Not liking “How to Train Your Dragon 2” would be tantamount to not liking puppies and sunshine … and “How to Train Your Dragon” (the first of the franchise — if two films can be a franchise).

In the first movie we learn a few things: Vikings fought dragons back then in the way-way past. (Actually Cressida Cowell’s very popular children’s book told us so; the movie just spread the word to a wider audience.)  Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is sort of the screw-up son of the tribe’s chief, Stoick (Gerard Butler). In order to be considered a man by his Viking tribe, he has to capture a dragon. Instead he wounds the dragon and gets wounded as well. Distress yourself not: he and the dragon, Toothless, become the best of chums, and, soon, he convinces his tribe that the dragons are not enemies but friends, companions — loyal and true.  The chief and the tribe change their minds about Hiccup and think he is not a loser after all and was right about the dragons.  The village becomes a haven of dragons; Vikings and dragons coexist in the happiest of lands. Did I mention that along the way, Hiccup who looked like he would not ever find a comely maiden interested in him did indeed?  Astrid (America Ferrera) was won over by his persuasive ways and geekish charm. All is good with the world.

Until we get to “How to Train Your Dragon 2.” Hiccup, Astrid, and their hapless, somewhat brainless, but beguiling buddies Snotout, Fishlegs, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut (Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz, Kristen Wiig and T.J. Miller) while exploring the land just beyond on their flying dragons discover a frozen land where some rough characters live in and around a frozen ruin.  The ring leader Eret Son of Eret (Kit Harington of Game of Thrones) explains his cruel behavior on his boss Drago (Djimon Hounsou) who captures dragons and makes them do bad things. Stoick’s reaction is to go to war but Hiccup is inclined to go the diplomatic route. Stoick, being a Hawk, is not impressed with his pacifist son but off he goes discovering a hidden land of dragons with by a mysterious protector…a protector that changes everything.

“How to Train a Dragon” was incredibly impressive in the use of CGI and animation. Written with great wit and charm, it is now a classic in animation. “How to Train Your Dragon 2” measures up tremendously and expands upon the story magnificently. As sequels go, this is hard to beat; accolades are deserved all around.

My arm-rest-elbow-dueler got all misty and sniffy and that always means an inappropriate amount of lobbying in regard to bow tie awarding. This might be guilt because before entering there was much grumping and sourpussing about watching a sugary kiddie film especially since the original had long faded from memory. But all of that was forgotten after the salt water flowed.

As for yours truly, I loved the craftsmanship and the gentleness of the presentation. I love the characters. In fact, Toothless is a real heart-melter and pretty soon I notice a resemblance to canines I have known and loved. Who hates puppies and dogs?

“How to Train Your Dragon 2 is worth seeing.” Sweet, touching, and totally family-friendly, this movie is near-perfect for its genre. If you failed to remember or even see “How to Train Your Dragon,” don’t worry; it stands on its own.

“How to Train Your Dragon 2” earns four bow ties out of five.

(I see that a certain hamburger restaurant has a “How to Train Your Dragon 2” tie in. Reckon there is a toy and a man of vintage years could buy a Happy Meal and not look the fool?)