Over The Moon: Netflix Original Movie Review

This was definitely one of my more random finds on Netflix this week. I had a very fulfilling weekend of rather intense and spine-chilling TV shows and movies, so I needed something more light-hearted to ease me back into the real world. That's when I came across "Over the Moon".

From the trailer it looked like an easy watch; a simple animated movie, probably more aimed at children, yet definitely something that I would thoroughly enjoy. It was made even better when I realised that it was a musical, featuring Phillipa Soo from Hamilton. So, of course, I gave it a go...

What is it about?

The story follows a young girl named Fei Fei who, after the death of her mother, decides to go on an adventure to the moon in order to meet the Goddess Chang'e. Fei Fei is looking for a way to make her father remember her mother and avoid re-marrying and changing their lives forever.

What did I like?

• Beautiful songs: Now, I'm always a huge fan of musicals, especially in animated movies. However, unlike those from some Disney/Pixar movies, these are songs that are beautifully crafted to help propel the storyline and help really understand how the characters are feeling. But it isn't just that, the Chinese influences in the songs and the phenomenal voices make these songs sound mesmerising. Yes, there is a funky pop song, which is still wonderful to hear, but there are also inspiring and motivational lullabies and ballads. It did help they had Hamilton's Phillipa Soo providing some absolutely brilliant vocals on a number of songs.
• Colourful animation: one of the main reasons I really wanted to watch this movie. Just from the trailer, you could see that there is bright and colourful animation throughout. Yet, I was still blown away by just how beautiful the movie actually looked. Spurred on by the brilliant HD TV I have, the colours popped in such a mystical way, showing the brilliance of this culture. Different art-forms were also brought in to showcase the modern and the old forms of the Chinese culture in a way I don't think I've seen done in such a true way.
• Inspiringly diverse: It is fairly safe to say, that many animated movies tend to have a very western/European focus on them. So it was refreshing to watch a movie that explores a different culture. Not only was the movie a great way to explore the Chinese culture, but it also lent itself to showcasing the wonderful talent from a variety of Asian actors. It has also inspired me to do some research on the mythology of Chang'e, a story that seemed so beautiful that I want to know more about what inspired this movie.

Were there any negatives?

For me, the movie was exactly what I wanted at the time, light-hearted, and easy to watch. However, as enjoyable as it was it is easy to see where it isn't the best movie in the world. The plot is fairly predictable and doesn't necessarily offer anything up that we haven't seen before in many other animated movies before it. It isn't a movie for those that are looking for something unique and groundbreaking, more a movie for the whole family, or someone looking for an easy and peaceful watch.

So, in conclusion...

I'd say that I'm already hooked, I've listened to the soundtrack most days since I've watched this movie. I can't help it, the songs are super catchy, emotional, and sung with such power that I always feel like I'm watching a live musical.

With the powerful songs and whimsical animation, it is definitely a movie that I'll be watching again, as well as offering up as an option for a family viewing session.