Netflix Nook: Over the Moon

Netflix’s Over the Moon was directed by Disney legends, Glen Keane and John Kahrs. This animated musical tells the story of young Fei Fei and her journey to the moon to meet the Moon Goddess, Chang'e.

Over the Moon is about a young girl, Fei Fei, four years after her mother has passed away. Fei Fei learns that her father is planning on remarrying and decides she needs to put a stop to this. In order to convince her father that love is everlasting, even through death, Fei Fei plans a trip to the moon goddess, Chang’e. According to Chinese legend, Chang’e has been waiting for an eternity on the moon for her true love, Houyi, to return to her. Similar to Chang’e, Fei Fei wants her father to wait to see her mother again, so she decides she just needs to prove Chang’e is real to her father.

The movie’s apparent Disney feel is not surprising due to both the director and co-director having worked previously in Disney Studios as animators. Director Glen Keane is best known for his work on Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. While Co-Director John Kahrs worked at Disney and Pixar prior to working on this movie. He has worked on films such as Tangled and Toy Story 2. While researching the creation of Over the Moon, I came across the original writer of the script, Audrey Wells. This was the last script she wrote before passing away from cancer in 2018. Wells wrote this script as a love letter to her husband and daughter. She had been battling cancer for five years, and this script was her way of showing her loved ones how she wants them to move on and embrace change after she passes. She knew she had little time left and even told Glen Keanes as much, about a year before she passed away.

The bright colors and excitement of the moon was perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects of this movie. When people picture the moon, they usually don’t picture a rainbow planet full of jelly-animal creatures. Not to mention the Chang’e concert that would put any pop star to shame. While on the moon, Fei Fei befriends a green, dog-like creature named Bogi who helps her out. Another notable moment that resonates with many MCHS students is when Fei Fei is studying physics and drinking boba in her room. I couldn’t help myself but laugh because I felt like I had just been in that position with science homework just the night before.

Overall, I enjoyed this movie more than most Disney animated films I’ve seen. I loved the addition of Chinese legend in the story. I would recommend watching this if you like children’s musicals such as Frozen or Mulan (the animated version).