CERT: U | RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW (THEATRICAL), OCTOBER 23RD (NETFLIX)
After losing her mother at an early age, Fei Fei (Cathy Ang) like most children struggle to come to terms with the loss of a parent. After her Papa (John Cho) plans to remarry and memories of her mother seem to be fading, Fei Fei sets off to the moon to prove the existence of the Moon Goddess Chang’e (Phillipa Soo) and that her mother is still out there.
Directed by Disney veteran Glen Keane, Over The Moon is a beautiful and heartbreaking look at dealing with grief through the eyes of a young girl. From the opening scene, as we see Fei Fei’s mother sadly pass, the film possesses that magical Disney flair that synonymous with the powerhouse – even though this is a Chinese-American co-production between Pearl Studio and Netflix. That isn’t a bad thing either and is mentioned only as a compliment.
Keane and his co-director John Kahrs have managed to expertly adapt the late Audrey Wells story with gorgeous animation and character designs, meaningful songs and an important message for kids and adults alike. Cathy Ang’s performance in terms of both her VA and singing is simply phenomenal and is a talent that everyone should keep their eye on. In particular, the song “Rocket to the Moon” brought tears to our eyes as Fei Fei refuses to let go of the memory of her mother.
Although the film takes a slightly strange and risky turn in the second act, Keane and his team manage to stick the landing (pun intended) as the ending once again becomes relatable and grounded in reality.
Netflix’s recent animated films have been hit and miss but Over The Moon is most definitely going to be a massive hit with families across the globe.
