An Unnecessary Addition to a Classic Film | Bambi II | Patrick Stewart, Alexander Gould

Love this movie | Bambi II | Patrick Stewart, Alexander Gould

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	• Bambi II Patrick Stewart, Alexander Gould Walt Disney Home Entertainment, 2006 average customer review:based on 130 reviews view larger image
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An Unnecessary Addition to a Classic Film

Over half a century ago, our nation fell in love with Walt Disney's 5th animated film, Bambi. Now, a new generation is introduced 64 years later to the "midquel" of a classic that charmed thousands of viewers. Bambi II, which went directly to video in 2006, takes place in the months following the death of Bambi's mother. This is a logical place to add on to, as the original 1942 movie made a large leap from that sad winter to a spring when Bambi had fully matured.

This story follows a recently motherless Bambi. His father, the Great Prince of the Forest, tries to locate a foster doe to raise the young fawn. As a doe could not be found until next spring, the Great Prince is faced with the challenge of raising his young son who is almost a stranger. Bambi yearns to win affection and approval from his lofty father by "listening" to the woods, leaping great distances, and generally working to please. A budding father-son relationship begins, which is eventually shaken and must be rebuilt. I commend this part of the film, thanking the folks at Disney Studios for the absence of an instant happy ending.

Although connecting with his father is the central plot of Bambi II, Bambi predictably meets and has some rather forgettable adventures with his best friends Thumper the rabbit and Flower the skunk. I was surprised at the appearance of Ronno, (who goes nameless as the rival stag in Bambi) a young buck whose antlers had already come in and serves as the movie's main antagonist. Unfortunately, Ronno's personality never goes beyond that of a schoolyard bully; he tries to impress Faline or taunts Bambi. However, I do appreciate the fact that the filmmakers seems to have referenced Felix Salten's novel, Bambi, a Life in the Woods for the character of Ronno and the scene involving Man's deer call. One could also argue Salten's work inspired a certain scene involving grasshoppers.

If one were to stop Bambi after the death of the mother doe and begin Bambi II where it is meant to take place, the differences of the two would be alarmingly evident. There is very little dialogue in Bambi, emotion being expressed by Walt's sunning visuals. Bambi II, on the other hand, is full of chatter, probably to help it appeal to modern young audiences. Not to say Alexander Gould does poorly as the voice of the title character. He gives Bambi nice emotion and life. Brendon Baerg's Thumper, however, doesn't sit well with me. The scenes involving Thumper and his sisters seem to try to be cute to the verge of them being annoying. Patrick Stewart's performance wavers between being pompous and noble as the Great Prince, while Andrea Bowne makes a very sweet Faline. Faline no longer giggles hysterically, yet quietly makes herself heard. There are points within the film where Bambi and Faline look at each other so lovingly it just about melts your heart. Facial expression was very well done.

There are a few other minor differences. Bambi II is certainly less lush looking, as most of the rich colors of Bambi have been reduced to mainly pastels. The music is also a bit of a problem. Bambi II features country/pop tunes that can indeed be cringe-worthy, drastically different than the haunting choruses of the 1940's. The only song revisited is "Let's Sing a Gay Little Spring Song." In contrast, instrumentals do a good job of setting the mood in Bambi II when they are used. The animation isn't too shabby, although computer rendering is usually noticeable when it is used.

In conclusion, Bambi II feels unnecessary. It doesn't add much to the original plotline, but it is certainly more of a story than many of the other direct-to-video fare that Disney Studios steadily churns out. I suggest renting it before buying it, and I do know of many small children enjoying it thoroughly. It bothers me, though, that a film Walt Disney personally supervised has been followed up with a piece that wasn't even worthy of opening in theaters.

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Love this movie

This is a great movie! My 6-year old boy watches it over and over. It contains a good father-son bonding lesson and is also a good movie for adults too. The animators at Disney have done a good job on the characters and plot. I would definitely recommend this movie for any age child or child-at-heart that appreciates animated films.

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Love Bambi II

It almost seems wrong to say but I like this better than the original Bambi. "Bambi II" is not only absolutely beautiful to watch but the story (which takes place in between childhood and adulthood) is much richer than the original. The voice acting is nice and doesn't go too far to recreate the original voices but instead found actors that have the same sprit and do the characters justice in their own way. While I would normally say that it is blasphemy to make sequels to classic movies from decades ago, it would be a pity to have not had the pleasure of watching this. After watching the "Making of" bonus it's clear that the artists put much love in to the making of the film.

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loveBambi

Pleased with the seller's fast service! I also bought the original Bambi (VHS) from another seller, this too was a good transaction. I was surprised how fast both movies got to me!

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One of the silver screen's most cherished characters makes his triumphant return in Disney's spectacular all-new movie, Bambi II. The eagerly-awaited next chapter of Bambi's unforgettable story continues for a whole new generation in a film that's sure to delight your entire family. Join Bambi as he reunites with his father, The Great Prince, who must now raise the young fawn and teach him the ways of the forest. But, in the adventure of a lifetime, the proud parent discovers that there is much that he can learn from his spirited young son. Thumper, Flower, Owl and your favorite characters return - and you'll meet some wonderful new friends - as Bambi's magnificent legacy continues. Illustrated in the breathtaking animation style of the original classic and bursting with enchanting new songs, Bambi II is truly a wonder to behold.

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