Happily N'ever After 2

Happily N'ever After 2 is a 2009 animated direct-to-video sequel to the film Happily N'ever After, starring an incredible ensemble cast, including G.K. Bowes, Kelly Brewster, and Doug Erholtz. A sequel to the first film, Happily N'ever After, this movie continues the fun and satirical approach to classic fairy tales. Leveraging a similar platform that flips the classic fairy tale adventure, this narrative ebbs and flows with its unique spins to traditional stories.

Characterized by bold, colourful animation and imaginative character designs, Happily N'ever After 2 brings back the world of Fairy Tale Land where we meet our main characters, an exuberant bunch. G.K. Bowes voice stars as the central character, Princess Snow White, a well-loved character but is re-imagined in this whimsical interpretation. Kelly Brewster lends her voice to Goldilocks, known for her unruly behaviour but shown with a bubble of twists, and Doug Erholtz offers a heartwarming performance as Simple Simon.

In the film, Princess Snow White is a headstrong, independent, and slightly haughty young woman. Despite living a life of luxury in her father's kingdom, Snow White struggles with her father's overindulgence, which leads her to develop a entitled attitude, differing from the traditional caring and humble Snow White character we typically know.

When Snow White's father, the King, goes away on business, he leaves his kingdom in the hands of his new wife, Queen Grace. This change in leadership shakes Fairy Tale Land's status quo, and Snow White is anything but happy. She is taken aback when Queen Grace starts changing the kingdom and promoting values of responsibility and hard work.

The movie smartly incorporates many other fairy tale characters, like Rumpelstiltskin, the Three Little Pigs, Red Riding Hood, and Goldilocks, each having their individual quirks and personalities that add layers of fun and depth to the narrative. This spectacle of fairy tale manifestations come together in ways that are both hilarious and interesting, pushing the boundaries of the traditional fairy tale tropes.

The film tackles classic fairy tale themes such as pride, envy, and moral values from a more modern perspective. It moves beyond just being an entertaining animation, provoking thought on the principles of selflessness, humility, and the importance of setting a good example for others. It's a film that wears its heart on its sleeve, and the honesty in its portrayal of these themes is quite pronounced.

Since it's an animated film, the visuals play a significant part in telling the story. The animation style is vibrant and eye-catching, filled with bright colours and detailed textures. The character designs are inventive and fun, maintaining the enchantment of fairy tales while sporting a refreshing, contemporary style. In terms of voice performances, the film utilizes the talents of G.K. Bowes, Kelly Brewster, and Doug Erholtz masterfully. They breathe life into their animated characters, adding layers of personality and emotion, making the characters not only relatable but also entertaining.

In Happily N'ever After 2, the creators strive to deliver important life lessons wrapped in a package of fun, adventure, and good-natured humour. The film succeeds in creating a bridge between age-old fairy tales and modern storytelling techniques. It is a charming, light-hearted adventure that both children and parents can enjoy together, teaching them about the values of humility, responsibility, and the importance of being true to one's self.

Whether you're a fan of reinvented fairy tales, animated films, or simply looking for a family-friendly movie night choice, Happily N'ever After 2 is a delightful blend of all these elements. The storyline is engaging, the characters are endearing, and the animation is top-notch, making it an enjoyable watch from start to finish. It underlines the universal truth that living happily ever after is not about having everything you want but about appreciating everything you have.