Even if you didn't see the first one, you will pick up on where the old one left off. The story was good and the effects were spectacular in IMAX 3D. Not as good 3D effects as Avatar, but I think they were good enough for the additional expense to see it on IMAX.
It's not a "tear jerker" but it definitely comes close. I would recommend it to anyone. A great down to earth movie about people helping people. Perfect movie for the Christmas season.