The Fox and the Hound 2 (G, 2006)

Copper's lack of hunting talent is a major disappointment to his owner and the senior hunting dog, Chief (Rob Paulsen), so they leave Copper (voiced by Harrison Fahn) home while they go enjoy a traveling fair. In an attempt to cheer up his self-critical friend, Tod (Jonah Bobo) frees Copper so they can visit the fair as well. Entertainment at this lively carnival includes the "Singing Strays," a group of howling dogs led by Cash (Patrick Swayze) and fronted by diva dog Dixie (Reba McEntire). When Dixie stomps off in huff, Copper discovers that he's a natural addition to the group. Soon he and Cash are buddy-buddy while Tod plays second fiddle and waits for his friend to return. Dixie and Tod work together to derail the new friendship that threatens both of them.

At the rather bittersweet end of Disney's 1981 Fox and the Hound, best friends Tod the fox and Copper the hound were grown up and going their own ways into adulthood. In THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2, Tod and Copper are rambunctious young friends again, chasing crickets and dreams of stardom in a roller coaster tale of friendship that's filled with country music and top-notch vocal and singing talent.

The movie moves along at a bouncy pace, rich with rapid-fire, homespun colloquialisms like "nervous as a flea on dip day" and "plain as a pig on a sofa." Funny side bits include a domineering girl guide who chaperones a music industry scout to within an inch of his life and a signature "shake on it" greeting between Tod and Copper. Country music fans of any age will appreciate the obvious care that went into the development of the movie's score, which includes bluegrass players of national caliber. Original songs recorded by Trisha Yearwood and Lucas Graebel (of High School Musical) enhance the story without being cloying.