WISE Score
A serviceable 90s sequel that keeps the talking animals but loses the theatrical magic.
This is 'laundry folding' media. It’s the kind of movie you put on when you need 70 minutes of harmless noise in the background. It’s not offensive, but it’s also not particularly good.
If your kid is currently in a 'princess phase' and has already burned through the Disney vault, this is a fine B-tier option. Just don't expect the catchy songs or fluid animation of the first one. It’s a 1997 direct-to-video product and it wears that badge proudly.
Best for kids 4 to 8. Anyone older will likely find the animation clunky and the plot too thin to stay engaged.
It sticks to the standard 90s princess formula: teamwork, loyalty, and a clear distinction between good and evil. Odette and Derek actually act like a married couple, which is a nice change from the 'happily ever after' ending of the first film.
It’s a direct-to-video sequel that leans heavily on established tropes. The 'Forbidden Arts' and the generic mountain lair don't offer much that wasn't already in the first movie or a dozen other 90s fantasies.
Very low stakes in the grand scheme of things. There is some cartoon peril and a villain who wants to blow things up, but it’s all very sanitized and predictable for kids aged 5 and up.
It’s mostly filler. While it touches on the importance of family and keeping promises, it’s designed to keep a kid occupied for 70 minutes rather than to spark deep thought or growth.
In the late 90s, every semi-successful animated film got a sequel, and almost all of them suffered from the same 'sequelitis.' The Secret of the Castle is the poster child for this era. It lacks the budget of its predecessor, which translates to flatter backgrounds and less expressive character movements.
For a modern kid raised on the visual fidelity of Moana or even the high-speed chaos of Cocomelon, this movie might feel like it’s moving through molasses. However, there’s a certain charm to its simplicity. It doesn't try to subvert tropes or be meta; it just tells a story about a prince, a princess, and some funny animals.
If you're looking for a bridge between 'baby shows' and more complex feature films, this is a safe, if uninspired, stepping stone. It’s available on The Roku Channel and Starz, making it easy to find if you're already paying for those services, but it's certainly not worth a standalone purchase.
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