Peter Rabbit 2 movie review 2021

MOVIE TITLE: Peter Rabbit 2

Available May 14, 2021 in select theaters

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 33 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

I loved this Sony sequel so much better than the first Peter Rabbit in the franchise! It’s a family-friendly comedy directed by Will Gluck and based on the lovely books about rabbits by Beatrix Potter. While Potter purists might feel frustrated that the film ventures far from the source material, modern-day kids will be completely entertained by the bunny high jinks and charm. There is plenty of action, sweet moments, comedy, great animation, and colorful backdrops to keep everyone engaged.

THINGS I LIKED:

The animation is fantastic. There is wonderful detail with impressive movements and facial expressions. I love the contrast between the hopping bunnies and the moments when the rabbits walk like humans.
SO much humor, both spoken and visual. I actually laughed out loud quite a bit while watching this movie.
Golden Globe-nominated James Corden’s voice talent is spot on. This is the third time he has shared his voice in a Sony Pictures Animation after The Emoji Movie and the first Peter Rabbit.
I adore Domhnall Gleeson in any movie he is in. He and Peter Rabbit are the true heart of this film. Their complicated relationship perfectly represents so many in blended families.
I think David Oyelowo is such an incredible actor that I was surprised to see him in such a goofy family movie, but I’m always happy to watch him work his magic.
The rest of the voice talent comes from equally talented actors: Elizabeth Debicki, Lennie James, Margot Robbie, Colin Moody, Ewen Leslie, Rupert Degas, Aimee Horne, Damon Herriman, and many more.
I always laugh at slow-motion action sequences.
There’s a new cast of characters both human and animated, several of who were never in any of Beatrix Potter’s books.
You get to travel to England see some beautiful countryside and cityscapes.
Super fun musical soundtrack.
The fourth wall is broken on occasion and always made me laugh. (The fourth wall is that imaginary wall that separates the characters in the movie from the audience.)
There are some playful jabs at the British, Americans, and Germans.
Totally adorable.
Tons of foreshadowing. Let your kids watch it first to just enjoy the journey. Then, talk about the literary device of foreshadowing and how it was used in the film before they watch it again. They’ll want to watch this again.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

I actually had a hard time coming up with anything I didn’t like about this movie. I really enjoyed it! I think kids and adults will get a kick out of this fun flick.
There was one really noticeable moment of bad CGI when Mr. Thomas McGregor rolled down a hill but it was so ridiculous on purpose that it actually made it funny.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Your kids are probably going to want a pet rabbit after they watch this.
Lots of destruction of property.
Talk to your kids about stealing. The rabbits have several conversations about the definition of appropriate theft.
Talk to your kids about the reputations they might have earned up to this point in their young lives.

THEMES:

Family
Reputation
Individualism
Corporate greed
Commercialism
Betrayal and trust
Acceptance
Praise and criticism

FUNNY LINES:

* “No greater love than the gift of a rabbit.” – Nigel Basil-Jones (David Oyelowo)

“Great at cartoon violence.” – Peter Rabbit (James Corden)
“I want to hear the truth, but only if it’s good.” – Mr. Thomas McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson)

INTERESTING LINES:

“You’re not stupid. You’re young and you make mistakes. We all make mistakes.” – Mr. Thomas McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson)
“I know now that no one can tell me who I am.” – Peter Rabbit (James Corden)
“Families can come in all shapes and sizes.” – Mr. Thomas McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson)