The pacing is slow throughout the movie, but it gives so much time to learn and feel the new characters. Moving on from the usual keeping with the old main characters the new cast gives a lot of depth and power with their acting. Every scene had a purpose in the long run, or made you feel apart of the world. And the animals felt a lot more emotionally important. Absolutely up to par with the 1st, and gives a great lead up to the 3rd.