In a whole series where every sequel is a departure from the last, this is the honest-to-God Dot sequel (despite of the opening). A sweet tale that sticks to the continuity and moral of the first film, pretending that Dot never found that Joey or traveled the world with Santa Claus (that is, unless you watch these in a shuffled order), and gives a personal message as well as an effective natural one.
It's not all cute, though, because as if an animated hunting wasn't bad enough, past the 60-minute mark arrives some of the most haunting use of stock footage in a family film since the goddamn boat ride from Willy Wonka. It's not nearly as scary, but it's referencing war and loss, even going... |