Ladies & gentlemen, today, we conclude with my last movie review of the week by reviewing a sequel to a family film from 2018. In that case, it would be a live-action/CGI of the children’s stories of Peter Rabbit. Just a few weeks ago, Columbia Pictures, and Sony gave us the sequel, Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway. So we’ll review the film momentarily.
Plot: After Peter’s guardians, Thomas (Domhnall Gleeson), and Bea McGregor (Rose Byrne) get married, and return from their honeymoon sometime later, Peter, and his rabbit family begin to help Bea write her Peter Rabbit children’s story series. But one day, things begin to get fishy with the family, and Peter runs away after feeling mistreated. As a result, he begins to befriend some questionable company. So, will Tom, Bea, the rabbits, and the rest of Peter’s animal family be able to track him down, and bring him back home once, and for all?
And now, you all may be wondering, does Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway surpass it’s 2018 predecessor? Well, not quite, actually. Here’s the thing! First of all, the villains of this film, are just okay. I mean they may be slightly interesting. Still, while watching this film, I found myself thinking of antagonists from other films, live-action, or animated, that ended up being even more gripping. In addition to this, some of the characters could potentially come off as one dimensional. Plus, this movie seemed to have potential at points to give some of the characters some back stories at certain points, especially when it came to having some of the villains have better motivations for their diabolical actions. What a shame such an opportunity seemed to be squandered for the most part. Thankfully, when it comes to some of the protagonists, you understand where they’re coming from, even if they are making wrong decisions at some points. What’s even more is that the story doesn’t seem to be quite as engaging, or as strong as the first film seemed to be when released three years ago. Oh yes, the story is still good at keeping the audience roped in. It’s just that it could have likely been better. Quite honestly, a running time of 93 minutes should have maybe been extended to an extra 10-15 minutes, if not more than that. In addition to this, the movie seems to overall feel a little too predictable. Okay, predictable is good sometimes, sure. Still, wasn’t there a way that maybe this film could have been a little less predictable? Just a thought!
Like I said, however, there is still some material that keeps Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway fairly entertaining. First of all, even there isn’t quite as much comedy as in the first film, there is still quite a bit of that in this sequel. Not only that, but the script is very witty at times. Granted, maybe not by a whole lot, but still very good. Not only that, but it’s surprising how beautiful some of the visuals are, particularly when it comes to the farmlands in the mornings, and the evenings. Also, just like in the first film, the animation designs on the animal characters are really good. I mean if you like the animation on the animal characters in films like 2006’s Happy Feet, or even 2010’s Legend Of The Guardians: The Owls Of Ga’Hoole, or films like those, you may not like the animation in here quite as much, but pretty close. The movie also does a good job at keeping the suspense up when necessary. Additionally, like I mentioned earlier, at least some of the good guys seem to be a little better developed than the villains.
And that’s my review for Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway. While not quite one of the strongest sequels to come out recently, it’s still a decent, and fairly entertaining film. It still has good heart, has some funny moments, and has some good elements that keep it from falling too short. Definitely still see it, but maybe if it’s playing at a theater near you that has cheap ticket prices. Not one of the best sequels, but still plausible.
Final Grade: C+
Matthew’s Animated & Live-Action Movie Reviews 