BAMBI 2(2005)
I finally got around to watching this, as well as the original
Bambi!! While the first Bambi was a triumph of epic proportions,
this, like most "part 2s" was lacking in so many areas: animation,
story, music ect. This was well intentioned I'm sure but only
rates a one watch recommendation! C+
A review from Amazon:
A sequel to the 1942 Disney classic, Bambi, is laden with
expectations since audiences are justifiably protective of
this beloved tale abounding with enchantment and nostalgia.
Rest assured: Bambi II rises to the occasion, succeeding at
every turn. Brian Pimental directs the 70-minute direct-to-video
release, which seamlessly integrates the beauty, subtlety, and
essence of the original film. The new tale is actually a "midquel"
as it takes place in the middle of the original film's story line,
exploring Bambi's coming-of-age challenges. The saga begins
soon after Bambi's mother has died--and for viewers who shudder
at the thought of having to relive that traumatic movie experience,
you won't. With gentle inferences to her passing, Bambi (voiced
by Alexander Gould, Finding Nemo) is left to the
clumsy-though-well-meaning care of his father, the Great Prince
(voiced by Patrick Stewart) who faces the difficult task of raising
a son while silently mourning his own loss. Yet the weighty subject
of death is soon overshadowed by the wonders of forest life.
Through skillful storytelling, the film takes an early turn toward
levity. After all, it's spring and Bambi's familiar friends, Thumper
and Flower, are ready to play. Especially charming are the scenes
where the forest animals give each other lessons in bravery and
soon have a chance to test their mettle in scuffles with a newcomer
to the mix, a blustering bully named Ronno (voiced by Anthony
Ghannam). A strong soundtrack includes selections by Martina
McBride, Michelle Lewis, Alison Krauss, and Anthony Callea.
There is even a nostalgic nod to the original composer, Frank
Churchill, with "Let's Sing a Gay Little Spring Song." The film's
strength, however, is in its well-crafted humor: simple one-liners
and animated antics that refrain from 21st century trends to cloak
inappropriate innuendoes and double entendres in G-rated clothing,
hoping to pander to an adult audience. This is vintage Disney; it
panders to no one yet pleases all--delightfully worth the wait. The
DVD's bonus material includes a "making-of" featurette, Bambi
trivia, and a mini-tutorial with a Disney animator. (All ages) --Lynn Gibson