Extra Cinema: How to Train Your Dragon 2

Based on the book by Cressida Cowell, the 2010 computer-animated adventure

Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois’ brilliantly executed story of one boy’s remarkable friendship with a supposedly fearsome dragon was touching, distinguished by rich visuals and an intelligent script.

The sequel, directed solely by DeBlois, expands the narrative arcs of the characters, testing their mettle in the aftermath of tragedy.

Five years have passed since Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) befriended Toothless and the inhabitants of the village of Berk now live in harmony with the dragons.

Hiccup’s father Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler) continues to preside over the people.

During a regular sortie with Toothless, Hiccup stumbles upon a lost world of rescued dragons and a valiant rider named Valka (Cate Blanchett), who turns out to be a long-lost face from the past.

A tearful family reunion with Stoick is cut short by diabolical dragon hunter Drago Bludvist (Djimon Hounsou), who storms this lost world and takes control of the majestic fire-breathing creatures using a gargantuan Alpha dragon.

Flying sequences deliver a vertiginous thrill, especially in 3D, including a couple of death-defying battles that swoop at dizzying speed.

Blanchett’s accent aside, lightning nearly strikes twice.