Hi Carl, I’ve got two movies tonight, and both are streaming on Netflix. “Over the Moon” is an American-Chinese (computer-animated) fantasy directed by the acclaimed animator Glen Keane. He’s behind some of the most famous Disney characters—Ariel, Rapunzel, Aladdin, and Tarzan, in his first directorial debut.
This beautifully animated film centers on a young girl that builds a rocket to prove the fairytale her mother told as a child is actually real.
Fei Fei is voiced by Cathy Ang and believes a goddess is living on the moon longing for her lost love. The stellar cast, Phillipa Soo, Ken Jeong, Margaret Cho, Sandra Oh, and John Cho, lend their voices to bring the animation alive.
The setting is modern-day China in an imaginary kingdom complete with neon-lighted blobs and no laws of physics. Fei Fei’s build-up for her moonshot and the launch is the best part of the film. Her determination and strength shine through in fulfilling her dream. Eight original songs will delight all, including “On the Moon Above,” “Mooncakes,” “Rocket to the Moon,” “Ultraluminary,” “Hey Boy,” “Wonderful,” “Yours Forever,” and “Love Someone New.” They add to the tone and theme of the film—while incorporating traditional Chinese instruments are also a plus. The guzheng, a Chinese plucked string instrument, has a 2,500-year history. It used to have 16 (or more) strings and movable bridges–the modern guzheng usually has 21 strings and is 64 inches long. The pipa, another traditional instrument, is similar to a lute, a pear shaped guitar with four strings while singing in Mandarin can also be heard.
The Bottom-line, I’m in 3 stars out of 4. The animation is both creative and colorful. We travel on a space adventure filled with touching family moments and has a soundtrack of catchy, memorable songs along with an adorable bunny and sweet little frog.
Check out the podcast on Hollywood 360 Radio Network: https://www.hollywood360radio.com/over-the-moon-and-holidate/
Sarah Knight Adamson© November 15, 2020