How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

O’Hara calls it a triumphant, thrilling sequel that deepens the story and sets up an ambitious trilogy. She especially praises Toothless’s expressive character and the film’s visually rich flying sequences.

Solomon gives the film an emphatic rave, calling it a new standard of excellence for DreamWorks and a contender for major awards. He especially praises its vivid animation and the emotionally compelling bond between Hiccup and Toothless.

Risley finds the sequel emotionally richer and more mature, calling it DreamWorks’ most accomplished film yet. He especially praises its exhilarating flying scenes and the wonder they bring to Hiccup and Toothless’s bond.

Debruge calls it DreamWorks Animation’s strongest sequel yet, finding it emotionally satisfying and creatively bold. He especially praises the visually stunning dragon sanctuary and the expressive character animation.

Sharkey finds the sequel a rip-roaring, emotionally affecting continuation that deepens the first film’s emotional core. She particularly praises the animation and the understated performance that makes Hiccup’s growth into a leader convincing.

Felperin finds it a sturdy, inventive sequel, with the quieter character-led moments especially effective. She praises the imaginative use of 3D for its aerial set pieces, while noting there may be too many characters.

The New Yorker finds the sequel deeper and more satisfying than the original. It particularly praises the vivid 3-D cinematography and the emotional resonance brought by Valka.

Kermode finds the sequel intriguing and visually impressive. He singles out its swoopy animation and the spectacular, unsettling appearance of a giant dragon-like creature.

The review presents the film as an engaging adventure with a tender heart. It singles out the sweeping action sequences and emotional warmth for praise.

The review is positive about the film. It singles out the animated adventure and its imaginative world as strengths.

O'Sullivan finds the sequel uneven but ultimately enjoyable, despite its lack of originality and some tedious dialogue. She praises Toothless's charm and the gorgeously choreographed dragon action.

Felperin finds the sequel visually spectacular but overstuffed, emotionally uneven, and potentially too intense for younger viewers. She especially praises the expressive, animal-like dragon animation and the nuanced bond between Hiccup and Toothless.

Calhoun gives the film three out of five, a moderate rather than unequivocal endorsement. The available page text notes its reliance on goodwill toward Hiccup and his dragons, but provides no fuller criticism.

Henderson finds the sequel disappointing despite its crowd-pleasing core, as its ambitions overwhelm the original’s simpler appeal. He particularly faults Toothless being sidelined, which leaves Hiccup without an effective foil.

Ebiri finds the sequel visually impressive but dramatically underwhelming and somewhat dated. He praises the intimate family scenes, especially the tender reunion between Valka and Stoick.

Dowd’s headline frames the sequel as a weaker, less soulful follow-up. It singles out the loss of the original’s emotional depth as its main shortcoming.

Harrison considers it a marvellous, adept sequel that largely succeeds, though it falls short of the original’s carefree simplicity. He praises its empathy and open-mindedness, alongside its visuals, score, and emotionally powerful moments.

Neish finds the sequel a resounding success, though less sharp and streamlined than the original. He especially praises its poignant family reunion and the continuing delight of Hiccup and Toothless’s friendship.

Rozeman calls the sequel a worthy successor, despite occasional problems with pacing and its crowded story. He especially praises the vivid animation and spectacular flying sequences.

The headline presents the film as satisfying, though slightly inferior to its predecessor. The available page text does not reveal what the critic specifically praises or criticizes.

The critic finds it polished, entertaining summer fare, though it falls short of the best recent animated films. He praises the exhilarating flight sequences and emotional impact, but faults the thin treatment of supporting characters.

The headline presents the film as a worthy sequel, suggesting a positive verdict. The visible text praises the original’s flight sequences and Toothless, but gives no specific praise for the sequel itself.

Bartlett finds the sequel adequate light entertainment but says it lacks the focus and excitement of its predecessor. She praises the visuals and the playful dragon interactions, while noting that Toothless is sidelined near the end.

The critic finds the sequel visually impressive but less charming and emotionally effective than its predecessor. The visuals and Hiccup’s bond with his mother stand out, while the villain and war plot disappoint.

The critic finds the sequel muddled and far less effective than its predecessor. The visuals are singled out for praise, while the story’s competing spectacle and family-drama threads leave Toothless lost in the mist.