As we wrap up our month of whimsical, animated tales, we potatoes are absolutely over the moon (pun intended! LOL) to share our thoughts on Netflix’s 2020 animated gem, "Over the Moon!" This film is a colorful adventure! It’s a deeply emotional journey that will resonate with all ages, touching on themes of love, loss, and the power of imagination!

Let’s set the stage for those who may be unfamiliar with this modern animated classic. "Over the Moon" is a beautifully crafted tale that blends folklore, fantasy, and a touching exploration of grief and healing. But before we dive deeper, we want to give a gentle reminder: while this story is visually stunning and filled with delightful musical numbers, it also tackles themes of loss, grief, and the journey toward acceptance. It’s a tale that reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is always light to be found, if we’re ready and willing to look for it.

Let’s get into it!

The movie opens within a charming Chinese village, where we meet the bright and spirited Fei Fei (Cathy Ang)! We see a warm and tender moment shared between Fei Fei and her loving parents, Ba Ba (John Cho) and Ma Ma (Ruthie Ann Miles). They run a small mooncake shop, which is a central part of their family life. The atmosphere is cozy, you can practically smell the freshly baked mooncakes, creating an immediate sense of warmth and tradition.

As we watch them prepare mooncakes together we potatoes are touched by the sweetness of it all. Ma Ma sings to us and Fei Fei the enchanting story of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess. This tale is depicted through beautiful, stylized animation that is stunning. Ma Ma describes how Chang’e was in love with a man named Houyi, but after taking an immortality pill, she ascended to the moon, where she waits eternally for her true love to join her. This story of eternal love becomes deeply ingrained in Fei Fei’s heart, and psyche.

But as we potatoes know, life has a way of throwing a wrench in things. When Fei Fei’s mother falls ill and passes away, Fei Fei is left heartbroken, clinging to the memories and tales of her mother. The film tenderly portrays the impact of grief on a child in a delicate but poignant way.

After her mother’s passing, we see Fei Fei, now a pre-teen, continuing to help her father in the mooncake shop. The once joyful atmosphere of the shop is now tinged with a sense of melancholy, as both Fei Fei and her father navigate life without Ma Ma. Despite the passage of time, Fei Fei’s grief is ever present. She clings to the memories of her mother and the story of Chang’e, finding solace in the belief that true love is eternal, just like the love between her parents.

Fei Fei struggles greatly with her grief and it becomes even harder to bear when her father begins dating Mrs. Zhong (Sandra Oh), a kind woman who is clearly fond of Ba Ba and Fei Fei. However, Fei Fei is not ready to accept someone new into their family. The arrival of Mrs. Zhong’s young and hyperactive son, Chin (Robert G. Chiu), only adds to Fei Fei’s frustration.

We potatoes have to say that we think Chin is a riot! Chin is full of so much energy and enthusiasm! He is so silly, fun, and adorable, we know how hard this is for Fei Fei but we feel that Chin is good for her. We have our own mischief makers that have helped us potatoes through our own grieving processes in a variety of ways. Sometimes we need a little mischief and laughter to help us to move forward despite how painful it is to do so.

We potatoes feel deeply for Fei Fei as she wrestles with the idea of her family changing. She’s not ready to let go of the past, or move forward and the introduction of a new potential stepmother and stepbrother only intensifies her longing for her mother and the life they shared. In a desperate attempt to hold onto the memory of her mother, Fei Fei makes an impulse decision to build a rocket and fly to the moon! She is determined to prove that the Moon Goddess, Chang’e (Phillipa Soo), is real and that everlasting love exists!

And so, the adventure begins! Fei Fei’s determination and ingenuity are nothing short of inspiring as she constructs a rocket and sets off on her incredible journey to the moon! The animation in this sequence is breathtaking, with vibrant colors and imaginative designs that we potatoes absolutely loved!

We are going to start wrapping up from here so as to avoid too many spoilers! When Fei Fei reaches the moon, we are introduced to the dazzling, otherworldly realm of Lunaria. It’s a place that defies the laws of physics and bursts with color, light, and fantastical creatures. Here, we meet the glamorous and sorrowful Moon Goddess, Chang’e, who is also mourning the loss of her true love, Houyi. Chang’e’s character is a mesmerizing blend of divine beauty and human vulnerability, and her interactions with Fei Fei reveal the depths of her loneliness and longing. Through these encounters, the film gently explores the themes of letting go, embracing change, and finding hope in the face of loss.

But "Over the Moon" isn’t just about grief, it’s also a celebration of love, family, and the enduring bonds that connect us. Fei Fei’s journey is as much about accepting her new family as it is about honoring the memory of her mother. As she learns to open her heart to new possibilities, we potatoes can’t help but feel a sense of warmth and hope, knowing that even in the midst of change, love remains a constant.

The film’s animation is stunning to say the least, with every frame bursting with life and color! From the lush and adorable landscapes of Fei Fei’s village to the neon-lit wonder of Lunaria, "Over the Moon" is a testament to the power of animation to tell deeply emotional stories. The musical numbers are absolutely wonderful! Chang’e’s pop diva performance of "Ultraluminary" standing out as a showstopper that we potatoes loved! It is extremely catchy and fun! But! Our favorite song in the film is Gobi’s (Ken Jeong) song, “Wonderful”. That song made us cry, the message is so important, and if you have experienced grief…it hits you hard but in an incredibly impactful way.

As we reflect on "Over the Moon," we’re reminded that at its heart, it’s a story about the power of love to heal, the importance of accepting change, and the magic that can be found when we dare to dream. It’s a tale that encourages us to look beyond the stars and into our own hearts, to find the light in the darkness and to believe in the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.

So, here’s to "Over the Moon," a film that invites us to soar beyond the clouds, to explore the depths of our emotions, and to embrace the beauty of the unknown. If you’re someone who cherishes stories that blend fantasy with profound life lessons, wrapped up in a package of stunning visuals and heartwarming music, then this is the movie for you!

Cheers to Fei Fei’s courageous journey, to Chang’e’s eternal love, and to the boundless imagination that makes "Over the Moon" a film that will undoubtedly leave you feeling uplifted, and inspired! And most importantly, cheers to you!

We give this movie 5 out of 5 Full Moon Martini’s!

The Over the Moon Drinking Game

Take a sip anytime:

1.     Anyone says "Chang'e"

2.     Anyone says "Goddess"

3.     Anyone says or mentions the mooncakes

4.     The moon is on screen

5.     The Space Dog is on screen

6.     Fei Fei talks about science or engineering

7.     Anyone says leapfrog

8.     Chin says "No Barriers!"

9.     Chang'e talks about "the gift"

10.  Anyone says "Bungee"

What did you think? Did you like the movie? Did you hate it? What movies should we watch? Any and all thoughts are welcome! Let us know here in the comments and always remember to be safe and drink responsibly!