There’s a common conception that movies based on video games are bad. Right now, it seems that studios simply don’t know how to translate the medium to the big screen. With The Angry Birds Movie 2, unfortunately that statement continues to be true.
While they manage to replicate the visual style and explosion of colours remarkably well, that appears to be the only focus. The characters are not deep enough to provide any lasting impression, nor is the moral layered enough to mean anything to it’s young demographic.
Though there are plenty of visual gags strewn about that will keep young ones entertained, so parents can rest assured that they’re children will absolutely have a good time. Though don’t expect them to remember it in the near future. This film sadly does not reach the quality of truly good video game-based movies like Detective Pikachu. Instead it hits the level of films like Wonder Park or Dumbo.
After saving Bird Island once, Red is living the dream. He’s a hero, the talk of the town, and most importantly, people like him. But when a new villain emerges that threatens both his home and Pig Island, he will need to learn to work as part of a team to save the day.
To start things off, the film is very pretty. The colours practically pop off the screen with vibrance and flair. Things like the gorgeous water effects and fluid, dynamic facial animations make for a very charming and beautiful movie.
Everything else sadly does not reach the same standard of quality. The voice acting is very weak. All the performances, from Jason Sudeikis as Red, Josh Gad as Chuck, or even Bill Hader as Leonard feel as though they are just cashing in a paycheque rather than sinking their teeth into the dialogue.
The jokes are virtually all aimed towards a very young audience. The film relies on Slapstick Comedy almost exclusively to get laughs out of the audience. Which for children, will be very easy to do, but for adults, can be very hit or miss.
The plot doesn’t inspire much either. It just functions as a simple reason to get our characters to go on their big adventure. It’s hard to care about what’s happening as the characters and story don’t really follow a structure and instead rely and punchline after punchline with no room for meaningful discussion.
Children are the only audience for this movie. There are plenty of visual jokes and fluid animations to keep their attention. But there isn’t anything that will leave an impression on them or help them learn or grow. And parents prepare, you are either going to tolerate the movie or hate it.
The Angry Birds Movie 2 launches into theatres with a broken slingshot.
The Angry Birds Movie 2
2.5 out of 10
G, 1 hr 36 mins, Animation, Adventure, Comedy.
Directed by Thurop Van Orman
Starring Jason Sudeikis, Danny McBride, Josh Gad, Bill Hader, and Rachel Bloom.
Now playing at Film.ca cinemas, Cineplex Winston Churchill, and Cineplex Oakville and VIP.
