Having really liked 'Dot and the Kangaroo' and liked, but not quite as much, 'Dot and Santa Claus', there were high hopes for this second follow-up. High hopes that were lived up to, in one of the better Dot sequels and one of the best in the series.
There is not much to complain about in 'Dot and the Bunny'. There is no surprises as to how the story will end or how it would progress, if one is familiar with the Dot films in general they will see how 'Dot and the Bunny' adheres to the same formula. The animation actually generally is improved over 'Dot and the Kangaroo' and 'Dot and Santa Claus', if occasionally a little rough and flat. Didn't care really for the bunny's song about being a kangaroo who never grew up, more rather whiny than cute.
Generally however the animation is an improvement, with mostly more vibrant colours and smoother character designs. The backgrounds as with the previous two Dot films are meticulously detailed, and like the previous two there is some live action which is done very well and doesn't jar at all.
Music is almost as good as that for 'Dot and Santa Claus' while being of a better and more consistent standard than 'Dot and the Kangaroo'. The standouts are "Roaming Free", "The Crocodile Song" and particularly "Termites". Only "The Kangaroo that Never Grew" didn't do much for me.
The script is funny, poignant, remarkably educational and heart-warming, while the characters are engaging (the bunny is a little annoying to begin with but one grows to like him) and well voiced by the likes of Barbara Frawley, Ron Haddrick and Drew Forsythe.
Even when following a basic formula, 'Dot and the Bunny's' story is also one of the film's best assets. Could have done without the kangaroo birth maybe but that wasn't enough to detract from anything. Parts are fun and uplifting and even this 25 year old adult found herself learning a good deal and that the educational aspects were delivered very engagingly. It's the charm and emotional heart that's particularly note-worthy, really warming the heart and moving even the most cynical of adults to at least a tear or two. The messaging is sincere and never preachy or tacked-on.
Overall, one of the best sequels and films of the Dot film series. 8/10 Bethany Cox
