193. Peter Rabbit 2; movie review

 

 

PETER RABBIT 2

Cert U

93 mins

BBFC advice: Contains mild comic violence, very mild threat, rude humour

Second up during my first visit to the reopened cinema was Peter Rabbit 2 - something of a disappointment after such a lively first outing for Beatrix Potter's beloved character.

I eulogised about Will Gluck's original Peter Rabbit two years ago because it had the element of surprise.

This sequel, in common with many follow-ups just has a sense of 'been there, done that'.

Once again, James Corden provides the voice for the title character who, along with his pals, is now firmly part of the family of Bea (Rose Byrne) and Thomas (Domhnall Gleeson).

Well, sort off Bea loves Peter, Benjamin (Colin Moody), Flopsy (Margot Robbie), Mopsy (Elizabeth Debicki) and Cottontail (Aimee Horne) but her husband is not quite so comfortable with them.

But, to please his new wife, he tries his best.

Unfortunately, however, Peter keeps pushing his buttons.

Indeed, naughty and a little-bit-full-of-himself Peter is at odds with a new scenario where rabbits are meant to be behaving themselves.

The movie is charming enough - once again the animals are wonderfully lifelike and the action is pacey.

It looks great but the plot is very convoluted and I couldn't quite work out why the makers insisted on suggesting that Gloucester was down the railway track from Windermere.

To compensate for the cuteness of computerised animals wearing off, Bea and Thomas become even more shouty and slapsticks and then there is the strange choice of David Oyelowo as the pantomime villain.

This time, Gluck's adaptation of Beatrix Potter didn't make me laugh but I am not a four-year-old and Cineworld is already claiming that Peter Rabbit 2 has been a big hit with families - only a week after reopening.

I agree that it is harmless entertainment for the kids and, to be fair, that is its target audience.

Reasons to watch: It's Peter Rabbit

Reasons to avoid: Lost the freshness of the first movie

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 6/10

Did you know? One of the most popular stories ever started off as a picture story in a letter. The letter was for a sick boy named Noel Moore, the son of one of Beatrix Potter’s friends. Noel was five at the time and Potter wasn’t sure how to cheer him up, so she decided to send him a story about four little rabbits called Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter. 

The final word. James Corden: ""I would argue that this film is the perfect film for an outing for all the family. I have young kids and I think the best moments when you're watching a film with your children and they're enjoying a moment for one reason and you're enjoying the same moment, but for a completely different reason." Digital Spy

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