The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature

Surly's takeover of the shop has given the nut-loving community an unlimited buffet. Andie refuses to join as she struggles to preach a hard working ethics. When the shop blows up, Surly pledges to find the group another easy food source. Meanwhile, Mayor Muldoon intends to bulldoze the idyllic Liberty Park and turn it into amusement park Liberty Land.

This one continues the barely functional animated franchise. It's a repetitive series of action scenes and more action. The writing isn't that funny. An amusement park is not that threatening as far as paving over paradise. It's more about bring in a colorful set to have fun chasing through. This is better than others like the Chipmunks but it's nowhere near the Minions.

Expectations admittedly were not high going into 'The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature'. Didn't think that highly of the first film, while not hating it (a case of great animation and some vocal standouts but very lazy writing), and like with the first film the advertising was not promising at all. Judging from how a number of sequels fare, the point of 'The Nut Job' actually needing a sequel was questioned.

Being a lifelong fan of animation and seeing as there are some good actors in the vocal cast, doubts were cast aside despite not expecting much. So it was a surprise that 'The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature' was much better than expected, actually not being a bad film and better than the advertising made it look, and was an improvement over its predecessor. It may not be a great film and not a film that will go down in history or be remembered for years to come, but it could have been far worse.

'The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature' has a number of strengths. The animation is great, and more polished than the animation in 'The Nut Job'. It's colourful and vibrant-looking, with admirable attention to detail in the expressions (especially with Buddy) and backgrounds and the characters are cute without being cutesy and look more polished in design. The bright and breezy soundtrack is also very catchy, even enhancing what's going on and there is nothing that makes you groan like "Gangnam Style".

On the most part, the voice acting is very good. A bubbly and sassy Maya Rudolph, a ray of sunshine and really makes the film come alive, is the standout, and Jackie Chan was a big surprise. He seemed a bizarre casting choice on paper but he came over as very lively and also gave some verve. Bobby Cannavale is charming and amusing, and while Buddy is largely silent (ah the power of making a character fun and likable through actions and expressions primarily with not so many words) Tom Kenny proves how talented he is and the chemistry between Buddy and Surly gives the film some heart.

Will Arnett and Katherine Heigl are much better than before. Arnett this time doesn't take Surly's surliness to extremes and he doesn't come over as too snarky or smug, voicing with more energy and wit. Heigl tones down the Rom-com cutesiness and does well being the voice of reason. Generally the writing is better. Liked the relatable and relevant messages and how they were dealt with in the film, children and adults alike will appreciate them. Likewise with the homages, recognising them and how they were integrated put a smile on my face, and there were some witty one liners and amusing gags that are generally more tasteful. Oh and the mice are scene stealers.

However, while 'The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature' is tighter paced and there is more of a story it feels too much this time round. The story can feel too busy and rushed, with too much going on and too many characters. This does sacrifice depth to the characters and the subplots, which tend to be underdeveloped. The humour doesn't come off consistently either, needing sharper timing and a less frenetic pace.

Parts did feel tired and are more juvenile than witty. While the humour is more tasteful generally, one gag does come over as vulgar and leaves a bad taste in the mouth involving vomiting out food and eating it up again (not to be viewed while eating).

A few of the characters don't work, especially the hugely irritating Heather voiced in an overbearingly shrill manner by Isabela Moner. The clichéd mayor character annoys more than he intimidates. Gunther is wonderfully voiced by Peter Stormare and he is the fun and menacing character that the mayor should have been, but there are times where the character is at odds with the rest of the film's tone.

Overall, not great but better than expected and better than 'The Nut Job'. 6/10 Bethany Cox

I took my three grandchildren to this movie and was a little apprehensive because of a review I had read. However, we all thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It was a good kids movie but I enjoyed it as well. It was about friendship, working together and protecting your space. The graphics were great and in general a feel good movie about the little guy winning against great odds.

The Nut Job 2 is wonderful! With some movies, the sequel is never as good as the original, but with this movie, they are both awesome films. There is never a boring part or unnecessary scene. It keeps you wanting more and gets you really attached about the characters' lives. The background music really helps keep the story going and makes the chase scenes more suspenseful since there are no silent moments.

In the film, an accident happens and all the animals who are eating at the nut shop are forced to move back to the park. Unfortunately, Mayor Muldoon (Bobby Moynihan) has some nefarious plans to destroy the park. So, Surly (Will Arnett) and his friends have to find a way to work together to save the park.

One of the things I care for in both of The Nut Job films is the animation. I love how you can see every single hair on all the animals and how each one is different. Another thing that I love about this film is the music. That, you can thank Heitor Pereira for. The music goes with the lines and scenes so well, that it truly enhances the story. My favorite character is Buddy because, even though he never talks, he is always there for Surly and it's funny to see Buddy's expressions that make it seem as if he's talking. I also really like the backstory showing Surly and Buddy's friendship. Another thing I really like is Mr. Feng's (Jackie Chan) tail because it makes him more intimidating, which adds to his character. My favorite scene is when Andie (Katherine Heigl) starts singing about how the park is their home and they make a joke about how "no one can break into a spontaneous song." Go watch it and you'll see!

The two messages in this film are to work together, which this movie is all about, and that nothing comes easy. This message comes into place when the animals have to move back to the park and scrounge for food. I rate this film 5 out of 5 stars because of the extraordinary animation, plot and music. I recommend this film for ages 5 to 14 and parents and older siblings will enjoy it too.

Reviewed by Dariana A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more reviews by youth, visit kidsfirst dot org.

I recently went to see this movie I had terrible expectations due to the fact that I hated the original movie however I was delighted by this one it had what the other missed some class a sense of humor and just fun you seriously cant skip on this one you will miss a hug4e treat if you do just plane old fashioned fun