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With memorable melodies, gorgeous romantic interludes and stirring action music, How to Train Your Dragon was arguably the finest film score of 2010. Powell's robust, Celtic-inflected soundtrack was a refreshing antidote to the anodyne, synthetic film music that has plagued (and has continued to plague) many present day blockbusters, a magnificent throwback to the Golden Age of film music in which scores unashamedly wore their heart on their sleeve. With DeBlois back in the director's chair and a plethora of returning voices including Gerard Butler, Jonah Hill and Kristen Wiig, the sequel has garnered even stronger reviews than the first movie, critics praising the emotional depth and sophisticated animation.Įqually vital to the franchise is composer John Powell, who was awarded his first Oscar nomination for his thrilling score to the first movie.
However, Hiccup soon discovers his long-lost mother Valka (Cate Blanchett) and also a deadly plot by the villainous Drago Bludvist (Djimon Hounsou) to enslave all of the world's dragons. Time has marched on since their last outing, with Hiccup no longer the unassuming hero but a fully-fledged teenage adventurer, uncovering strange and mystical new worlds beyond his home village of Berk. This year's sequel How to Train Your Dragon 2 sees Hiccup (once again voiced by Jay Baruchel) and Toothless return for another adventure. The first film explored the origins of the friendship between the former, a dorky Viking kid who's the butt of his village's jokes, and the adorable, cat-like firebreather who becomes his closest ally. Adapted by director Dean DeBlois from Cressida Cowell's popular children's book, the film drew acclaim for its thrilling flight sequences and heartfelt characterisation, the latter embodied by human/dragon partnership Hiccup and Toothless. Back in 2010, DreamWorks animation How to Train Your Dragon soared into the hearts of audiences to the unexpected tune of $494m worldwide.