Opération casse-noisette 2

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

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.

In Season 4, Episode 11 of comedian Jerry Seinfeld's eponymous sitcom, he tells his mother, "I like kids' shows. They have a very innocent, wholesome quality." Some kids' movies hold the same appeal for adults, not based on any double-entendres the writers insert into the script to keep adults entertained, but simply because of the good, clean fun inherent in the film. "The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature" (PG, 1:31) is such a movie. But it wasn't always this way with the franchise's characters. The genesis of this movie goes back to a 2005 animated short called "Surly Squirrel". The title character was more than surly. He was downright mean. You might even call him evil. That animated short (which is available on YouTube) also included enough adult language and violence that it could've received a PG-13 rating from the MPAA. Yet, it proved to be a good starting point for its writer/director, Peter Lepeniotis.

2014 saw the release of the animated feature "The Nut Job", which Lepeniotis co-wrote and directed. He made his squirrel friend the protagonist this time (not quite as mean, but still pretty surly) and made the plot more kid-friendly. In spite of low ratings from critics, enough kids and adults saw the film that it earned nearly $120 million worldwide (almost three times what it cost to make) and quickly earned a greenlight for the sequel. Originally, Lepeniotis was set to write and Carl Brunker ("Escape from Planet Earth") to direct, but Lepeniotis left the project. Brunker did direct – and also co-wrote – with Bob Barlen and Scott Bindley, all three of whom were already working on the 3rd film in the franchise (for a 2019 release), even before the 2nd hit theaters. But never fear, "Nut Job" fans. (I didn't mean that the way it sounded.) The sequel does well in the continuity department, with most of the main characters returning (voiced mostly by the original actors) and a plot that picks up where its predecessor left off.

The animals of Liberty Park are thoroughly enjoying access to the abandoned neighborhood nut shop. Surly Squirrel (again voiced by Will Arnett) is the hero who made it all happen and he, along with most of his furry friends, have practically moved into the basement, which has become a combination 24-hour buffet, night club and amusement park. The animals are eating, drinking and making merry like the good times will never end, but one of their own is sounding the alarm. Surly's friend and fellow squirrel, Andie (Katherine Heigl), is complaining that the animals are forgetting how to get food for themselves and that the way they are living is unnatural. She also warns that this situation can't continue forever. When it turns out that she was right, everyone looks to Surly for guidance. He assures them he can find food and takes his practically mute and none-too- bright partner-in-crime, Buddy (Tom Kenny), with him. Not only do none of Surly's ideas pan out, but he and Buddy run afoul of a tiny white city mouse named Mr. Feng (Jackie Chan) who absolutely hates being called "cute" and sicks his many mousy minions on the pair.

But soon, Surly and company have bigger problems than a cute (yeah, I said it), angry Kung Fu mouse, or a food shortage. They're about to become homeless! An overweight, egotistical, entitled and greedy politician (this cartoon is a mayor) simply called "Mayor" (SNL's Bobby Moynihan) is making plans to monetize the only place in the city that doesn't help fill his coffers – Liberty Park. He's decided to bulldoze it and use the land for an amusement park (one that looks to be as dangerous to the city's residents as he is). Meanwhile, the female pug (and friendly, but annoying face licker) named Precious (Maya Rudolph) is snatched out of the park by the Mayor's spoiled little girl (Isabela Moner). She brings Precious home and stuffs her in a cage with her male bulldog named Frankie (Bobby Cannavale) who takes an immediate liking to Precious. Back in the park, Surly has to learn a few things about teamwork and getting along with others if the animals are going to have any chance of saving their home.

"The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature" has everything an audience member can ask for in an animated feature, regardless of the Movie Fan's age. There are fun characters, an engaging story and unusually good action sequences (for an animated movie). There are also plenty of laughs (very good jokes, puns and sight gags), movie homages ("Toy Story", "Mad Max", "Back to the Future" and "300") and lessons for all (including selflessness, teamwork and the importance of working for what you need). Some of the adults in the advanced screening I attended commented that this movie was better than the first one and the kids around me seemed to be having a good time too. Transitions between story elements were a little awkward, but this sequel is still terrifically entertaining family fun and is one of the best animated sequels since "Toy Story 2". "A-"

I watched this recenty and I must say I was actually kind of surprised I really enjoyed watching this one the characters were cute and lovable and a joy to watch you really need to try this one its wayyyy different than the other movie and you will love it for being different the sweetness of the sqirls and the family is just extremely sweet and lovable

Frankly, I did not think there will a sequel, but this one came out and I say I'm not fully disappointed. It is an acceptable film with a good message told with full of cliches. The story continued from where the previous one had ended. Right away a new adventure begins. Surly and his friends, after losing their stock of food, now forced to return to their natural home, the park. But the place is getting turned into an amusement park by an evil mayor. So they plan to fight back and how they succeed are the revealed in the remaining part.

As I said, not bad. At least the children would enjoy it better. The new characters are good, but that did not bring more fun. The comedies were average. With this year's average result from all the animated feature that had released, this film does not look so bad at all. Only if the story had been much better, it would have achieved a better result. The production and all the voice-over work were good. I don't know there will be another sequel, but I don't wish, except if they come up with some good story to tell for all ages. It's just once watchable!

6/10