Over the Moon

Pearl Studios' Over the Moon feels very much like its first feature. As in Abominable, we're introduced to a young female Asian protagonist struggling with the loss of a parent who goes off on an adventure and learns an important lesson. While hitting many of the same emotional notes, Over the Moon isn't as successful or magical as Abominable. Our heroine this time is Fei Fei (Cathy Ang), struggling with his father's choice to remarry four years after the death of her mother (Ruthie Ann Miles). Using a child's logic, she decides if she can prove the truth of a the legend of the Chinese goddess of the Moon she can prevent the wedding.

Building her own rocket, because that's the kind of movie this is where a smart girl can build a rocket out of garbage to reach the moon, with her rabbit and stowaway brother-to-be (Robert G Chiu), Fei Fei reaches the moon where she encounters Chang'e (Phillipa Soo) who comes off more moody pop star than legendary figure living in a bright land filled with candied creatures on the moon. In helping to give Chang'e what she needs, Fei Fei discovers a lesson about love, loss, and life. The film features a number of songs, although those about loss and moon pies turn out far better than those about math.

Over the Moon isn't an animated feature I'd be likely to return to soon, if ever. But for a single viewing it held my attention well enough. The script by Audrey Wells knows how to pluck your heartstrings and the animation offers some memorable characters such as Fei Fei's pet rabbit and Ken Jeong's goofy moon creature. For those who haven't seen Abominable, I'd recommend it as an alternative.