So, a little context before I start the review and why I'm reviewing this film to begin with. You see, in one of my assignments for university, I chose to talk about "Bambi". Doing so, I rewatched it in order to get that sense of nostalgia while also trying to point out the qualities of the film. Because of the film being fresh in my mind, I started to actually get curious about the direct-to-DVD sequel that I never saw as a child whatsoever. When a friend of mine lended me his Disney+ account, the first thing I watched outside of the first episode to "The Mandalorian" was this sequel. So, I felt I need to talk about this film, since it was the only film I was truly curious of watching for the streaming service, as well as the lack of attention it gets from other DVD Disney sequels, which range from notoriously awful to pretty good. Not many people talk about this film compared to say sequels to "Aladdin", "The Lion King", "Lilo and Stitch" or "Cinderella". A shame, since this is perhaps the film that is the most similar to the spirit to the original, which is important since Walt Disney proclaimed that "Bambi" was his favourite film he has ever made. With all of that out of the way, I can move onto the story, which chronicles the period of Bambi being looked after his father during the late winter and early spring. While this does sound pointless, which it kind of is, the film focuses on the relationship between Bambi and his father as well as transitioning from a child into adolescence. The film mainly features cute and wholesome moments, while sprinkling in some intensity as Man still hunts in the area. Similar to the original, it's a film that might not win everyone over, since some might not be able to sit through a movie that's 90% cute and innocence. I however don't mind a film like this, since the first film was very much like this, yet not done to the point of insulting or numbing the viewer. I will say though the joke of Flower's flatulence was a bit cringe-worthy, though the majority of the film is somewhat charming and fun.
Unlike the original, the character of Bambi did change quite a bit. Not only does he talk much more than before, but he's much less of a blank slate as he plays the role of the shy, immature kid trying to win over his father's love. Although it's a bit uncanny to hear him talk so much, I did get used to it and I bought the character goal that the film gave to Bambi, since it makes sense for a kid wanting to bond with an estranged father, but not knowing how. It also helps that Bambi is once again adorable to watch and certain cute moments do get a chuckle out of me. Bambi's father, voiced by Sir Patrick Stewart, is basically the typical deadbeat dad as he is more focused on his duties and making Bambi mature, rather than being a caring, loving father. I manage to understand why he feels this way though, and Stewart voices the character with boldness but a touch of pity. I however can't stand the cliche where the relationship between the father and son is shaken, because the father made the mistake of giving the image that he doesn't care for his son by sending him away. The film tries making the event work due to the context and lead-up, but it's still so generic and dry that you get angry rather than feel sad for the moment. The side characters don't take away too much time away from Bambi or his father. Thumper is the same, except he now has to look after his sisters. Flower gets much more time onscreen compared to the original, but even that's not saying much. Feline also gets more screentime and still acts as Bambi's crush, though they do interact with each other. Friend Owl is just there to give advice to Bambi's father and help him in finding a doe to take care of Bambi. The only other new character to note is Ronno, a more developed fawn that acts as Bambi's rival and constant bully, who I find to be both annoying but realistic at the same time to interfere with Bambi's life. The characters are generally good and likeable in their own way, with the main focus on Bambi and his father holding the film. I would say though that if you are the people that can't stand an entire movie of cute and innocence, the characters are not going to help you much at all.
The animation is one of the standout elements of the film. As you might know, the direct-to-DVD sequels from Disney either have downgraded animation or cleaned-up animation compared to the predecessor. Not only is "Bambi II" one of the sequels to get the better animation, but the animation itself tries in great detail to capture the feel of the original. Details such as the blurred backgrounds, the natural colours of a season, or the extreme colours and heavy shadows presented in the intense scenes are replicated to make you feel as if the filmmakers were the same ones behind the first film. However, while I appreciate the animators for trying to replicate the magic of the animation, I still prefer the 1942 film, since the elements blended together for a much more artistic feel and shots that can almost be used as a painting. The sequel doesn't match this feel, whether it's the characters being too cleaned-up or the animators not having a picturesque mindset in regards to making the characters and backgrounds blend to be one. Regardless, the animation is still very good given the smaller budget and attempt to capture the original's style. There are songs put in that is sung in the background that are very distracting and poorly done. The first film did have a song or two, but it is to reenforce the season and month. The songs in the sequel are too contemporary and fluffy that it makes me cringe, though thankfully it's only two and they are only used in the beginning and end of the film. The last thing to point out is the pacing of the film. I will give credit for the filmmakers to match the pacing to that of the original, where both films mainly showcase a few days of Bambi's life whether it's just him playing with friends or escaping from Man. It would have been so easy for them to make it more modern and have a big adventure or lots of comedy and thrills, but they knew that they had to respect the original and its film structure, which is why this as well as the efforts for the animation is why I call this film the most respectful of the Disney sequels as it is the most in spirit and aesthetic to the original compared to the other sequels.
Is "Bambi II" a great film? Not really. The songs are bad, the animation isn't as effective as the first film, and it really is meant for people who can withstand a ton of cutesy, wholesome moments for the majority of the film like myself. However, it is indeed a good sequel with the lack of story to fit the coming-of-age narrative, enjoyable characters, very nice animation, and pacing that reflects and respects the first film to the fullest. It is for sure one of the better direct-to-DVD sequels that Disney put during that period and one that should get a bit more recognition for its efforts. Considering I love the 1942 classic, I found myself liking this sequel just fine.
Verdict: 7/10. Simply good and a much-watch if you love the original or enjoy watching cute things do cute things. If not though, you might need to look somewhere else.
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