Bambi II

 

 

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I was not expecting to really like this movie. Usually I'm not a big fan of Disney's sequels. Mostly, I bought the movie for my three year old daughter because she absolutely loved the original Bambi movie. Well, now the old Bambi has been put aside in favor of the new. She calls it "New Bambi" and requests it constantly. I've seen the movie about a thousand times now, but I still find it cute. It's a great movie for toddlers, preschoolers, and those in early grades. The plot line is simple for young kids to understand. The movie starts at the point where Bambi's mom is killed. Bambi meets his father and learns that his mother is never coming back. He spends the rest of the movie growing up and trying to live up to his father's expectations. He makes new friends and learns about the world along the way. It's your basic "coming of age" plot. Kids can relate to his insecurities, and his wanting to please his father. Much of the movie is about Bambi, his friends, and the situations they get into. My daughter LOVES Ronno, the "bad boy" deer. (Oh No!)
The backgrounds and animation are beautiful, and very much like the old movie. Some of the music from the old movie is heard again too.
I would rate this an A+ movie for kids, and one that won't totally annoy the parents either. I found it endearing. The only undesirable thing my daughter got from the movie is the phrase "Big Ole Momma's Boy", which she now correctly uses to refer to the cat.

While some will undoubtedly find it hard to embrace a follow-up to Disney's 1942 classic Bambi, I found Bambi II to be quite enchanting, funny, and very touching. I must admit I bring a somewhat unusual perspective to this film, as I am one of the few living souls who hasn't seen the original. For whatever reason, I never saw Bambi as a child, and - now that I'm an adult - I've resisted watching it because I have heard how sad it is when Bambi's mother dies. I can watch films with humans doing unspeakable things to one another and never bat an eye, but it just tears me up to see animals (whether real or cartoon) sad and hurting. I can't get through Benji without sobbing, so I've just never felt up to the task of experiencing Bambi. A grown man shouldn't admit this, but - just in case you're wondering - Bambi II did end up bringing a few tears to my eyes, as well. That's okay, though. Movies like this aren't just for children; in many ways, their message plays more powerfully to adult viewers, reminding us of the important things in life (especially in terms of the parent-child relationship).

This isn't a sequel to Bambi, I should note, as the story actually fits in to the middle of the original film. Bambi has just lost his mother, and now it is up to his father, the Great Prince, to take care of him. The Great Prince does not take to parenting naturally or easily; he feels that a doe should raise the child, and he asks Friend Owl to help him find a new mother for Bambi once spring arrives. Bambi desperately wants to please his father, but he is just too young to meet his father's high standards. The Great Prince wants Bambi to behave as a prince, not as a young deer. Fortunately, Bambi does have friends to play with, including Thumper and Flower. Thumper even tries to teach him how to be brave. All Bambi really wants, though, is for his father to be proud of him and to actually show him some affection. Gradually, the Great Prince begins to come down off his pedestal to be an actual, caring father to the youngster. The last half of the film is really more about the Great Prince than it is about Bambi, if you ask me; it's basically the story of a father's love. The climactic scenes really work beautifully, taking you from tear-inducing sadness to exhilaration and suspense, eventually bringing every emotional aspect of the whole story to a deeply satisfying conclusion.

The two young kids supplying the voices for Bambi and Thumper are really just superb, and Patrick Stewart brings incredible presence to the film as the voice of the Great Prince. I also think the animation is wonderful. The animation crew may have used some digital tools, but they clearly tried to follow in the footsteps of Bambi's illustrators in terms of their approach to the whole project, taking pains to remain faithful to the look and feel of the original. Since I haven't seen the first Bambi, I can't compare the two films at all - but I do think the artwork of Bambi II really hits the mark.

Along with the movie, you also get a good assortment of extra features on the DVD, including an interesting look at the making of Bambi II - this is where you really get a sense of the reverence Bambi II's makers have for the original film. You also have the option of watching the movie with various Bambi trivia and fun facts popping up at relevant times. A Disney animator shows budding young artists how to draw Thumper, and there's also a little "find Thumper" game for one or two players. Naturally, you also get previews of some coming Disney attractions.

All in all, Bambi II is an impressive package. The film itself is what truly matters, of course, and I think it is really good. Certainly, it's aimed at a young audience, but I can't agree with anyone saying there is nothing for adults in this film. Bambi II's portrayal of the Great Prince's love for Bambi and his struggle to find the best way to raise the lad properly certainly touch upon issues that most parents will find close to their heart. Bambi II certainly managed to touch my heart - and on more than one occasion.

Great buy. Excellent copy with crystal clear picture. Enjoyable movie and highly recommended for all ages. The whole family will love it.

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4.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Midquel!
The original Bambi movie was always my favorite. I got it on DVD last year in 2005, and kept on watching it almost every night for at least three months. Read more

Published on Feb 27 2006 by The R Gurl

5.0 out of 5 stars Love Bambi II
Bambi is sweet, cute and funny in this new movie. It is a heart warming movie that will be loved by all ages. I highly recommend adding this movie to your collection! Read more

Published on Feb 8 2006

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Movie
We won tickets to see the prescreen and it is am amazing movie my 3 kids ages 7,4 and 2 1/2 yrs old ALL LOVED IT!!! Read more

Published on Feb 7 2006 by Robyn Moreno

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