Top 10 Reasons to Watch Over the Moon
Top 10 Reasons to Watch Over the Moon
Top 5 Reasons to Watch Netflix’s The Perfect Date
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Reasons to Watch “Over the Moon.” For this list, we’ll be looking at why this musical adventure is another stellar addition to Netflix’s animation library. Are you over the moon for… well you know? Let us know in the comments!
#10: It’s Glen Keane’s Feature Directorial Debut
Top 5 Reasons You Should Watch Lady Bird
Prior to winning an Oscar with Kobe Bryant for “Dear Basketball,” Glen Keane played a key role in the Disney Renaissance. He served as the supervising animator on Ariel, the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, and Tarzan. Keane also designed Rapunzel from “Tangled,” which he was going to direct until a heart attack got in the way. With “Tangled,” Keane aspired “to bring the warmth and intuitive feel of hand-drawn to CG.” Like “Tangled,” “Over the Moon” is in the spirit of Disney masterpieces with a strong heroine, memorable music, and a classic story at its core. At the same time, its characters, humor, and world feel modern, but not in a way that’ll eventually feel dated. It definitely has Keane’s magic touch.
#9: The Inspiring Protagonist
Top 10 Reasons Why Bella Swan is the WORST
Like Ariel, Fei Fei is an expressive and passionate protagonist who desperately wants to explore another world. Of course, there are several things that set Fei Fei apart. For starters, she’s a science wiz who constructs her own rocket. Unlike the heroines in some other family movies, Fei Fei refreshingly isn’t shunned for being smart. She’s celebrated for being top of her class, although Fei Fei is something of an outsider due to her belief in Chang’e. Like Rapunzel, Fei Fei’s unique hairstyle also provides a window into her soul. It tells us that she has a brilliant, eccentric mind and has felt lost ever since her mother died. While Fe Fei isn’t without teenage angst, she’s relatable, likable, and easy to root for.
#8: It Was Audrey Wells’ Last Project
Top 20 Movies You Shouldn't Watch Alone
Audrey Wells is a talent that we lost far too soon. Her screenwriting credits ranged from rom-coms like “The Truth About Cats & Dogs” to family comedies like “George of the Jungle.” Arguably her best works were her directorial debut “Guinevere,” which won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance, and the screenplay for “The Hate U Give,” which came out the day after Wells died from cancer. Before passing, Wells was enlisted to write the screenplay “Over the Moon,” which received some additional work from Alice Wu and Jennifer Yee McDevitt. “Over the Moon” is dedicated to Wells’ memory. Given the film’s themes of loss, perseverance, and making the impossible a reality, it’s certainly a worthy tribute to Wells’ storytelling gifts.
#7: It’s a Great Family Film
Top 10 Reasons Joker Will Blow Your Mind
Given the events of 2020, many families have spent their nights at home on the lookout for movies that they can stream together. Like the best offerings from Disney, DreamWorks, and other animation powerhouses, “Over the Moon” appeals to the whole family. Kids can connect with its colorful characters and goofy humor while their parents will appreciate its artistry and deeper moments. What’s more, family is an integral part of Fei Fei’s character arc, as she deals with the loss of her mother and the idea of welcoming new people into her life. Few can say that they’ve constructed a rocket, but a lot of kids, in particular, can identify with Fei Fei’s family dilemma. It’s a movie every family could use right about now.
#6: The Diverse Voice Cast
Pixar's Elemental: The Voice Cast
“Over the Moon” brings together a spectacular cast of primarily Asian-American performers. A few voices you may recognize, such as John Cho as Fei Fei’s father, Sandra Oh as Mrs. Zhong, and Ken Jeong as the lunar pangolin Gobi. The film also welcomes a couple of newcomers with Cathy Ang lighting up the screen as Fei Fei and Robert G. Chiu making an energetic feature debut as her stepbrother Chin. Of course, the scene-stealer is Phillipa Soo as the Moon goddess Chang’e. Soo herself is a Broadway goddess, most notably originating the role of Eliza in “Hamilton.” With a supporting cast rounded out by Margaret Cho, Kimiko Glenn, and Tony-winner Ruthie Ann Miles, it’s one giant leap for diversity in film.
