This has been a family favorite ever since it came out and it's sad that not many people appreciate it for what it is.
This is less of a sequel and more of a separate story with only three characters (the chubby mouse in charge of the Rescue Aid Society, Wilbur, and Miss Bianca) returning, this time to rescue Cody, a young boy who is attempting to rescue animals from poachers and is kidnapped in the process. His most recent animal rescue is Marahute, the golden eagle.
While disjointed in places, this film proves to be a fun little thrill ride. The main characters are fairly well-developed though typically one-dimensional. The only one who shows a character arc is Bernard, who finally has a chance to move past his superstitious, worrisome nature and find some courage.
MacLeech, the poacher villain, is sufficiently creepy and his huge lizard sidekick Joanna is awesomely funny. Our family has even developed the habit for calling 'Joannaaaaaa!' whenever we see a really big lizard, so enthralled we are with the reptile. Another funny character is Frank the frilled lizard, who never fails to bring giggles.
The good parts about this film are the typically wonderful animation (first animated Disney movie with computer animation!) and the AWESOME music. It's wonderful! No song-and-dance numbers and a sweeping score, composed by Bruce Broughton (Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey). The liberal use of woodwinds serves the story well, able to bring sadness in certain areas and playfulness in others.
The best part in the movie is easily the flying sequence, which never fails to bring goosebumps. I would go so far as to say the third shot from the last (where Cody is pushed off the edge of the waterfall) is the best shot in Disney animation history.
Overall, a fun romp that doesn't have enough appreciation.
This is less of a sequel and more of a separate story with only three characters (the chubby mouse in charge of the Rescue Aid Society, Wilbur, and Miss Bianca) returning, this time to rescue Cody, a young boy who is attempting to rescue animals from poachers and is kidnapped in the process. His most recent animal rescue is Marahute, the golden eagle.
While disjointed in places, this film proves to be a fun little thrill ride. The main characters are fairly well-developed though typically one-dimensional. The only one who shows a character arc is Bernard, who finally has a chance to move past his superstitious, worrisome nature and find some courage.
MacLeech, the poacher villain, is sufficiently creepy and his huge lizard sidekick Joanna is awesomely funny. Our family has even developed the habit for calling 'Joannaaaaaa!' whenever we see a really big lizard, so enthralled we are with the reptile. Another funny character is Frank the frilled lizard, who never fails to bring giggles.
The good parts about this film are the typically wonderful animation (first animated Disney movie with computer animation!) and the AWESOME music. It's wonderful! No song-and-dance numbers and a sweeping score, composed by Bruce Broughton (Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey). The liberal use of woodwinds serves the story well, able to bring sadness in certain areas and playfulness in others.
The best part in the movie is easily the flying sequence, which never fails to bring goosebumps. I would go so far as to say the third shot from the last (where Cody is pushed off the edge of the waterfall) is the best shot in Disney animation history.
Overall, a fun romp that doesn't have enough appreciation.