The Swan Princess: Escape from Castle Mountain (1997)

So, just when you thought Princess Odette and Prince Derek were finally getting their “happily ever after,” Escape from Castle Mountain throws them straight into danger… again. But hey, what’s a royal romance without a little drama, right?

This sequel brings in Clavius, a new villain who’s dramatic, power-hungry, and honestly kinda entertaining. His goal? To steal the Forbidden Arts and take over the kingdom. Of course. Meanwhile, Odette’s trying to celebrate her first anniversary with Derek, but he’s too busy playing hero—classic move. The tension between romance and responsibility gives this movie a surprisingly relatable twist.

The tone is a little darker than the first film, but there’s still plenty of fairy tale charm, especially with our favorite animal trio—Jean-Bob, Speed, and Puffin—providing comic relief. The plot moves quickly, with escapes, traps, and a few emotional moments that hit harder than expected.

Sure, the animation isn’t as polished as the original, and the songs are a bit forgettable, but the heart is still there. It’s about loyalty, trust, and fighting for what matters—whether that’s love, friendship, or peace in the kingdom.

Not perfect, but definitely fun for fans of fantasy and fairy tale adventures. 🏹✨💖