For once I was expecting total disappointment and got better than I ever would have hoped for. Yes, this is a "mid-quel," but once you've seen the (incredible) first you can sort of imagine where these events might fit in. This has its own climax and all, but the plot fits within the original's parameters. It might not make 100% sense, but to go back and do something like this is pretty tough. It's all right.
So, what's good about The Fox and the Hound 2? Much more than anyone expects. First, the obvious animation. It, and the scenery, are wonderful. Bright, bold, shiny, fresh colors, detailed and true-to-the-first backdrops. Very expressive characters who are just delightful to watch--the way the dogs move is fantastic and well done. As to the country music, well, I wasn't sure I'd like the accents--but I do. And even if you're not normally a fan, there is nothing to dislike about the movie's songs. Particularly "Good Doggie, No Bone." They're nicely done by stars from the heart of country music, as explained on the DVD bonus feature.
And the story? Surprisingly great too; good dialogue, witty and humorous bits, good character development. None, or very little of, the usual sequel hokiness and cheese I'd anticipated. The story of the county fair and Singin' Strays band is actually very believable. There are so many highlights it's hard to remember them all, but the scene near the end, in which the group performs for a jolly talent scout outside a quaint, old-fashioned diner comes to mind for one. The setting just helps to make the story work; that little diner is so cute, and so perfect for the scene.
I'm still dismayed to see sneak peeks for Cinderella 3 and The Little Mermaid 3 on the DVD, but at least this movie gives me hope that somebody still may know what they're doing making these sequels. Then again, this movie was almost tailored directly to me. More than anything I am a sucker for singing and dancing dogs: show me a film centered around that, and you've got me. I like to imagine a world where everyone's a dog and there are musicians along the lines of the Singin' Strays anyway, but even without such a love for this type of thing, you can appreciate the movie. It stands well enough on its own. But I'm saving the best parts for last.
Yes, it's pretty original; far from perfect, of course, but I won't run down all of the weaker points because as with any sequel, there are many. However, they don't drag down the big picture. Tod and Copper are naturally your young and precious main characters, but Chief, Widow Tweed and Amos Slade haven't been left out--or ruined, either. Chief is especially well animated and a good source of humor. The one character, though, who in my opinion really makes the movie great--in fact she makes the movie--is Dixie. When I first saw her and Cash on the cover, my impression was: `OMG! It's Dodger and Rita from `Oliver and Company' redone!' Because Cash's bandana HAS to be an homage to Dodger. And Dixie has that same sort of look as Rita (which is my favorite `look' in the world and when I see such a character, it's instant Favorite.)
Well, turns out Dixie is something like the country cousin of Sasha LaFleur, another performing Irish Setter (of sorts) from a sequel. A force to be reckoned with and of course the love interest of Cash, she's the most interesting character (and thanks to being in show business, the road is rough for her and Cash). Visually Dixie is an amazing character to watch; the way they made her move and dance just perfectly captures how you'd do it if you were her. She steals every scene she's in and I'm glad she's such a central character. Her song is probably the best part of the film. So to wrap up, this movie basically blew me away--two thumbs up just for stunning me.
I Think It's Gonna Be A Good Sequel
Well i like the disney sequels they the best. and I think The Fox And The Hound 2 is gonna be good, there gonna be new voices, new songs, and new animation. I can't wait for this Sequel, I hope they do a good job.
The canine star of Air Bud and its host of sequels is on the screen again, but this time Buddy, his girlfriend Molly, and their human owners Noah and Henry have their hands and paws full with a litter of five mischievous puppies that talk. From Budderball who's obsessed with food to the meditating Bud-Dha and the dirt-loving Mudbud, each of the puppies is as unique as a sibling can be. When it comes time to adopt the young puppies into new families, humans and dogs alike are distraught and the puppies decide to run away. Enter a spoiled rich boy named Bartleby who wants Air Bud as a birthday present, a dim-witted cousin, and a doltish thug employed by Bartleby's father, and mayhem prevails as Buddy and Molly get dog-napped and Noah, Henry, and the runway puppies all set out to... More Info about this DVD Director(s): Robert Vince DVD Release Date: Released the 12 December 2006 Usually ships in 4 to 6 weeks
List Price: $29.99 Your Price: $19.99YOU SAVE $10!
Buy it
This special 25th Anniversary edition includes the classic 1981 The Fox and the Hound movie in its entirety and an abundance of special features including a Backstage Disney featurette, two interactive hide-and-seek games, sing-along, read-along, art gallery, and two Disney shorts. The fascinating six-and-a-half minute Backstage Disney segment "Passing the Baton" emphasizes the The Fox and the Hound's place as a historical turning point in Disney animation; chronicling the process by which legendary animators Woolie Reitherman, Frank Thomas, and Ollie Johnston, three of "Disney's Nine Old Men" whose names were synonymous with Disney Animation from the Snow White era, began work on The Fox and the Hound characters and their relationships and then encouraged a... More Info about this DVD Director(s): Richard Rich - Art Stevens - Ted Berman DVD Release Date: Released the 10 October 2006 Usually ships in 24 hours
List Price: $29.99 Your Price: $19.99YOU SAVE $10!
Buy it
When the farmer's back is turned, the animals party down in Barnyard. A young cow named Otis (voiced by Kevin James, The King of Queens) loves to have fun at the farm's wild late-night hoe-downs, despite the disapproval of his father, Ben (Sam Elliott, Thank You for Smoking). When Ben dies defending the barnyard from marauding coyotes, Otis is chosen as the new leader--but responsibility sits uneasily on Otis' head and he fears he may not be able to protect his friends from the coyotes. Barnyard's design of the cows seems inspired by Gary Larson's The Far Side comics; though the style is simple, the characters are surprisingly expressive. From moment to moment, the movie is reasonably entertaining. The actors--including Courteney Cox, Danny Glover, and... More Info about this DVD DVD Release Date: Released the 12 December 2006 Usually ships in 24 hours
List Price: $29.99 Your Price: $17.99YOU SAVE $12!
Buy it
I thought the Robin Hood character was really cute and whoever illustrated it was really good. It's been one of my favorite movies since childhood. I loved the part where the snake sounds like Pooh bear and I really love the king how he is so greedy of money and then Robin Hood finds a way to stop him. I forget how because I haven't watched the movie in a long time.
signed Ian More Info about this DVD Director(s): Wolfgang Reitherman DVD Release Date: Released the 28 November 2006 Usually ships in 24 hours
List Price: $29.99 Your Price: $19.99YOU SAVE $10!
Buy it
