We have all seen Toy Story 2 and The Lion King 2, but there are some Disney sequels that are not as well known and maybe that is for the best. Here are some sequels that are better left forgotten:
1. Hunchback of Notre Dame II
Sarousch, a travelling magician, plans to steal La Fidel, a valuable bell within Notre Dame. He coerces his assistant, Madellaine, to woo the bell-ringer, Quasimodo, in order to find out which bell is La Fidel. Predictably, the feelings that Madellaine once faked become real and Madellaine feels guilty about lying to Quasi. Unfortunately, Phoebus, the captain of the guard, connects a string of robberies to the magician and Sarousch who blames all the robberies on Madellaine- which creates the perfect diversion for Sarousch to steal the bell. Phoebus' and Esmerelda's son, Zephyr, is kidnapped by Sarousch. Madellaine regains Quasi's trust at the last moment and together they save Zephyr and prevent the bell from being stolen.
Plot aside, all you really need to know about the Hunchback of Notre Dame series is that Quasimodo deserves better. The chemistry between Quasi and Madellaine is so nonexistent I found myself wishing the film was centered around the romance of one of Quasi's gargoyles and Esmerelda's goat. Their relationship is even borderline disturbing considering that when Madellaine sees Quasimodo's face for the first time, she screams and runs away. For some reason, Quasi barely bats an eye at this behavior and fantasizes about being with her immediately after her extremely insulting behavior. Although one can see that their relationship develops beyond that moment, her behavior is still virtually unresolved and goes on unpunished. Since this moment was ignored and not necessary to the plot, its surprising it is even included. Considering children watch this movie, I resent the example this film set. It just goes to show how poorly made this film is.
Additionally, I am pretty sure that the entire movie was created on a five dollar budget. The film is so carelessly thrown together that the skin tones and eye colors of the characters do not even remain consistent. There are gaping plot holes -- including the villain musician knowing Quasi's name before meeting him and Quasi creating a figurine of Madellaine, his love interest, wearing a dress she has yet to wear in front of him. Either Quasimodo is a psychic or the creators were too distracted with the more important parts of the plot line like the witty jokes Quasi and Madellaine exchange. Jems like "Hocus their Pocus" were obviously more important than logical consistency.
Basically, this film was created as an apology to the viewers for Esmerelda and Quasi not ending up together. It limps forward.
2. The Tigger Movie
One of the most lovable characters from the Hundred Acres Woods, Tigger, faces an existential crisis. Tigger, the charming, happy-go-lucky, bouncy tiger was who the creators thought needed a darker edge. Tigger realizes that none of his other friends are like him- so he goes off in search of his family. He searches through his home with Roo for clues as to who his family is and where they have gone. During this search, While Tigger rummages through various discarded items in his closet, I could not help but notice the bear pelt hanging on his closet door - resolving exactly where Pooh's family is. Tigger sends a letter to his family and all of hundred acre wood- except Rabbit, (I guess Rabbit is the one friend everyone hates? Which makes sense because Rabbit is an insensitive prick) get together and write a response letter which convinces Tigger his family is coming to visit. Tigger busies himself with preparing his home for his large family. Tigger even creates an additional room in his home. He sticks the bricks together with the honey that he undoubtedly looted from the poor bear hanging in his closet. Everyone else decides to pretend to be Tigger's family and dress up in Tigger costumes. They go to Tigger's home and Tigger quickly sees through their disguises and dramatically shouts as he is leaving "TTFE- Ta Ta Forever!" All of Hundred Acre Woods goes searching for Tigger and at the heartfelt finale, Tigger concludes that all his friends are the only family he needs.
This movie just feels like it is all Eeyore's job.
3. Kronk's New Groove
This movie should be titled Kronk has daddy issues. Kronk "just wants that thumbs up from Poppy". In order to get that thumbs up, Kronk has to get a wife and a big house on a hill. Of course, Yzma somehow manages to survive the incredible drop she experiences in the last film and also, somehow sheds her cat form. Mostly. When Kronk reencounters Yzma in this film, she no longer has any of her feline features, except her tail- making her an icon for furries everywhere. Yzma forces Kronk to sell the Potion of Eternal Youth to the elderly. Yzma manipulates the placebo effect and sells the elderly slime. The film then takes a dark turn. The elderly become addicted to the sludge and begin selling all of their personal belongings. At one point one of the elderly, Rudy, even mimics Gollum and calls the potion "Precious". Kronk eventually finds out about the scam and saves the elderly. Kronk also has a short-lived romance which was just odd and hard to watch. Kronk is so desperate for his father's approval that he begs Pacha's wife and kids act as his wife and kids when his father finally visits. Ultimately, Poppy finally gives Kronk the thumbs up and finally, Kronk's daddy issues are resolved.
Although these movies are terrible in different ways, there is something nice seeing your childhood heroes dancing around the screen and your favorite characters facing new predicaments. But all those positives quickly take a backseat when the stories are terrible and the production is horrendous.
