Title: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Director: Dean DeBlois
Score: 7/10

Who hasn't loved How to Train Your Dragon (the original)? I was really looking forward to the sequel and thought I would be abroad and not be able to catch it on the day of release and yet I was incredibly lucky to just chance upon a preview. 

As with every sequel that comes after a much loved book/ movie, I was worried that it wouldn't be very good and that in a way it would 'ruin' the original. I needn't have worried. 

This film is heartwarming and very entertaining. I still wouldn't say I prefer the sequel to the original (unlike Despicable Me 2) but it was probably as good. 

The film really tests the strength of the relationship between Toothless and Hiccup. How much can a dragon be 'tamed' and will their instincts/ mother nature win?

With some amazing scenes, How to Train Your Dragon 2 rounds up as a sweet and very successful film despite some loopholes in the plot.

PS. I'm not entirely sure whether the generalisation 'All sequels are bound to fail' is still valid. True, Toy Story 3 seemed to be the only exception for a good long while but we've had quite a few decent ones since. I can only hope that Finding Dory will be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

PS. I have also decided to come up with a logical numbering system (it seems I'm only capable of awarding 7's and 8's). This may mean a re-numbering of previous review scores.

*The product artwork I use within this review is taken from Wikipedia in order to identify the subject of the review. It is low enough in resolution such that it couldn't be used as counterfeit or pirated material.

Title: Frozen
Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
Score: 8/10

Disney have produced a new film- and it has princesses. I know what you're thinking; I thought the same thing (same old, same old...). However, Frozen was a brilliant surprise. I hadn't seen the trailer and so didn't know what to expect but the film proved that Disney have now completely changed for the better.

The film starts off in typical Disney fashion: pretty princess meets handsome prince. They sing and dance in the moonlight, decide they are each other's true love, get engaged and announce this to the world. What happens next is unexpected (and realistic). 'Wait, you got engaged to someone you just met that day?' says Kristoff, a goofy guy whose best friend is his reindeer, voicing the thoughts of many.

This is only one of the things that makes this animated film extremely mature. It questions love, the types of love and the place it has in our lives as well as family and the importance of family despite the many difficulties life throws our way.

The animations itself are simplistic and beautiful making this film a delight to watch. The songs however are the real wealth of this musical. It's not often that the soundtrack of a Disney movie makes music charts but this film has managed it. The songs are beautiful independently but they also fit the film perfectly.

I believe this is a great film that will suit all audiences. It's perfect for families who are tired of the traditional sexist princess films but it's also great for adults who want to enjoy a great and fun movie.

*The product artwork I use within this review is taken from Wikipedia in order to identify the subject of the review. It is low enough in resolution such that it could not be used as counterfeit or pirated material.