How to Tame Your Dragon 2, 3 Stars

This is the follow up to a very sweet movie. And this one is very different. While the first was suitable for younger kids, this one is darker with more violence.

The story is good and, unlike some sequels, it can stand on its own without having seen the first one. The voices are great: Jay Baruchel (She's Out of My League), America Ferrera (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) and Gerald Butler (P.S. I Love You). And Cate Blanchett (Robin Hood) is a welcome addition.

I knew this movie was darker but somehow my expectations were for something else. And while I liked this one and would see it again, I prefer the sweetness of the first.

Dragon 3 is scheduled for 2016 and I look forward to it.