Watch The Swan Princess II: Escape from Castle Mountain

The Swan Princess II: Escape from Castle Mountain is an animated musical fantasy movie released in 1997, directed by Richard Rich and starring Michelle Nicastro, Douglas Sills, Jake Williamson, and Christy Landers. It follows the story of Princess Odette, who is forced to escape from her castle and confront her evil ex-fiancé, Rothbart, with the help of her friends and her beloved Prince Derek.

The movie takes place a year after the events of the first installment, where Princess Odette was transformed into a swan by Rothbart and later saved by Prince Derek's vow of true love. Now engaged and happy, the couple prepares for their wedding, while Rothbart's ghost plots his revenge from the afterlife.

When Rothbart's partner, Clavius, kidnaps Queen Uberta and Prince Derek's mother, the group goes to their rescue only to be lured into a trap and imprisoned in the titular Castle Mountain. The castle is guarded by a magical shield that blocks any attempts to escape, and Clavius plans to use Odette's magical powers to break it, so Rothbart can return to life and dominate the kingdom.

Odette manages to escape, thanks to a mysterious owl named Whizzer, who leads her to a hidden passage outside the castle. Along the way, she meets some new animal friends, including Jean-Bob, the talking frog, and Speed, the turtle. Meanwhile, Prince Derek, Bromley, and Puffin, Odette's best friend, remain trapped and try to find a way out.

Odette discovers that Rothbart's power is still alive in one of his magical artifacts, the Forbidden Arts. She seeks the help of the Great Animal Spirits to destroy it and defeat Rothbart's plans once and for all. Along the way, she faces new challenges and learns valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and love.

The animation in The Swan Princess II: Escape from Castle Mountain is bright, colorful, and fluid, showcasing the beauty of the magical world they inhabit. The music and songs are catchy and memorable, composed by Lex de Azevedo, with lyrics by Brian Nissen. The voice acting is top-notch, with all the actors reprising their roles from the previous film and delivering strong performances.

The characters are well developed, with Odette and Derek's relationship growing stronger as they face new challenges and work together to save their loved ones. The supporting characters, such as Whizzer, Jean-Bob, and Speed, add a humorous and lighthearted touch to the story, providing comic relief without detracting from the main plot.

Overall, The Swan Princess II: Escape from Castle Mountain is an enjoyable and touching sequel that expands on the original story and adds new layers of depth and emotion. It is a magical adventure that both children and adults can enjoy, with its heartwarming message of love and unity that resonates long after the film ends.