Common Sense Media Review
Milder than the original and full of country music charm.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
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.
Is It Any Good?
This 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." 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.
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Tod and Copper's unlikely friendship and what it's like to befriend someone very different from you. How do they support each other?
You can also talk about Copper's participation in the band and the problems it caused. Have you ever had a big argument with a close friend? How did you work it out?
If you put a family band together, what would everyone play?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 12, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : December 12, 2006
- Cast : Jeff Foxworthy , Patrick Swayze , Reba McEntire
- Director : Jim Kammerud
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 69 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : general audiences
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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