2014, Gulfstream Pictures
Animation
Rating: PG
Approx. 86 mins.
THE STORY:
Surly (Will Arnett) the squirrel simply cannot fit in with the rules and hierarchy established for his fellow park animals by their leader, Raccoon (Liam Neeson). He is a firm believer in looking out for number 1, both by preference and necessity. After completely dashing the park animals' chances of gathering enough food to keep them through winter, he is banished from the and cast out alone into the perilous city.
Surly, with the aid of his only ally, Buddy the mute mouse, sets out in search of food, and discovers a nut store that promises to fatten him up to his heart's content. Almost immediately he runs into Andie (Katherine Heigl) and Grayson (Brendan Fraser), squirrels on a mission to find food for the park community. Fair and compassionate Andie enters into an agreement with Surly to share the work of breaking into the nut store and split the proceeds.
Unbeknownst to the animals, the nut shop is a front for a mafia-like gang set on robbing the bank next-door. So, while the animals try to break in, the gang are adamant about keeping anyone and anything out. Ultimately, Surly learns that it's not only OK, but necessary to rely on others. The park animals learn not to have blind faith in their leader, and to question facts for themselves.
QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:
Surly, with the aid of his only ally, Buddy the mute mouse, sets out in search of food, and discovers a nut store that promises to fatten him up to his heart's content. Almost immediately he runs into Andie (Katherine Heigl) and Grayson (Brendan Fraser), squirrels on a mission to find food for the park community. Fair and compassionate Andie enters into an agreement with Surly to share the work of breaking into the nut store and split the proceeds.
Unbeknownst to the animals, the nut shop is a front for a mafia-like gang set on robbing the bank next-door. So, while the animals try to break in, the gang are adamant about keeping anyone and anything out. Ultimately, Surly learns that it's not only OK, but necessary to rely on others. The park animals learn not to have blind faith in their leader, and to question facts for themselves.
QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:
- Stupid
- Idiot
- Butt
VIOLENCE:
- Guns are fired and used to threaten, but no one is hit
- Kicking and punching, but comedically exaggerated
TEACHING POINTS:
- No man is an island
- Trust has to be earned, but it should also be re-evaluated
THE UPSHOT:
The cons: It felt far too long given the lack of story depth. There's a fair bit of crude humour-- where there is gas, hilarity abounds, it seems. Katherine Heigl.
The pros: There was some good use of 3D effects in the action scenes. I like the subtext about the advantages of democratic process, and the need to challenge authority and its pronouncements. Maya Rudolph.
In general, disappointing.
The pros: There was some good use of 3D effects in the action scenes. I like the subtext about the advantages of democratic process, and the need to challenge authority and its pronouncements. Maya Rudolph.
In general, disappointing.
3/5
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