The Nut Job 2

The Nut Job 2 is a 2017 animated adventure-comedy sequel that keeps the fun and mayhem cranked up to maximum level. Starring notable actors such as Will Arnett, Maya Rudolph, and Bobby Cannavale, this movie is designed to entertain both children and adults alike with its whacky storyline, vivid animation, and myriad of colorful characters.

In this wild sequel to the original Nut Job, Will Arnett reprises his role as Surly, the city-dwelling purple squirrel who's as slick and quick-witted as they come. After his adventures in the first installment, Surly appears to be living the high life with his friends in the now plentiful Nut Shop. But everything changes drastically when the nut shop explodes, forcing Surly and his friends to return to their original home – Liberty Park.

The park, however, is no longer the safe haven it used to be. An unscrupulous Mayor, voiced by Bobby Cannavale, with a voracious desire for wealth, has plans to convert Liberty Park into a dangerous amusement park. Plunged in this grim reality, Surly and his friends, including the lovable pug Precious voiced by Maya Rudolph, soon realize their tranquil lifestyle is threatened. Despite the comforts the nut shop provided, returning to their natural habitat means confronting harder survival facts- but nothing is harder than the imminent destruction of their home.

Surly's stubborn determination and cunning mind thus come into play, weaving the plot of the movie around rebellion and the pursuit of survival. The squirrels, once having enjoyed bounty and excess, must now rally together to save their home and their future. The stakes have never been higher, making the sequel imaginative and highly energetic.

Will Arnett beautifully renders the cranky, individualistic Surly, whose negative demeanor isn’t enough to conceal his ultimately golden heart. Precious the pug, performed by Maya Rudolph, adds a softer contrast to Surly's rough persona with her motherly nature and faithful loyalty. Bobby Cannavale, as the antagonistic Mayor, brings a threatening element to the film with his greed and disregard for nature. The harmony and tension-filled interaction between the characters are enjoyable to watch, making The Nut Job 2 an engaging movie complete with highs and lows.

The Nut Job 2 also features a supporting cast offering comedic relief and enhancing the film's overall entertainment value. Jackie Chan voices Mr. Feng, a street savvy, territorial city mouse who becomes a crucial part of Surly's plans. Katherine Heigl returns as Andie, the sensible and strong-minded squirrel who is always trying to see the best side of things, and challenges Surly's pessimistic outlook.

Directed by Cal Brunker, The Nut Job 2 showcases a plethora of action-packed sequences and stunning visual effects. The animation is bright and inviting, and the script is sharp and often humorous, nodding to both a young audience and grown-ups with clever asides. Despite the adventurous bend of the movie, it packs in numerous valuable lessons about unity, courage, resilience and respect for nature.

Though it initially seems the main character’s quintessential laziness would be the unifying theme, it soon transforms to underscore selflessness, teamwork, and bravery in face of adversity. The narrative, though built on simplicity, successfully slips in these significant life lessons among rollicking hilarious moments, high-speed chases, and close-calls. The Nut Job 2 employs effective storytelling to remind viewers of all ages about the essence of home, friendship, and the power of standing up for what's right even when the odds are stacked high.

Visually exciting, loaded with humor, and filled with action-packed adventure, The Nut Job 2 is a fun-filled animation sequel not only for the kids but also for the child in every adult. It’s an engaging and entertaining movie with enough acorns of wisdom scattered throughout to make it a delightful watch.