Customer Reviews

Brother Bear 2

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I had the opportunity to go to an advance screening of this film and for those who may be skeptical about the quality of sequels to modern animated works, it is hoped that you will give this feature a try. Quality children's programming is rare and this effort tries to impart messages that focus upon the power of friendship and that real strength and beauty comes from within. If you enjoyed the first film, the returning characters of Kenai and Koda are still as engaging and the moose, Rutt and Tuke, effortlessly steal every scene they are in. The new character additions also add great levity to this unique family treat!

In the past, Disney has always seemed to have a considerable drop-off in story quality with their direct-to-dvd sequels. "Lion King 2" is a prime example of this. However, Disney's recent DVD sequels such as "Return To Neverland," "Tarzan 2," and "Lion King 1 1/2," have all been very good. Add "Brother Bear 2" to that group.

Love is in the air in this sequel to the underrated "Brother Bear." Joaquin Phoenix' role as Kenai has been gamely taken over by Patrick Dempsey. Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas reprise their roles of Rutt and Tuke, the moose brothers. Jeremy Suarez also returns as Koda and Michael Clarke Duncan makes a brief appearance as his character, Tug, from the original film. Joining the cast in new roles are Mandy Moore as Nita, Wendie Malick as Aunt Siqiniq and the hilarious Wanda Sykes as wise-cracking and wisdom-filled, Innoko.

Kenai and Koda have been together for a long time, and their brotherly love is strong. However, when one of Kenai's old (and human) playmates attempts to marry, she finds out that she must destroy an amulet that Kenai gave her a long time ago. The problem is that she must burn it at the Equinox AND have Kenai accompany her. Granted the ability to speak to animals in order to find Kenai, Nita sets out on her quest. Once she finds Kenai, old flames begin to fan. Along the way, Rutt and Tuke take a few notes in wooing the fairer sex (in this case, moosettes) from both Kenai and Nita. Koda begins to feel left out as Kenai and Nita become closer. In the end (and in typical Disney fashion), the tale closes with all parties being happy. I won't give away any more info than that.

As far as the production goes, "Brother Bear 2" appears to have received a lot more attention than most direct-to-dvd sequels. It has a strong musical score and very good songs performed by Melissa Etheridge, though she'll surely be compared to Phil Collins' performance in the first film. The animation is very good as well.

The extras are pretty slim. There's an Etheridge praise segment about her songs in the film and a few sneak peeks. There's also a game that has Rutt and Tuke in it.

Overall, this is a very good film with a wonderful message of sacrifice and love for others. I highly recommend it and assure you that you'll be proud to have it on your DVD shelf with the rest of your Disney collection.

Yes, it is true that the original Brother Bear was excellent, that it was more "earthy" than Brother Bear 2, and that using the voice of Wanda Sykes as the "Sha-Woman" in this sequel was a little odd. Overall, however, I actually found this movie more moving and more enjoyable to watch--over and over again--than the original Brother Bear. I also liked the score and the songs just as well, if not better, in this wonderful sequel. (What the heck does singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge's sexual orientation have to do with anything? See review dated Oct 9, 2006.)

[Warning: Next paragraph may contain minor "spoilers."]

I have raised two sons. Now, I am raising two daughters, so perhaps I have become a sentimentalist! Well, so be it. I am touched, and I want my children to be touched emotionally, when we see the occasional examples of true love in these Disney movies; such as, when Koda is willing to let Kenai return to human form if that is what will make Kenai happy, when Kenai later refuses because his little brother needs him, or in the Tarzan movies when Kala says to Tarzan that all she wants as a mom is for him to be happy--and means it, even though it would make her very sad if he leaves. Or, when Tarzan says: "... you will always be my mother." And when Kerchak finally acknowledges Tarzan as "my son." This depth of love--true love--is also displayed by Feline in Bambi II as she is genuinely happy for Bambi to be running off with his father when she would undoubtedly prefer than he stay and play with her.

These are moments that should touch us emotionally, and perhaps the "Two Worlds - One Family" theme of the Tarzan movies is particularly meaningful to us because our two adopted girls have different racial backgrounds.

Anyway, for whatever it may be worth, I love Brother Bear 2 and enjoy sharing it with all of those close to me who can appreciate this kind of movie. Watch it. I think you will find that the strong criticisms of some are overstated and perhaps even unjustified--but that's why we have chocolate and vanilla, n'est pas??!!!

