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.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe 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.
When Hiccup's parents, Stoick and Valka, are engaged in a marital spat, Gobber mutters, "This is why I never married. This and one other reason." This 'other reason' was confirmed by director Dean DeBlois to imply Gobber's homosexuality, a detail he chose to keep in the film to normalize LGBTQ representation.
Violence
MediumThe 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.
Stoick the Vast, Hiccup's father, is tragically killed by Toothless (under the hypnotic control of Drago's Bewilderbeast) when Toothless fires a deadly vapor blast meant for Hiccup. Additionally, significant battles involve thousands of Vikings attacking an island with cannons and giant crossbows, while dragons fight using fire, ice, and physical force, resulting in numerous implied casualties.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe 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.
The death of Stoick, Hiccup's father, is a deeply emotional and potentially traumatic event for younger viewers, occurring when he heroically sacrifices himself to save Hiccup. Drago Bludvist's massive alpha dragon, the Bewilderbeast, is a visually imposing and frightening antagonist with the power to control other dragons, leading to several suspenseful and perilous confrontations.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowThe 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.
Hiccup and Astrid, who are engaged, share several kisses throughout the film, such as a tender kiss after being reunited. Ruffnut expresses a strong infatuation with the dragon trapper Eret, ogling him and attempting to kiss his fingers and place them on his lips in a suggestive manner.
Profanity
LowThe 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.
Examples of name-calling include 'Snot mouth,' 'lunatic,' 'crazy feral,' and 'madman.' Characters also use unfinished exclamations like 'what the...?' and 'steaming heap of dragon...'
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere 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.
The Bewilderbeast, an enormous alpha dragon, possesses the power to exert a hypnotic, mind-controlling influence over other dragons, compelling them to obey its will, as seen with Drago's Bewilderbeast. Valka demonstrates an extraordinary, almost innate connection with dragons, understanding their behavior and communicating with them in a way that appears magical but is part of her unique bond forged over years of living among them. This is presented as a learned expertise and empathy rather than mystical ritual.
Substance Use
LowThe film includes instances of sedative use for capturing dragons and humans but lacks any depiction of recreational alcohol or drug consumption by human characters.
Dragon trappers are shown shooting dragons with darts from blowpipes, which contain a sedative to render the dragons unconscious for capture. The character Eret is subdued and captured, implying he was drugged by Valka's group.
Disrespect & Rebellion
LowHiccup 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.
Hiccup expresses reluctance to immediately take on the mantle of chieftain as his father, Stoick, desires, prioritizing his passion for exploration and mapping new territories. The younger Viking characters, such as the twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut, frequently engage in sarcastic comments and squabbles among themselves or with adult figures, generally in a humorous or non-malicious context.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe 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.
The movie's setting accurately reflects a pre-Christian Viking society, where the prevailing worldview and cultural references would naturally be distinct from Christian tenets. The narrative focuses on universal themes such as responsibility, protecting life, and confronting evil, which are not presented in opposition to Christian values. The characters' motivations and the story's moral compass emphasize compassion and leadership rather than any specific religious doctrine.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
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.
Additional Notes
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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