By allowing its heroes to age and change, the “How to Train your Dragon” trilogy avoids stagnation, standing out amongst franchises that maintain the status quo. It is the greatest achievement of Dreamworks Animation.

As How to Train your Dragons 2 opens, it is immediately clear that the protagonists (Hiccup and Toothless) have grown enormously since the first film. Their confidence and trust in each other lead to a soul-lifting flight sequence, and their behaviours displays major emotional growth.This scene reads like a proclamation from the writers (Dean DeBlois, Cressida Cowell), whose dedication to character growth continues throughout the series with such courageous vigour. So rarely do you see a successful, large-budget franchise that is so unafraid of change or so skilful in challenging the qualities and fundamental principles of its characters.The films develop a believable sense of danger, they don’t coddle Hiccup or Toothless because they are young; There are very meaningful threats to their well-being and the prosperity of their community.The series wraps up with the most affecting and emotional endings to a trilogy since Toy Story 3. It deserves to be mentioned with the same reverence. Anyone who has slept on these films: Get on it. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3eM4TXQ