I saw HTTYD 2 at the LA Film Fest on 6/9/14 in 3D with the director and America there in person.
While I am a "fanboy" of the original, I do think there's enough objective quality that anyone can recognize the dialog, acting, music, animation, character design (aside from Hiccup, darn it) were all higher quality than most would expect from a kid's film. In fact, I think it's quite nearly Pixar quality.
My expectations for HTTYD 2 were understandably high, but at the very least I just wanted it to be AS GOOD as the first.
Unfortunately, that's not the case so please adjust your expectations accordingly.
PROS:
CONS:
Overall, it lacks the depth, refinement, dialog, and compelling pacing of the original. BUT, it's not a "bad movie"! It's head-and-shoulders above most kids films, but compared to the first one...it is a step down. Still very enjoyable and definitely not terrible - just don't expect the first one.
While I am a "fanboy" of the original, I do think there's enough objective quality that anyone can recognize the dialog, acting, music, animation, character design (aside from Hiccup, darn it) were all higher quality than most would expect from a kid's film. In fact, I think it's quite nearly Pixar quality.
My expectations for HTTYD 2 were understandably high, but at the very least I just wanted it to be AS GOOD as the first.
Unfortunately, that's not the case so please adjust your expectations accordingly.
PROS:
- Even better animation, textures, and epic, awe-inspiring scale
- Same lovable characters, appropriately aged
- Toothless being Toothless
- Stunning 3D
- Solid acting (except for Jay)
- More great dragons
- SOME beautiful scenes/moments (not enough compared to original)
CONS:
- Messy pacing. Big things happen with little suspense or anticipation...sabotaging the drama and satisfaction of those scenes.
- Dialog can be cringe-inducingly cheesy.
- Main villain is barely even a character he's so undeveloped.
- Jay's acting (just wait for his last line)
Overall, it lacks the depth, refinement, dialog, and compelling pacing of the original. BUT, it's not a "bad movie"! It's head-and-shoulders above most kids films, but compared to the first one...it is a step down. Still very enjoyable and definitely not terrible - just don't expect the first one.