See more movie reviews

The Hunchback of Notre Dame II (G)

common sense media says

Weak sequel, with a bit of the original's charms.

parents & educators say
See all 7 reviews | Review it

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.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence & scariness: There is a scary scene involving the kidnapping of a child.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Hunchback of Notre Dame II

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
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: March 19, 2002
MPAA Rating: G
This review was written by Sarah Wenk
 
 

Review It

 

Review The Hunchback of Notre Dame II

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

NorthernNights
teen, 15 years old
7
 
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!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (7) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (7)
Mariodude23
teen, 16 years old
2
 
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.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (6) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (7)
bethlthomson
adult
 
i cried!
this is a sweet movie to see with kids.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (6) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (5)
sara4ever95
teen, 16 years old
6
 
fghfjobhjf bjlkjsfbhfioghrighfbih njdhvoudghrouheoigheghe]s0gjhe hjdig
gr8 i luv it!!;]
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (6)
4kidshater
teen, 14 years old
8
 
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.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)
hamstergurl09
teen, 17 years old
6
 
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.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
Hotaru Chan
teen, 14 years old
6
 
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.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see The Hunchback of Notre Dame II?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Other animated picks
For kids who love animation
Browse more movies
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines