Casey Chong with a selection of Disney animated sequels that are worth your time…
Disney’s track record in the animated feature department has given us a plethora of memorable hits from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Bambi, Aladdin and Frozen. Some of the original animated features have spawned a follow-up or two. Disney also tends to release their animated sequels as direct-to-video features and only a handful of them made it to a major theatrical release. Still, regardless of the studio’s release patterns, here are six of the best Disney animated sequels worth checking out…
Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996)
Never underestimate the power of Robin Williams playing Genie because that happened in The Return of Jafar when the Aladdin sequel was missing the voice that matters. Thankfully, the famous comedian returns for the second sequel Aladdin and the King of Thieves and from the moment he bursts into a song while getting all jovial in “There’s a Party Here in Agrabah”, it’s nice to hear his voice again. Williams’ signature comedic schtick is on full display here impersonating celebrities from Walter Cronkite to Elvis Presley, Tom Hanks’ Forrest Gump and even his own Mrs. Doubtfire.
The movie also features a more resonant storytelling as it focuses on Aladdin’s childhood, where he unexpectedly reunites with his long-lost father Cassim (perfectly voiced by John Rhys-Davies), who turns out to be the notorious king of thieves. The estranged father-and-son reunion gives this second sequel a much-needed emotional weight. Not to mention Aladdin and the King of Thieves include plenty of exciting sword fights and high-stakes scenarios in a reasonably well-paced 81 minutes. Princess Jasmine may have been relegated to a thankless role this time around but overall, Aladdin and the King of Thieves is a worthwhile sequel even for a direct-to-video feature.
Bambi II (2006)
The original Bambi may have been over 80 years old but it remains one of the best Disney animated features ever made. Besides, who could forget the emotionally devastating moment when Bambi’s mother was shot to kill by a hunter? But when Disney decided to release Bambi II as a direct-to-video sequel in 2006, it looked as if the studio was up for a shameless cash grab. The sequel focuses on Bambi (voiced by Alexander Gould), who still misses his mother and is now living with his father (Patrick Stewart). Being the Great Prince of the Forest, he feels reluctant to raise Bambi because traditionally, it was always the doe’s job to do so.
Bambi II may lack the emotional depth that made the 1942 animated classic such a cinematic milestone. But looking at it as a standalone, the sequel still does a good job of establishing the father-and-son relationship between the Great Prince of the Forest and Bambi. Bambi II equally works as a heartwarming coming-of-age tale for Bambi as we see his character arc growing from a shy and incapable young fawn having trouble overcoming the loss of his mother to a brave one, who eventually makes his skeptical father proud.
Peter Pan II: Return to Never Land (2002)
Disney’s 1953 version of Peter Pan was among the studio’s best animated features. But the idea of a sequel seems like an ill-advised move and yet, Disney rolled ahead anyway with a follow-up in 2002. While it became a box-office hit, it was largely seen as a forgotten sequel as time went by. Upon revisiting Peter Pan II: Return to Never Land, the sequel turns out to be a better-than-expected entry after all, thanks to the introduction of Wendy’s young daughter Jane (voiced by Harriet Owen). Jane is the heart and soul of this sequel and even serves as a coming-of-age story for her feisty and pragmatic character who doesn’t believe in fairy tales, specifically her mom always told the story about Peter Pan (Blayne Weaver). Even when she is kidnapped by Captain Hook (Corey Burton) and taken to Neverland, all she cares about is finding her way back home.
Her matter-of-fact, uptight personality contrasts well with Peter Pan and his merry Lost Boys’ happy-go-lucky attitudes, which gives the sequel a pleasant mix of drama and humor. The sequel also benefits from a short running time of just 72 minutes but credits go to director Robin Budd for packing Peter Pan II: Return to Never Land with enough heart, fun and adventure.
The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
Here’s an interesting trivia about The Rescuers Down Under: it turns out to be the first Disney feature-length animated sequel. And yet, the long-awaited sequel to the 1977’s The Rescuers tanked at the box office. Besides, Disney’s decision to open the sequel against Home Alone and Rocky V, both of which stood at No. 1 and 2 respectively at the time seems like a suicide mission. No prizes for guessing which was the one that emerged at the top between these three movies but for The Rescuers Down Under, this sequel deserves a second chance.
The adventure-filled story reunites Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor as they reprise their voice roles as Bernard and Miss Bianca, the titular mice assigned to fly over to the Australian Outback to save the kidnapped boy Cody (Adam Ryen) from the ruthless poacher, Percival C. McLeach (George C. Scott in a deliriously evil voice). The Rescuers Down Under benefits from Newhart and Gabor’s endearing chemistry while Adam Ryen does a good job voicing the persistent young boy, Cody. The sequel is also visually stunning for its then-groundbreaking animated feature that goes fully digital. The story’s underlying environmental message about the importance of preserving wildlife is efficiently told without resorting to a preachy outcome. And not to forget, it balances the drama and adventure with a dash of humor, thanks to the introduction of McLeach’s clumsy pet Joanna the Goanna (Frank Welker – yes, that Frank Welker) and the imprisoned timid frill-necked lizard Frank (Wayne Robson).
Frozen II (2019)
Frozen II was a huge hit when it debuted in 2019, grossing over $1.4 billion and even surpassing the 2013 original’s total worldwide box office. Sure, the sequel may lack the infectiously rousing anthem of the first movie’s “Let It Go” but the follow-up is no slouch either, thanks to its equally excellent soundtrack boasting songs like “Into the Unknown” and “Show Yourself”. Frozen II may retain most of the first movie’s storytelling beats but it does delve into uncharted territory with a more mature approach. This is especially true with respectively bleak moments revolving around Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) as well as Anna (Kristen Bell) and Olaf (Josh Gad) dealing with obstacles.
The sisterhood bond between Elsa and Anna remains the heart and soul of the Frozen franchise while Olaf’s comic relief brings enough worthwhile humor, particularly in the scene where he recaps the entire first movie’s events. Not to mention the sequel is a visual triumph with breathtaking animation that immerses you into the movie.
Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)
The 2012’s Wreck-It Ralph was good enough that a sequel wasn’t necessary. And yet, six years later, Disney returns with Ralph Breaks the Internet and what could have been a cash grab turns out to be a better-than-expected sequel after all. It may lack the novelty that defined the first movie’s success but returning director Rich Moore and screenwriter Phil Johnston did an excellent job accomplishing the story with enough wit and heart. The latter is evident with the familiar yet poignant theme of friendship between Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly) and his best pal Vanellope (Sarah Silverman).
The sequel has a field day with in-jokes surrounding the online world and its pop culture and not to forget, a hilarious meta-moment where Vanellope finds herself in a dressing room full of Disney princesses. Ralph Breaks the Internet fills in with noteworthy new characters as well, especially Gal Gadot’s feisty voice performance as the Grand Theft Auto-like Slaughter Race driver Shank.
What are your favourite animated Disney sequels? Let us know on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
Casey Chong