La Belle et le Clochard 2 : L'Appel de la rue

"Lady and the Tramp II" is a direct to video film during an awful era at Disney, as the studio put nearly all its efforts into unnecessary sequels instead of coming up with new material. Eventually, this sort of remake would disappear...to be replaced by live-action remakes with nothing new to offer. If it sounds like I have a low opinion of these films...well, you're right.

Now this does not mean I hated "Lady and the Tramp II" or think it's not worth seeing. It's not a bad film...but it's surely an unnecessary one. On the plus side, the animation isn't bad...though it isn't exactly like the 1955 classic. The story itself is also okay and enjoyable. But on the minus side, the songs are mostly forgettable and the film really drags after a while. Yes, we know that Tramp's son, Scamp, longs to be like wild dogs. And, it's no surprise that eventually he realizes this wild life really stinks. It also lacks the charm in the original movie...and it's certainly not a film you'll remember for long. Worth seeing? Perhaps. But it's not exactly a must-see either.

A lot of Disney sequels nowadays are a HUGE let down to the original classics. But `Scamp's Adventure' is one of the exceptions. The moment that I first saw the trailer in the "Little Mermaid II: Return To the Sea" DVD, I had a feeling that I was gonna enjoy this movie. I was so excited for it to come out. So when "SA"'s finally released, I wouldn't wanna miss the chance to buy it and watch it at home. And guess what? I DID like this movie! It kinda reminds you that no matter how much you are longing for freedom and discover the world outside on your own, home is always where the heart is, and your family could've been (and should've been) the one you turn to in the end, 'cause they're "always there to catch you when you're falling".

Though it could improve more on the dialogue, I am completely satisfied with the film. It's packed with great storyline, rich animation, fun-loving characters (whether old or new), excellent voice talents, and unforgettable songs. I think Scott Wolf is great in playing the mischievous Scamp, and Alyssa Milano fits perfectly as Angel. So are the other actors. I love all the songs, including the "Junkyard Society Rag" one, "I Didn't Know That I Could Feel This Way", and "Always There".

All in all, 10/10 for "SA"! This is what Disney sequels should be like. Well done! One thing though...Why is Lady sorta left out with only a few lines to deliver?

To be fair I love Lady and the Tramp so I expected alot. But this story doesnt even come close to the magic of the original.

They very cheaply reuse bits of the original story right down to the infamous Spaghetti dinner. They created a former "best friend" for Tramp and didnt use any of his original gang. Rusty and Jacques are barely around. Not to mention that Tramp completely turned his back on his old ways. He even lied to his kids saying that he has been a house dog his whole life.

The premise is that the son wants to be a "wild dog". Basically he is like a defiant teenager. I have aleast two suggestions on what would have been a better story. I dread the Cinderella sequel!

My 5 year old nephew loves it but for anyone that grew up on the romance of Lady and her tramp.... skip it!

All in all, you could never really surpass the original Lady and the Tramp, one of Disney's best films ever. This movie seemed to lack charm. The music was good, but didn't feel like it belonged. The characters were nice, but the characterisation seemed a bit rushed. The voices were all done quite well by the likes of Mickey Rooney and Allysa Millano. The animation is of course superb. They were even able to throw some CGI in with traditional animation. I think it is probably a good thing this is a straight to video project, because that's where it belongs. If you are a true die hard Disney fan, you might enjoy this one, but most casual movie watchers will probably pass it up.

If regarded as an independent feature I can't say it's too bad at all but from where I'm standing this sequel and the original "Lady and the Tramp" don't agree with each other! They are two completely different movies with different style, different voice personalities, different narratives and about the only thing that they share with each other is the visuals (e.g. the town-house of Jim Dear, Darling, Lady and Tramp) and none of those have changed.

If you're seeking any kind of continuity years after the release of the original for those memorable songs like "Bella Notte" and "The Siamesse Cats Song" this sequel won't give you any at all! Just about every song has a little pop to it and those good old characters like Jock and Trusty, Jim Dear and Darling and Aunt Sarah and her cats may well be seen but they're seeming to be somehow replaced by new characters, not to mention Peg not appearing at all, whose voices are quite annoying. Even Lady and Tramp don't appear often enough and as for Scamp?! He is so spoilt! And treats his father Tramp with utter disrespect, then runs away with no remorse even after hearing how much he's being missed at home! And they called his shameless getaway an adventure! I'd say Scott Wolf truly brought out the abusive bad boy in Scamp wiping out the typical cute Disney animal. Even the old characters just drive you mad in this; Trusty sounds like Goofy sick in bed, Jock (Jeff-stupid-Bennett) - and his VOICE - sound neither Scottish nor worth hearing! Zap him off as far as possible to free our poor ears from his voice and as for the dumb, feather-brained, EXASPERATING JUNKYARD DOGS!!!!!! Somebody put them down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Lady and the Tramp 2" isn't completely bad if you're not already having a tough day but I expect a lot more charm from a sequel to a true classic - Scamp is chavvy, so is his girlfriend Angel and there is a feeble storyline. Still, I think you should try it at least once because, as I say, there are much worse movies around.