How to Train Your Dragon 2

Like almost all good movies, "How to Train Your Dragon 2" is about more than just fantasy action and adventure, riding dragons and shooting stuff.

"Dragon 2" is all about disabilities and overcoming them. Not dealing with disabilities. Overcoming them.

So you won't find any scenes in this movie where Hiccup (voice of Jay Baruchel) grouses about his lot in life, having lost one of his feet at the conclusion of the first film, nor does his dragon pal Toothless fret over his bum wing, without which he can't fly (though this particular injury plays more into the plot, as you might guess). No, they have overcome their missing limbs and get around just fine on their own, thank you, leaning on each other to soar high.

But lest you think this is all about Hiccup's injury, this is also a story about lineage, destiny and forging your own path. Hiccup still struggles with living up to his father Stoick (voice of Gerard Butler), though he is universally respected in the clan. Stoick wants to transition Hiccup into the chief role; Hiccup mostly just wants to fly around on his dragon and have a good time. Then he discovers a group who captures dragons and hears of a man named Drago Bludvist (voice of Djimon Hounsou), who is assembling a dragon army, and decides diplomacy is preferable to preparing for war.

Then there's a mysterious armored figure riding a dragon, who holds the key to Hiccup's past and present.

Where "Dragon 2" soars is in its action — dizzying, breathtaking 3D sequences that pull you inside the film. You almost feel like you're riding shotgun on the dragons as they soar through the air, darting down in between explosions and raining volleys of fire down on their enemies. The action scenes are magnificent, complex and fun — "Star Wars," only scalier.

Where the film goes awry is when there is no action to speak of. Hiccup just isn't that compelling of a character. Yes, he's resolute in his beliefs and is an amiable guy, but he's not interesting enough, nor does he have a solid enough supporting cast, to really be gripping, and I found his central conflict and overall arc to be well-worn and not quite emotional enough.

I hailed the first film for its willingness to take narrative risks, and they certainly continue that trend here, but the full weight of the moment is lost by one last tacked-on action scene that is competently done but designed to offer something of a happy ending. At a certain point, it seemed like the film was naturally over, leaving me wishing for a cliffhanger ending that would lead into a part 3, but this is a film for kids after all.

Still, "Dragon 2" is a worthy sequel, full of spectacular battles, good clean fun and a solid sense of friendship. I recommend seeing it in the theater and spending the extra money for 3D.