Good, but this is one of many sequels that I thought was superior to the original as a kid, before changing my mind as an adult rewatching or replaying. (Back to the Future 2, Pikmin 2, Banjo-Tooie, etc)
One too many pop culture references, and the film doesn't really pick up until Puss in Boots is introduced. The Fairy Godmother is a fantastic villain.
A surprisingly gripping thriller. Kurt Russell as the desperate husband and the villainous J.T. Walsh both give standout performances.
The impressive soundtrack, primarily by Basil Poledouris, adds a lot too, always enhancing each scene. Going into this as blind as possible is best.
How did that tiny cake cost $1,200 (in 1991 money), and how is it supposed to have fed 572 guests?
No wonder George didn't get anything to eat. Martin Short scammed him.
The obvious comparison is to "Kiki's Delivery Service", but "Mary and the Witch's Flower" does not carry the emotional weight or insight into its main character's struggles like "Kiki's Delivery Service" (and Hiromasa Yonebayashi's prior effort, "When Marnie Was There") did.
The more apt comparison, in my opinion, is to "Laputa: Castle in the Sky" (and Hiromasa Yonebayashi's prior prior effort, "The Secret World of Arrietty"): a straightforward adventure story with imaginative locations, stunning animation, a great soundtrack and much…
