Hootie-2

The film is perhaps one of few film sequels to surpass the quality of the original. This film is more of an adventure, yet still has plenty of room for emotion and humour. The voice cast is sublime and the animation is quite remarkable, a step up from the already stunning original. You leave with a big, stupid grin on your face that is hard to lose. A better time is rarely had at the movies

The best part about the film is the chemistry between Sarandon and Portman, and the exceptional performances they both give. The film seems episodic and uneventful, the moments that have been left in seem to be unimportant. But the performances make the film completely watchable, and the film cements Portman's status as an actress of very high regard.

"The Suburbans" makes an interesting bookend to the British film "Still Crazy", in that they both deal with the same subject matter (old band reunites after a long absence) but deal with different eras and different conflicts. Having said that, they're both equally uninspiring, although The Suburbans manages to be somewhat funnier than Still Crazy. Some quality work by the actors is found in The Suburbans, especially from bit players Amy Brenneman and Jennifer Love Hewitt. A last minute cameo makes the film seem funnier than it really is, but those in the mood for some retro baiting may find something the laugh about here.