Children’s animated movies have an easy way of capturing the attention of any naïve little one with catchy tunes, adorable characters, and goofy plots. But then there are animated movies such as “Frozen” (2013) and “The Lion King” (1994) that have a more serious, deeper story line. How to Train Your Dragon 2 falls right into that category.

Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, and Jonah Hill are amongst many who lend their voice talents to this animated story of young man, Hiccup (Baruchel), and his best dragon friend, Toothless. Five years after the Vikings and the dragons called a truce, the island of Berk is in another serious danger after Hiccup discovers a new island with filled with mean dragon slayers. In a direct disobedience of his father, Stoick (Butler), Hiccup goes on a quest to find the enemies’ fearless leader, but he finds someone a little more delicate; his mother, Valka (Blanchett).

This movie holds a warm lesson for children who have lost their mommies or daddies, orphans with wondering holes in their hearts about their biological parents, or young people in single parent homes. The fictitious story makes those children gravitate to the film with experience and reality.

The movie keeps the love for dragons alive. The mythical creatures, magnified in 3D features, come in many different shapes, colors, and sizes for the second time around. No longer an enemy, the dragons were friendlier than the first movie and they ultimately turn out to be the heroes.

If “Frozen” (2013) is the best animated movie of the new millennium, then How To Train Your Dragon 2 is coming in a close second, along with “Wreck It Ralph” (2012). All three movies possess the qualities of a timeless, classic animation: enchanting characters, mild humor, and life application. It’s a tedious task to involve all three conditions, but this sequel pulls it off.

4 Stars: How To Train Your Dragon 2 is a healthy balance between fact and fiction. Yes, dragons are fake. But, the key messages from the animated film is very real; a true friend will never leave your side, and that there’s true healing after losing a loved one.