Brother Bear 2

Now we arrive at another good direct-to-video sequel, “Brother Bear 2,” released in 2006. Traveling to a banquet of berries far off, bears Kenai (Patrick Dempsey) and Koda (Jeremy Suarez) are stopped by Nita (Mandy Moore), a human who Kenai once fallen in love with when they were kids. Looking to break a curse that’s preventing her from marrying, Nita requests the bears help her cross the countryside. On their journey, the connection between Nita and Kenai starts up again, leaving Koda to think if Kenai should really live as a bear, or would he be better if he was human again.

Brain Orndorf said in his review, “Admittedly, it was an animated production glued together by scraps from other Disney hits, but 2003's "Brother Bear" knocked me down in ways few of the Mouse House's offerings have been able to do since I was 10 years old. It was a splash of thrilling autumnal colors, jubilant character development, and confident storytelling that ignored many Disney crutches (chiefly a villain, along with singing and dancing), and preferred to lead with its heart. Over the years I've revisited the film several times, and today find it to be one of the stronger entries in Disney's towering animated empire.”

Though it’s not racking up huge box office numbers in America, “Brother Bear” did well enough on DVD to make a direct-to-video sequel, which is both a promising and terrible idea. While the first film was an animated feature, the sequel is simply a cartoon.

Orndorf noted, “First and foremost, "Bear 2" is missing the majestic hand-animated woodsy vistas to backdrop Kenai and Koda's adventure; the nuanced and trembling voice work from Joaquin Phoenix; the layered, widescreen score by Mark Mancina and pop song interstitials from Phil Collins (Melissa Etheridge substitutes here); and a penetrating story about friendship and the mystical wonders of life that elevated "Bear."”

What we’re given in the end in “Brother Bear 2” are elements that show a downgrade in effort from the first film, but still gives time to be spent with favorite characters. The film remains a charmer, even with a delicate acting job from Patrick Dempsey and a Saturday morning cartoon level of animation. “Brother Bear 2” is a small amusement, and the filmmakers have lightened up the material considerably to interest to a younger crowd. Orndorf mentioned, “Let's put it this way: the original film took its time with the Inuit characters, respecting traditions (even the invented ones), and placing emphasis on careful animation to express the splendor of the spiritual world.” “Brother Bear 2” brings in lesbian comedian Wanda Sykes to play a village elder.

Regardless of the relaxed standards, “Brother Bear 2” still affects with its story of resting romance, intelligently finding ways to challenge Kenai’s decision in the last film to become a bear. Agreeably voiced by Mandy Moore, the addition of Nita adds the only difference the film needs. Orndorf said, “Again, the absence of a mustache-twirling villain is truly something praiseworthy.” Equally hard to resist are returning moose Rutt and Tuke, who Orndorf says “played to the McKenzie Brothers hilt” by Dave Thomas and the greatly missed Rock Moranis. Since the theme of love is in the air, the boys have their own moose’s they’re in love with, played appropriately by some more “SCTV” cast members, Andrea Martin and Catherine O’Hara.

Orndorf admitted, “As money-grabbing animated product goes, "Brother Bear 2" rests nicely on a lowered expectation level, and is hardly an offensive affront to the first film.” The texture and polish is greatly missed, but the characters are so strong and engaging, it’s still entertaining.

In the end, this is another direct-to-video sequel that I recommend watching. If you loved the first one, then you should see this one because it’s watchable and entertaining. You will like this movie, I promise you. No, I’m not making it up, it’s actually good.

Check in tomorrow when I look at a sequel to one of the Disney movies that I watched a lot as a child for the next installment in “Disney Sequel Month.”