray towards the cliched side at times. Hiccup meets someone who was lost to him a long time ago and the antagonist is predictably someone who doesn't like dragons very much. The first hour was somewhat of a drag, bogging it down with some emotionally heavy scenes that are supposed to be reflective but ends up being predictable and not very interesting. After the hour mark passes, the film lifts up considerably and becomes a heap of fun to watch. It is also funny in many areas although the flirting and affection towards Ruffnut can be cringeworthy at times. Bigger in scope and having an epic fight between dragons in the climax, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is fun even though it takes a while to get going.
