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The Hunchback of Notre Dame II
- Review Date: May 31, 2005
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2002
Common Sense Media says
Weak sequel, with a bit of the original's charms.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the original Disney take on Hunchback of Notre Dame had certain charms, not the least of which were the lovely songs, and more specifically, Tom Hulce's singing of them. This direct-to-video sequel has Mr. Hulce's singing, but sadly lackluster songs. The story is rather heavy-handed, but the lesson, about looking beyond the surface for the real value of things and people, is a good one. Although it's far weaker than the original, fans will enjoy reuniting with the characters, and will find some entertaining moments.
What's the story?
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME II involves the Festival d'Amour, when Parisians gather at Notre Dame and proclaim their love for each other by shouting it to the rooftops. Poor Quasimodo has no one to shout about until he meets Madellaine, who is part of a traveling circus. The evil circus manager, Sarouche, forces Madellaine to steal from circus attendees, and he has his sights on one of Quasi's bells, one that is especially necessary for the big love festival. The bell is plain on the outside, but inside is encrusted with jewels. As Quasi tells Madellaine "It's more beautiful on the inside." (Get it? Get it?) Will Madellaine overcome her aversion to Quasi's looks? Can Quasi look past her thieving ways to see who she really is? Will the evil Sarouche be stopped?
Is it any good?
There's a reason some films go straight to video. The characters, settings, and situations are the same, but something is missing. In this sequel, the biggest shortcoming is the quality of the music. The songs are weak imitations of those in the original film. Luckily, there aren't many of them.
If you've ever seen a Disney film, you probably know how this one turns out, but there are some pleasures to be had on the way to the end of this one. Quasi's gargoyle friends provide comic relief, and the animated Paris is lovely. It's predictable and a bit ham-fisted in getting its message across, but the underlying lesson, of looking for the truth beneath the surface, is a good one for everyone to be reminded of from time to time.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about judging people by their appearance. What problems does that lead to?
How does this movie compare to the original? Which do you like better? Why?
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AGE
Why are all Disney Sequels cheaply made?
I thought it was a good idea, but poorly done. The animation brought the first movie little justice. The music was horrible, I highly doubt they worked too hard on it. If they did ( sorry ) It was sweet and a little toughing, but they actually have to work more than 10 days on it! If I was aloud to make that movie I would have been honored and try to make it right!
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AGE
None of the charms or themes from the original are present.
I hate this movie. Quasi apparently wasn't satisfied with getting the freedom that he always wanted and wants a girlfriend. This movie is too light hearted in its simplistic and boring script. The animation is ugly, the songs are mediocre at best, and the acting is stiff. Do not get this movie it is void of the themes of tolerance, the sophistication, and anything else that made the original wonderful. If you want a good DTV sequel to a Disney movie, pick up Bambi 2 or the Lion King 2, or anything but this.
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AGE
i cried!
this is a sweet movie to see with kids.
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AGE
fghfjobhjf bjlkjsfbhfioghrighfbih njdhvoudghrouheoigheghe]s0gjhe hjdig
gr8 i luv it!!;]
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AGE
A weak sequel, It's like The Exorcist(1973) becoming The Magician and Cannibal Holocaust(1980) becoming Cannibal Playdate
A rehash when i ever see one. I hate it. The first movie was better, Frollo was a better villian than The villian in this movie. It's a rehash of the first movie. It's like a edited rated X movie.
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AGE
Sucks, for lack of a better term
This movie is abysmal. absolutely nothing compared to the original. The drawing and animation looks rushed. There is no story without Frollo. All the antagonist wants to do in this movie is steal a bell. How is it even possible to steal a giant bell from a bell tower? Seriously! Compared to Frollo, who killed innocent people, burnt down houses, lusted over women, and tried to drown a baby, this villain is pretty tame. The new characters in this are super annoying. There was absolutely no reason to make a sequel to this, other than to get a few extra bucks. That's what I hate about Disney: they used to be magical, now they're just corporate a-holes, making sequels to EVERY SINGLE MOVIE even though none of them needed a sequel. Long story short, don't watch this mess.
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AGE
Not nearly as good as the first
Sequels aren't usually as good as the first, and this one's no exception. The story isn't as gripping, the new characters are kind of annoying, the songs aren't very good, even the animation isn't as good as the first. Watch it if you really loved the first, but just don't expect anything great.
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| Topics: | book characters, friendship, misfits and underdogs, music and sing-along |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Bradley Raymond |
| Cast: | Demi Moore, Jason Alexander, Jennifer Love Hewitt |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 68 minutes |
| DVD release date: | March 19, 2002 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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