2002, Columbia Pictures
Live action & animation
Rating: PG
Approx. 76 mins.
THE STORY:
Stuart Little (Michael J. Fox), by now firmly and happily ensconced as a member of the Little family, runs into an injured bird whom he saves from a falcon and takes home to nurse. Stuart quickly develops feelings for the bird, Margalo (Melanie Griffith), and they seem to be returned. But Margalo is actually the accomplice-- albeit reluctant-- of the evil Falcon (James Woods) who appeared to be stalking her when she first met Stuart. The two con their way into people's lives in order to steal their valuables, and Margalo does exactly this with Mrs. Little's ring.
With the job done, Margalo flies off, leaving Stuart wondering what happened. He assumes she is in trouble and sets off to help her. Along the way he has a number of adventures and manages to escape all kinds of injury with the snarky cat, Snowbell (Nathan Lane), as his companion. He finally finds Margalo and confronts Falcon. Justice prevails, Margalo is freed from her perceived obligation to Falcon, and she follows her dream to fly South for the winter. Stuart is sad to see her go, but knows she will be back.
QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:
VIOLENCE:
- The falcon is verbally and physically threatening, but no actual violence
TEACHING POINTS:
- Look for the silver lining and you will find it
- You're only as small as you feel
THE UPSHOT:
At just over an hour, it's a good length for youngsters, and the story is well paced with action, drama, humour, tension and resolution. The voices and acting are good-- and I am not the biggest Melanie Griffith fan, so that is saying something-- and the art direction leaves you feeling bright and happy.
Is it art? No. Is it poetry? No. Is it an inoffensive, pleasant, positive bit of entertainment appropriate for younger kids? Yes.
4/5
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