STUART LITTLE 2
US, 2002, 78 minutes, Colour.
Voices of: Michael J Fox, Melanie Griffith, James Woods, Nathan Lane.
Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan Lipbicki.
Directed by Rob Minkoff.
What a pleasure to be able to recommend a family film without reserve.
As everybody knows, Stuart Little is the most popular mouse since Mickey. Two years ago, we saw the first film which showed him being adopted by the Little family, becoming a brother to George, and being the nicest mouse in the neighbourhood. The only one hostile to Stuart was the white Chinchilla Persian cat, Snowbell, who saw Stuart only as a potential meal. By the end of the film, all was well in the Little household.
The common opinion is that a sequel is never as good as the original. In this case, Stuart Little 2 is as good as or even better than the original. As an update, it should be mentioned that the Littles have a baby daughter, George is still the same but Stuart is now going to school and is accepted by the other children in the class. He also plays soccer though the coach does not select him too often, especially when he finishes up spreadeagled on the ball when a goal is scored. But, he does have a nice little car to drive to school in and he is a bit of a whizz flying a model plane. Mr and Mrs Little, as kind and pleasant as ever, are wonderful parents, though Mum is more than a bit over-protective of Stuart.
Those who are wary of any touch of sentiment will be delighted to that Snowbell has a bigger role this time. While Snowbell and Stuart are now good friends, the cat still has great skill with funny and ironic lines.
What makes this sequel different is the story of Margalo, the little bird who befriends Stuart. But there is also a spectacular villain, Falcon, who wants Margalo to steal Mrs Little's ring. This leads to Stuart trying to save Margalo as well as adventures on a New York skyscraper, a barge on the river and Stuart flying his model plane. While Falcon can be a little frightening, he probably won't upset children.
So, there is plenty to entertain both boys and girls. There is plenty to entertain Mums and Dads - even a little moralising about good parenting and children not telling their parents lies. Even the movie buffs and reviewers enjoyed it! Michael J.Fox is just right as the voice of Stuart. Melanie Griffith is Margalo. And for those who like James Woods' performances, he voices Falcon in his tough guy style. Nathan Lane is 'purrfect' as the voice of Snowbell. It is a brief but enjoyable 78 minutes.
1. The popularity of the original film? Stuart himself and Michael J Fox as his voice, George as brother, his loving parents, his being accepted into the household, antagonism with Snowball?
2. The quality of the sequel, family audiences, entertainment for children, interest for adults?
3. The voices of the characters? The American city, New York, homes, ordinary, school, sports?
4. Stuart and his character, his adventures? His family, mother and father and their cheerfulness concern and love?
5. George, getting older, at school, football, with his friends, the effect on Stuart, feeling somewhat alone?
6. The comedy sequences with Snowball?
7. Margalo, flying, small, the attractive bird, friendship with Stuart? The date, the drive-in, Vertigo?
8. The truth about Margalo, in league with Falcon? Falcon, sinister, his voice, dominance? The plan to steal the ring?
9. The blend of comedy and action, Stuart, the soccer, the model plane, on the barge, the skyscraper?
10. Stuart, the hero, and the importance of telling the truth? The bonds of family?