#5: Its Meaningful Themes
Top 10 Twilight Moments That We Hate Watch
Writing “Over the Moon,” Audrey Wells knew that she likely didn’t have much time left on Earth. According to Glen Keane, “[She] wrote it really for her daughter and her husband after she would pass away.” In addition to Wells’ family, the film’s themes will speak to anybody who’s lost a loved one, especially younger viewers. For people like Fei Fei, mastering space travel sounds easier than saying goodbye. If you stop and look around, though, you’re inclined to find others who care about you. By letting them in, you can break down barriers that seemed indestructible. Letting go is never easy, but “Over the Moon” may leave you with a new worldview. Its message will also inspire dreamers to keep reaching for the stars.
#4: The Chinese Culture & Mythology
Top 10 Japanese Mythology Movies
“Over the Moon” is a love letter to Chinese culture and the filmmakers certainly did their homework. While researching in China, the crew studied architecture, food, and everyday objects to give the film an authentic feel. Fei Fei’s hometown is inspired by Wuzhen, China, a scenic town that’s distinct for its waterfront houses. The film will make you want to visit China, not to mention the moon. Speaking of which, the moon goddess Chang’e is a Chinese mythological figure. While there are various stories about Chang’e, “Over the Moon” remains faithful to her star-crossed romance with the archer Houyi and her presence on the moon. As seen in the film, people continue to honor Chang’e with mooncakes and by looking up at the moon.
#3: The Feels
Top 5 Reasons You Need to See Christopher Robin (2018)
Given the film’s theme of grief and Audrey Wells’ motivation behind writing the screenplay, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that “Over the Moon” requires tissues for viewing. The movie will have you shedding tears of sadness within the first five minutes, but happy-crying by the conclusion. While the film’s premise is out of this world, the human emotions driving the story couldn’t feel more genuine. The film also isn’t afraid to touch on several hard truths, namely the inevitably of death, accepting loss, and moving on. Chances are that many viewers will see themselves in Fei Fei, which is more than enough to bring a tear to their eye. By the way, did you notice that the Lunarians are literally born from Chang’e’s tears?
#2: The Infectious Music
Top 10 Movies We Love to Hate Watch
In the tradition of the Disney classics that launched Glen Keane’s career, music drives the narrative in “Over the Moon.” The film was composed by Oscar-winner Steven Price while the songs were written by Christopher Curtis, Marjorie Duffield, and Helen Park. Traditional Chinese instruments can be heard throughout the film, especially during the inviting “Mooncakes” number. We’re willing to wager that Fei Fei’s “I Want” song, “Rocket to the Moon,” will be a major contender come Oscar time. And to think, the version heard in the film was performed by Cathy Ang on her first take. Chang’e also brings down the house with the showstopping “Ultraluminary,” which mixes elements of Broadway and K-pop. The number even enlisted the talents of choreographer Kyle Hanagami. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. The Cute Creatures We See a Bungee the Bunny Doll in Our Future Chang’e’s Style This Goddess’ Wardrobe Was Designed by Fashion Designer Guo Pei A Thrilling Adventure to Another World Because Who Doesn’t Want to Escape to Space Right About Now?
#1: The Out of This World Animation
Top 10 Times Movies Affected the Real World
Being a Glen Keane production, it’s no wonder “Over the Moon” is a visual marvel. The film was additionally produced by Pearl Studio, which worked on DreamWorks’ “Abominable,” and Sony Pictures Imageworks, which gave us the Oscar-winning “Into the Spider-Verse.” While primarily CG, “Over the Moon” also makes effective use of hand-drawn techniques in certain areas, bringing together the best of both worlds. The eye-popping world of Lunaria drew inspiration from Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon,” as well as Spanish painter Joan Miró. Every figure simply illuminates the screen, showcasing one of the most vibrant color schemes we’ve ever seen. Along with “Klaus” and “The Willoughbys,” “Over the Moon” solidifies Netflix Animation’s powerful presence in the industry.
