How to Train Your Dragon 2
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to How to Train Your Dragon 2
How to Train Your Dragon 2 is an animated fantasy adventure film that continues the story of Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless, five years after the first installment. Set on the Viking island of Berk, which has now embraced dragons, the narrative follows 20-year-old Hiccup as he explores new lands, discovers his long-lost mother, and confronts a formidable warlord named Drago Bludvist who seeks to enslave all dragons. The film blends thrilling action sequences with themes of family, responsibility, and leadership, exploring Hiccup's journey to becoming a chieftain. It is targeted at older children and adolescents, though adults may also find it appealing due to its compelling storyline and stunning animation. The movie is noted for being darker and more intense than its predecessor, delving into more mature themes and featuring significant peril.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film subtly reveals the character Gobber the Belch as gay through an ad-libbed line. This was later confirmed by director Dean DeBlois, who is openly gay, stating it was intended to be a 'passing notion' treated with normalcy rather than a central plot point.
Violence
The movie features more intense violence than the previous film, including large-scale battles between Vikings and dragons, physical confrontations, and the death of a major character. While lacking graphic blood and gore, the scenes can be disturbing for younger viewers.
Scary & Intense Content
The movie contains several moments of high intensity and potentially scary elements, including large, formidable dragons, significant battle sequences, and the distressing death of a beloved character. This makes it darker and more emotionally impactful than the first film.
Romance and Sexual Content
The film contains mild romantic elements, primarily centered around the established relationship between Hiccup and Astrid, including kisses. There are also instances of mild flirtation and suggestive comments from other characters.
Profanity
The language used in the film is generally mild, consisting of infrequent name-calling and some unfinished exclamations. It avoids strong curse words, keeping within its PG rating.
Witchcraft & Occult
There are no explicit depictions of witchcraft or occult practices. The fantastical elements, such as dragons with special abilities and the alpha dragons' hypnotic control, are presented as inherent to the fantasy world's natural order rather than occult rituals.
Substance Use
The film includes instances of sedative use for capturing dragons and humans but lacks any depiction of recreational alcohol or drug consumption by human characters.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Hiccup initially shows mild defiance regarding his father's expectations for him to assume leadership, preferring to explore. Other characters exhibit minor backtalk and sarcastic banter typical of their age group, but it does not promote extreme defiance.
Anti-Christian Themes
The film is set within a Viking cultural context, which is pre-Christian and includes references to Norse mythology in some general cultural expressions within the franchise, but there are no explicit anti-Christian themes, mockery, or criticism of Christian beliefs present in the movie.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 presents a compelling narrative rich with themes that largely align with biblical values, offering Christian parents ample opportunities for discussion. A core message is the pursuit of peace and diplomacy, as Hiccup consistently seeks to understand and reason with others rather than resort to immediate conflict, a virtue echoing biblical calls for peacemaking. The film champions compassion, kindness, and trust, particularly in Hiccup's interactions with dragons and his desire to protect them, reflecting good stewardship and empathy. Furthermore, themes of responsibility, leadership, and serving one's community are central to Hiccup's journey to becoming chief, aligning with Christian principles of servant leadership and stewardship. Character morality is clearly drawn, with virtues such as courage, selflessness, and forgiveness being rewarded, while Drago Bludvist's vices of control, cruelty, and unreasoning hatred lead to his downfall, demonstrating clear moral accountability. The worldview presented, while set in a fictional Viking culture with references to Norse gods, ultimately leans towards a transcendent understanding of right and wrong, emphasizing universal moral truths like sacrificial love and the importance of relationships over power or materialism. The movie powerfully explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Stoick's ultimate self-sacrifice to save his son, Hiccup, is a poignant moment that resonates deeply with the biblical concept of laying down one's life for another (John 15:13). Forgiveness is also evident as Hiccup, despite the profound pain, forgives Toothless for inadvertently causing Stoick's death while under Drago's mind control. The reconciliation of Hiccup's parents, Stoick and Valka, after years apart, and Valka's apology for her absence, highlight grace and the possibility of mending broken relationships within a family. Family values are portrayed positively, emphasizing parental guidance, acceptance, and unconditional love. Stoick's eventual acceptance of Hiccup's unique path and his efforts to prepare him for leadership showcase healthy father-son dynamics, and the rekindling of Stoick and Valka's marital love provides a strong model of commitment and forgiveness. Christian faith itself is not explicitly depicted, with cultural references to Norse gods serving as background rather than a central theological framework for the characters' moral choices. Therefore, its messages regarding virtue, familial love, and overcoming evil are presented in a universally accessible way that often mirrors Christian principles without direct religious instruction.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
Parental guidance recommended for children under 10, and suitable for children aged 10 and over. Children under 7 may find some scenes, especially those involving violence and character deaths, too disturbing due to increased intensity compared to the first film. The MPAA rating is PG for adventure action and some mild rude humor.
Good to Know
Parents should be aware that 'How to Train Your Dragon 2' is notably darker and more intense than its predecessor, especially concerning the themes of loss and the scale of conflict. The animation is highly praised and the story carries strong positive messages about family and leadership. The subtle LGBTQ reference is easily missed by younger viewers but confirmed by the creators for older audiences. The film's emotional weight, particularly the death of a main character, may require discussion with sensitive children.
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