Most of the reviews have already gone thru the movie's story, so I won't go there again. Just wanted to say that this was a very nice movie, which continues the story of "Brother Bear" in a great way. Not only Melissa Etheridge's songs are nice, but the score for the whole movie is truly enjoyable. All the original characters are back to interact in this story so you won't miss any of them.

After watching this movie, my only question is: why did Disney decided to screen "The wild" in theatres, when they had an excellent movie here which they decided to release in a "straight to DVD" version?

If you enjoyed Brother Bear, you'll definitely enjoy Brother Bear 2. I'm always curious about sequel movies, because you never know if they're going to disappoint (most of them do) or if they'll live up to the original. This movie definitely lives up to the original. It's fun, entertaining, and is moving. Melissa Etheridge's tracks for this movie are really nice too. The theme of this movie is love, sacrifice and friendship. It's great. :)

This sequel to the best Disney animated feature of recent years continues right where the first one left off. Kenai continues his life as a bear with his adopted bear cub brother Koda. Los of fun adventures in the life of bears continue along with wacky appearances from woodland animals including racoons and the wonderfully funny moose Rut and Tuke from the original film, along with their girlfriends the moosettes. Of course things don't stay perfect for too long because Kenai's human female "friend" re-enters his life. And as with the first film, Kenai will have a choice to make between becoming human again and losing his Bear cub brother Koda, or staying a bear but losing the girl. Except this time the choice may not be his.

The animation is not quite as good as the original but a noble effort nonetheless, and the songs by Melissa Etheridge though not as memorable as the songs of Phil Collins from Brother Bear, are extremely powerful as is the score. The humor of our favorite moose Rut and Tuke isn't as funny as the first film, but it still wouldn't be a Brother Bear film without them. Also, Rut, Tuke and Koda are voice by the original cast but the original voice of Kenai has been replaced. Still, not a problem. The strongest point as it should be is the story itself- as equally powerful as Brother Bear so prepare for yourself for tears, and also as with the original, the big choice of the film though seeming difficult to make, is made in the only way it should have been and was always meant to be.

Special features on the DVD include a behind-the-scenes featurette for the music of Brother Bear 2. And as I said before, the Brother Bear 2 songs aren't as memorable as those of Phil Collins, but they are of an extremely high quality, and I'm glad they're celebrated it. There is also a game in which by answering questions you get to help Rut and Tuke impress the moosettes. Sneak Peek highlights include The Little Mermaid 2-Disc Special Edition, The Fox & The Hound 2, Cinderella III and more.

The "family-friendly" 16:9 picture is not THX mastered but hey who needs it! Fortunately there is a choice of Dolby Digital and DTS when it comes to the sound.

Overall, Brother Bear 2 is a triumph just like the original. I highly recommend it. And it's definitely a fan pleaser for fans of Brother Bear.

I had the wonderful opportunity to have a preview of the movie last night on the "big" screen. Stood by Disney tradition of teaching life lessons, and being able to move you in many ways..I laughed, I cried, and I was happy. I will definately be buying this movie, and will recommend it to all my friends.

I attended a screening of this movie last night with my 26 month old son. There were kids of all ages in the theater and every single one was mesmorized by this film. The story line doesn't wander about and will keep the attention of even the little ones. I liked the fact that the story was easy to follow even if you haven't seen the first Brother Bear. The songs were beautiful - the animation was enjoyable. Kids (and adults) will walk away learning some lifelong lessons. Bravo! I hope others enjoy it as much as we did.

Brother Bear 2 is a wonderfully animated movie. Having not seen the original Brother Bear, I had no expectations. The movie centers on friendship and how it perseveres through anything-a wonderful theme throughout the entire movie. The scenery is nicely done too. The moose are hilarious as they try to get dates with the female moose - too funny!

My 3 year old daughter and I have watched it twice already and I only purchased it yesterday! We both love the music.

Kudos to the screenplay writer, Rich Burns.

I had the opportunity to view the movie at a special screening and while we had never seen the first Brother Bear Movie, we absolutely loved Brother Bear 2. My daughter is 3 years old and she just loved it.....I definatley will be buying this movie when it is released and am looking forward to getting the first Brother Bear movie as well for her.