How to Train Your Dragon 2 MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +4 Content: +4

ACTORS:  Voices of Jay Baruchel, Randy Thorn, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera. DIRECTOR: Dean DeBlois. WRITERS:  Dean DeBlois¸ Cressida Cowell (book series creator).

FILM SYNOPSIS: How could a team with names like Hiccup (Baruchel) and Toothless (Thorn) be anything but fun? Hiccup has physically matured since we last saw him in the first How to Train a Dragon, but he still delights in flying over the sea on the back of his trusty dragon Toothless exploring caves. Hiccup’s dad Stoick (Butler), as his name implies, worries that his son may never acquire leadership skills required to succeed him as the leader of their Viking community. All of that changes when Hiccup comes upon the mysterious Dragon Rider (Blanchett) and her colony of baby dragons hidden away. Who is she, saint or predator? The answer, my friends, will only be revealed to those who see “How to Train Your Dragon 2.

PREVIEW REVIEW: As you can see by the +4 rating, this is entertainment for all ages from young children to the oldest, grouchiest critics looking for a reason to pan How to Train Your Dragon 2. There is action and excitement when villainous Vikings attack, trying to capture dragons and train them for war, but nothing scary. After all, if your heart races a bit, you can be sure you won’t doze off. The theme of harmony, joy in what you have rather than what you want, and acceptance of responsibility is not forced on the kids, but they will grasp the message.

DreamWorks has hit a homerun in this delightful animated film.   Definitely a treat instead of a treatment.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: DreamWorks