Search - The Fox and the Hound 2 on DVD

Grace G. from CUBA, NM
Reviewed on 8/17/2011...

A great '2nd'! A cute sequel with the same characters we loved in the first film. My son really enjoyed the movie and loved all of the new songs.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Surprisingly good.

TerryT | WA United States | 12/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For once I was expecting total disappointment and got better than I ever would have hoped for. Yes, this is a "midquel," but once you've seen the (incredible) first you can sort of imagine where these events might fit in. This has its own climax and all, but the plot fits within the original's parameters. It might not make 100% sense, but to go back and do something like this is pretty tough. It's all right.

So, what's good about The Fox and the Hound 2? Much more than anyone expects. First, the obvious animation. It, and the scenery, are wonderful. Bright, bold, shiny, fresh colors, detailed and true-to-the-first backdrops. Very expressive characters who are just delightful to watch--the way the dogs move is fantastic and well done. Obviously the animation is not perfect; it never is in ANY animated film. There will always be flawed frames. But for a Disney sequel of all things, this certainly seems top-knotch.
As to the country music, well, even if you're not normally a fan, there is nothing to dislike about the movie's songs. Particularly "Good Doggie, No Bone." (Great song. Like "Streets of Gold," it's sung to a young animal to educate them about something [it's really about herself, and what she's learned the hard way about relationships and being 'at the top.'] And ain't that what life is, too, though? "It's all, `Good doggie,' but no bone!") They're nicely done by stars from the heart of country music, as explained on the DVD bonus feature.

And the story? Surprisingly great too; good dialogue, witty and humorous bits, good character development. None, or very little of, the usual sequel hokiness and cheese I'd anticipated. The story of the county fair and Singin' Strays band is actually very believable. There are so many highlights it's hard to remember them all, but the scene near the end, in which the group performs for a jolly talent scout outside a quaint, old-fashioned diner comes to mind for one. The setting just helps to make the story work; that little diner is so cute, and so perfect for the scene.

I'm still dismayed to see sneak peeks for Cinderella 3 and The Little Mermaid 3 on the DVD, but at least this movie gives me hope that somebody still may know what they're doing making these sequels. Then again, this movie was almost tailored directly to me. More than anything I am a sucker for singing and dancing dogs: show me a film centered around that, and you've got me. I like to imagine a world where everyone's a dog and there are musicians along the lines of the Singin' Strays anyway, but even without such a love for this type of thing, you can appreciate the movie. It stands well enough on its own. But I'm saving the best parts for last.

Yes, it's pretty original; far from perfect, of course, but I won't run down all of the weaker points because as with any sequel, there are many. However, they don't drag down the big picture. Tod and Copper are naturally your young and precious main characters, but Chief, Widow Tweed and Amos Slade haven't been left out--or ruined, either. Chief is especially well animated and a good source of humor (and kinda resembles Tramp.) The one character, though, who in my opinion really makes the movie great--in fact she makes the movie--is Dixie. When I first saw her and Cash on the cover, my impression was: `OMG! It's Dodger and Rita from `Oliver and Company' redone!' Because Cash's bandana HAS to be an homage to Dodger. And Dixie has that same sort of look as Rita, perhaps somewhat more polished (which is my favorite 'look' in the world and when I see such a character, it's instant Favorite)--seriously, she's her cover-art twin.

Well, turns out Dixie is something like the country cousin of Sasha LaFleur, another sequel-starring performer and Rita-type. (There's a proud little tradition of animated Saluki-like dogs, of which Rita, Sasha, & Dixie are the main representatives, which I have adored with a strong passion since childhood!) Dixie also has her similarities with Georgette, the Oliver & Company Poodle. A force to be reckoned with and of course the love interest of Cash, she's the most interesting character. Thanks to show business, her and Cash's relationship is a very rocky road. Visually Dixie, like her predecessors, is an amazing character to watch; the way she moves and dances just perfectly captures how you'd want to look if you were a dog--at least, how I would! She steals every scene she's in, & has an awesome personality that includes a devious streak, and I'm glad she's such a central character. Her song is probably the best part of the film. In fact, this movie probably should have been a separate, Singin Strays-centric non-sequel. So to wrap up, this movie basically blew me away--two thumbs up just for stunning me."

Fox And The Hound Go Country!

Mel Odom | Moore, OK USA | 01/05/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The oddball relationship between Tod the Fox and Copper the Hound has stood the test of time as a favorite for kids. Twenty-five years later, the sequel was made and the decision was to pair it with the country music market. That choice has worked magic, bringing a lively soundtrack to a great romp of a tale that plays off the original characters and situations in a way that makes it feel like only days have passed instead of years.

Country music legends Reba McEntire and Jeff Foxworthy head up the cast of voice talent. They're joined by Patrick Swayze, who even joins in on some of the songs.

Although this time out the tale feels a little too familiar (two friends busted up by one friend's drive for fame), the fun that came alive in THE FOX AND THE HOUND strikes again. The chases that occur throughout the film are a delight to watch. One thing always leads to another, and chaos just builds and builds till Tod and Copper look around in shock at all they've unwittingly destroyed. The camaraderie between the two is great, and Reba and Patrick's addition to the cast is well done for the most part.

The only thing that slows the movie down somewhat is the deepening of the relationship issues between Dixie (Reba McEntire) and Cash (Patrick Swayze). That subplot comes on a little too strong and steals too much of the movie occasionally.

THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2 is definitely a keeper, one that belongs on the family DVD shelves. Sometimes sequels don't equal the originals, but this one comes close, and it provides a whole new musical sound that is heartwarming and makes you want to get up and dance. Little Big Town's "When We're Together" is pure dynamite."

This could have been so good....

Mel Odom | 05/02/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"But it wasn't. Tod and Copper have lost all of their original spark. The story is apsolutely pointless. My [...] brother wouldn't sit through 5 minutes of it. Cash and Dixie REALLY stole the show and got on my freaking nurves. The movie just ended with Tod and Copper being friends again. We were back where we started. The Fox and the Hound 2 has no true conclusion and it doesn't add anything to thhe Fox and the Hound legacy. I'm a little embearassed of buying this, because I'm [..]and I thought that this would be a cute movie for us all. But it wasn't. This could have been a great movie if only Disney had taken the time to find better writers."