Today marks the United States theatrical release of the film Monsters University. Starring our favorite monsters, this film is a prequel to the popular Monsters Inc. that explains how Mike and Sulley became friends in college.
Disney has attempted many sequels to its classics. Some of the original films should have been left alone and some sequels should have been reserved for Saturday morning cartoon slots, but a select few were successful. Although the storylines may not be as strong or clever, relationships are strengthened and explained, new adventures are explored and new lovable characters are introduced in these sequels.
Here is a list of the top ten Disney (including Disney Pixar)-animated sequels that actually work. Will Monsters University make the list?
10) Aladdin 2: Return of Jafar
Evil villain Jafar returns to seek revenge on Aladdin in this 1994 sequel. Aladdin, Jasmine, the Genie and Abu join forces to once again overthrow Jafar, who although bound by the law of the Genie, is still very powerful. Iago, Jafar’s once-right-hand macaw, teams up with Aladdin, who plays a major role even though his alliance is questionable several times throughout the film’s duration. While this sequel is quite a disappointment for fans of the classic original film and perhaps should have just been another episode on the Disney channel, it was a good attempt that keeps you engaged in the storyline.
9) The Fox and the Hound 2
Although this 2006 “sequel” is actually a mid-quel that adds more to the story of young best friends Tod (a red fox) and Copper (a hound dog). During an adventure to the country fair, Tod and Copper watch a band of dogs called “The Singin’ Strays.” When Copper is asked to join these talented dogs, there is another hiccough in the bond between these two unlikely best friends - Tod gets jealous that Copper no longer has time for him. In a clever mix of southern similies and cat puns featuring Reba McEntire and Patrick Swayze, Tod and Copper prove that even in the hardest of times, best friends can persevere. Although the relationship of two of the singing strays (Cash and Dixie) is a bitcorny, the rest of the movie allows for another adoable Disney movie.
8) Mulan II
Even the worst of arguments are no match for true love. At least for Mulan and General Shang, that is. When Mushu discovers that he will lose his job as Fa family guardian if Mulan gets married, he does everything he can think of to break the two apart. However, as Mulan teaches the emperor’s three daughters, the most important thing to remember is to always follow your heart. Although the songs fail to live up to the original’s films standards and the ending is cheesy, this 2005 sequel is light and entertaining with a fun new plot.
7) Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride
Enemies come together as Simba’s daughter Kiara falls in love with Kovu, who was raised in Scar’s tribe. Kovu’s mother, Zira, tries everything to avenge Scar and kill Simba, teaching her sons nothing but evil. Kovu rises above his past, however, seeing beyond the hatred, and him and Kiara end up bringing the two prides together. Lessons on judgment, trust, love and belonging bring this 1998 film to success.
6) Cars 2
In a movie that takes us “where no car has gone before,” our favorite tow truck plays a huge role. Though 2011’s Cars 2 falls way short of its original film, it still makes the list for its intriguing international espionage plot. With the World Grand Prix keeping Lightning McQueen busy, it is up to Mater to save cars everywhere. Michael Caine joins the powerful team of Larry the Cable Guy and Owen Wilson to add to the excitement. Paul Newman was set to return as Doc Hudson as well, but sadly died of cancer in September 2008, his character likewise shown as having died between the two films. Cars 2 teaches us that anyone can have the courage to save the day, no matter what others think of them. Even a rusty and dented old tow truck from Radiator Springs can cruise to the rescue.
5) Brother Bear 2
Old friends Kenai, Koda, Rutt and Tuke return in this 2006 direct-to-DVD sequel. While the first Brother Bear focuses on the relationship between “brothers” Kenai and Koda, this film introduces Kenai’s long-ago human friend Nita (Mandy Moore). As the two spend more and more time together (and Koda gets increasingly jealous), the past is revisited and they fall in love once again. Love is in the air, even for funny and lovable moose brothers Rutt and Tuke. However, difficult decisions must be made, and we see just how far the bonds of brotherhood will stretch in serious sibling love. These brothers are willing to give up everything for the other’s happiness.
4) The Little Mermaid 2: Return to Sea
Unlike other Disney Princess sequels that attempt (and fail) to further expand upon the stories of the princesses themselves, 2000’s The Little Mermaid 2 reveals the story of Ariel and Eric’s daughter Melody. Ariel band Melody from the sea to protect her from Ursula’s evil sister Morgana, but Melody can’t stay away, as she just loves swimming in the ocean. Morgana finds her and tricks Melody into stealing her grandfather’s trident. Combining catchy songs including “Down to Sea,” “For a Moment” and “Here on the Land and Sea” with old friends such as Sebastian, Scuttle and Flounder along with new friends, Return to Sea skillfully mixes two worlds in this Disney adventure.
3) Lion King 1 ½
Although this is the third Lion King film, this 2004 parallel film to the original movie starts all the way at the beginning. However, instead of focusing on Simba, Mufasa and Scar, we discover more about the roles that Timon and Pumbaa play in the story. Explanations are provided for Timon’s family and beginning, how Timon and Pumbaa met, the origin of Hakuna Matata, their parenting roles to Simba, how they destroy the hyenas and more. Although the idea behind this film could have gone terribly wrong, the skillful paralleling and comedic surprises make this film quite enjoyable.
2) Toy Story 3
In the final film of the trifecta (2010), Andy is all grown and soon off to college. With an accidental bag mix-up the toys almost land themselves in the garbage, but instead decide to donate themselves to Sunnyside Daycare. However, daycare is nothing near as glamorous as they had hoped, and another classic toy escape plan is set in motion. New character Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear does everything in his power to stop Andy’s toys, but they eventually end up in good hands. Toy Story 3 won an Academy Award as well as a Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture. This tear-jerker lets us know that no matter what, we are all needed somewhere.
1) Toy Story 2
When Woody accidentally ends up in a yard sale and is stolen by a toy collector from Al’s Toy Barn, Andy’s toys embark on a new mission to save him. We are introduced to several new and lovable characters, including Jessie (Joan Cusack), Bullseye, Wheezy the Penguin, Barbie and Mrs. Potato Head, as well as the evil Prospector and the evil Emperor Zurg. Woody faces a tough choice: stay with the Woody’s Roundup gang and be seen and loved by countless children in a museum in Japan or go back to Andy where he might soon be forgotten. In the end, the toys end up happily together for “infinity and beyond.” The 1999 film won a Golden Globe for Best Picture – Musical or Comedy – and Randy Newman walked away with a Grammy for the heart-wrenching song “When She Loved Me.” The impressive and creative new storyline that many people claim is even better than the first movie wins the second installment of Toy Story the top position.
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