Bambi II

There is a speck of debate going on between fans of the classic Disney animated films. Kevin Carr stated, “It surrounds the question “To sequel or not to sequel.”” Some believe that the classics are eternally amazing and unable to be improved. Those on that side of the ballpark criticize the sequels to all kinds of Disney films.

On the other side of the spectrum, people seem to just want more of the characters they are familiar with and love. They don’t think a sequel will impact the original – no matter how bad it is. Instead, they would rather have a fresh entry of DVD animation for their kids.

Carr admitted, “I used to fall on the side of “not to sequel.” Then I had kids. Like so many other aspects of your life, having kids changes everything.”

Carr goes on to say, “However, I’m not a fan of just any animated sequel that comes down the pike. There have been some real stinkers out there, namely “The Little Mermaid II” and “Mulan II.” However, some of them have been rather sweet or funny (like the “Lion King” sequels) or even comparable to the original (like the “Lilo & Stitch” sequels”).”

“Bambi II,” released in 2006, doesn’t entirely live up to the original, but how could it? The original “Bambi” was an achievement of animation back when it was released in the 1940s, and it holds up to many current animated films – without the use of all that CGI and modern photographic methods.

What made the first “Bambi” so great wasn’t the story, the characters, or even the animation. It was the heart in that film. “Bambi” had such passion and love behind it that it is a classic film in bad feeling of a tortuous story and long musical numbers.

“Bambi II” is given at least some of that care from the Disney studios. Carr mentioned, “I think the filmmakers were forced to use that care. After all, they were making a sequel to the original classic. They couldn’t take the job lightly.”

The story follows young Bambi (Alexander Gould) after his mother (Carolyn Hennesy) is shot and he must go into the forest to live with his father (Patrick Stewart). It takes him through the long winter and into the spring, while he’s still a fawn. Like “The Lion King 1½,” most of the film takes place in the middle of the original, so clearly you know that nothing serious is going to happen to the characters. Carr asked, “Otherwise, how would they return in the spring and get twitterpated?”

The plot doesn’t have a very strong basis, considering there isn’t a lot more to show in development of Bambi outside of the first film. He just saw his mother shot by hunters…how can you top the sadness of that?

Instead, the plot takes a nicer route, showing the Great Prince trying to get used to raising his son. Along the way, Bambi’s friends (Brendon Baerg, Nicky Jones and Andrea Bowen) come out of hibernation to play a little bit, and there’s a rival young deer named Ronno (Anthony Ghannam) who trying to get Faline’s (Bowen) attention. Carr said, “I imagine that this is the same buck that Bambi fights in the original, but the issue is left for assumption.”

Carr went on to say, “I always felt the original “Bambi” was lean on plot and more of an animation calling card for the Disney studios. However, that doesn’t take away from its lovability. My kids love the original, and they are quite fond of the new chapter.”

Isn’t that who this film was made for?

“Bambi II” won’t be marked in Disney history like the classic original, but it will be enjoyed by kids who are fans of the original. However, Disney has the vault which holds our beloved classics, but when they get released; there is only a limited time for people to buy the DVD or you will have to wait until they release it again. If “Bambi” is not in the vault, I say go out and buy it along with the sequel.

In all honesty, when I saw this sequel, I thought that it was nice. This is another sequel that I say check out because I think there is a loving meaning behind this film. Definitely see it because I don’t see this as a disappointment.

Now, there is a certain Holiday Special that I’m thinking of seeing later on today, which many consider to be one of the worse, or the absolute worst special ever. Stay tuned later today because I have to see it to see how bad it is. Although I’m sure that I will regret it later.