The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature – For the Kids and Not Much Else

I didn’t know there was a The Nut Job before I heard of this film so suffice it to say that I can’t speak to how it influences this sequel but I assume not very much.

Synopsis: Surly Squirrel and the gang are back. We are once again in Oakton where the evil mayor has decided to bulldoze Liberty Park and build a dangerous amusement park in its place. Surly and his ragtag group of animal friends band together to save their home, defeat the mayor, and take back the park. (eOne Films)

Starring: Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl, and Maya Rudolph

Writers: Bob Barlen and Cal Brunker

Director: Cal Brunker

Rating: PG (Canada/United States)

Running Time: 91mins

Trailer: 

For showtimes and more, check out The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature on movietimes.com.

Some of the best animated children’s films appeal to both children and the adults who are forced to see them. While this will still be the case here, this will probably not have the same effect on adults as it will have with children. This time around, Surly (Arnett) and his fellow critters must band together to defend their park from the evil mayor (Bobby Moynihan) and his animal-hating daughter Heather (Isabela Moner) who want to tear it down and build an amusement park.

Being a children’s film, it was rather predictable from the journey to the many learned lessons. The critters have been living pretty easy but with the Nut Shop gone, as alluded in some of the trailers, they would have to revert to their primal instincts so they can take care of themselves which was going to be easier said than done. With their precious park being destroyed, they also had to find somewhere new to live, however, this would prove to be difficult as well in today’s world.

These circumstances have made the previously care-free Surly more vulnerable so he not only had to prove to himself that he could still be a squirrel, he had to prove himself to the other critters and his love interest, another squirrel named Andie (Heigl). Along the way, they run into a few more critters including a kung-fu mouse who resents being called cute named Mr. Feng (Jackie Chan).

There is nothing new here story wise and isn’t overly long, clocking in at 90 minutes, and runs by quickly enough. There were a few fun moments that should entertain kids but the cheesy script and dialogue will make it a chore to watch. The comedy was lame and may produce some eye rolls, however, it should still be funny enough for kids. The animation wasn’t exactly the best out there and was more average. The voice acting was okay all around with some perhaps standing out more than others.

Overall, this was a decent animated film that should still entertain children but its unoriginal, predictable story, cheesy dialogue, and lame humor will leave most adults bored.

Score: 5/10

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.