HOLLYWOOD—Opening one’s mind to a fantasy world where you question if what is being depicted can actually happen is not an easy task. “How to Train Your Dragon” was a box-office surprise in 2010, so audiences knew a sequel was on the horizon, as “How to Train Your Dragon 2” follows our main character Hiccup (voice of Jay Baruchel) and his friends as they venture into adulthood.

That’s an interesting narrative point of the film that analyzes the evolution of one’s character as he or she moves from the irresponsibility of being a teenager, to the grueling demands of becoming an adult. It’s something most of us fight on a daily basis.

“Dragon” is more about the relationship between dragons and Vikings which have been at odds for quite some time, but things have transitioned to a peaceful place. On his journey to explore unchartered regions, Hiccup and Astrid (voice of America Ferrera) encounter Eret (voice of Kit Harrington) a dragon trapper who is building a massive army for her boss Drago (voice of Djimon Honsou). This prompts our hero to warn his Stoick the Vast (voice of Gerard Butler) of the impending danger that could be headed their way.

A parent/father tiff, results in Hiccup running away where he is reunited with his long-lost mother Valka (voice of Cate Blanchett), who is aware of an ice palace that is a safe place for all dragons. The movie teaches a load of life lessons including forgiveness, death, regret and the price of vengeance.

Hiccup is much more layered than a typical character depicted in most animated flicks that tend to be quite one-note in my opinion. I will admit, I felt some of the characters in the film lack that supporting player role that is hinted at early in the picture.

This is indeed a movie that is centered around Hiccup and his transition into adulthood and the highs and lows he experiences during that time frame. When I think of most anime flicks. comedy comes to mind, but not so much with “How to Train Your Dragon 2.” It’s quite serious to say the least, but it has it moments of comedy here and there.

On a visual front the 3D is not to be missed with this installment. It immerses the audience into this world that is so foreign that it feels so real at times. This is an instance where the 3D element actually heightens the overall impact of the movie. For kids, they learn the important lessons of friendship and maturing into adulthood, while adults in the theater get the opportunity to reflect back on earlier periods where responsibility wasn’t always at the top tier.

“How to Train Your Dragon 2” surprised me in more ways than I ever expected, which is always a good sign to not a good movie, but a great one.