Stuart Little 2

MPA Rating: PG-Rating (MPA)

for brief mild language.

Reviewed by: Eric Schmidt
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating:	Good
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:	All Ages
Genre:	Family / Comedy
Length:	1 hr. 15 min.
Year of Release:	2002
USA Release:

Featuring	Michael J. Fox, Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan Lipnicki, Steve Zahn
Director	Rob Minkoff
Producer	Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher
Distributor	Columbia Pictures, a division of Sony Pictures

“Stuart Little 2” asks the viewer to undertake the suspension of disbelief. Accepting that characters in the film see nothing out of the ordinary in Stuart the mouse playing soccer with children, adopting him into a family setting, and conversing with other parents about the whereabouts of their “child” will be difficult for some. But once this is achieved, viewers can see the forest through the trees. “Stuart Little 2” is one of the best family films of the summer.

With sly humor, loveable characters, a great script by Bruce Joel Rubin (Academy Award-winner, “Ghost”) and a refreshing absence of sex, gratuitous violence, and profanity, parents need not be worried about taking kids six and older to see the film. (Though scenes involving drops from great heights and a sharp-toed falcon may upset very small children.)

The story begins with Stuart’s brother, George having found a new friend to play with, leaving Stuart (brilliantly voiced by Michael J. Fox) feeling left out. His father (Hugh Laurie) sympathizes, but reminds Stuart of an old family adage. “Always look for the silver lining in the cloud,” he instructs Stuart.

Silver lining appears when Stuart rescues a homeless bird named Margelo (voiced by Melanie Griffith) from the sinister Falcon. A friendship forms, and all is well until Margelo disappears in the middle of the night. Stuart, convinced Falcon is responsible, ventures out into the world with the family cat Snowball (voiced by Nathan Lane) to rescue her.

Children are taught positive messages regarding friendship, determination, trust, respect, and acceptance. I especially liked how the screenwriters were quick to have George’s parents chastise him after he lies about Stuart’s whereabouts. This is the rare movie that has lies to parents reaping bad consequences instead of good ones. (And they’re saying we shouldn’t put the Ten Commandments in public schools?)

Let’s really give this film a box office success so others like it will continue to be made!

Note: Before the film, there is a short computer-animated cartoon. It features scenes involving sharp-fanged aliens that may prove upsetting to younger children. My recommendation is to wait out in the lobby until it ends if your kids are easily disturbed.

Positive—We took both of our (soon to be) 3 year olds to this movie, and found it to be charming, humorous, and entertaining. It kept both their attention throughout the entire movie. I’m puzzled as to the rating of “PG”. In my opinion—it should have been a “G”. The parents were adorable and loving—would have enjoyed it more had they been portrayed with a higher IQ.
My Ratings: [Good / 5]

Debby, age 42

Positive—A good family film, better than the average family film these days. Lots of good moral values, some good humor and adventure, likable characters. I have always liked how the Little’s were portrayed as such a strong family. And, yes, a kid actually gets in “big trouble” for lying, even for a “good” cause. Other than a few jokes about animal bodily functions, really nothing offensive.
My Ratings: [Better than Average / 3½]

Kevin, age 31

Neutral—The movie making quality was good although very young children might be frightened by some of the scenes. The problem is that the main part of the story occurs primarily because of a lie that was told and the liars suffer no consequences and in fact are commended by the mother. The movie is probably worth your time (and maybe the money) but PLEASE point out the fact (to young children) that one cannot lie forever with impunity.
My Ratings: [Average / 2]

Bob C, age 38

Positive—Stuart Little 2 is 100% wonderful for its characters, dialogue, music, computer animation and humor. The “silver lining” theme is akin to the Christian axiom, “when God closes a door, He opens a window.” Stuart Little is forever courageous while still being humble. Snowbell is hilarious. And don’t worry about the negative newspaper reviews about the corny parents. I happen to be a working mom and I had no problem with the super sweet mom and family interactions. It’s great for a change (from Hollywood’s usual ways).
My Ratings: [Good / 5]

Gail, age 42

Positive—I took my 6 and 7 ½ year old daughters and we thoroughly enjoyed it. There was some minor bathroom humor but the film’s main theme was commendable. A happily married mom and dad and their struggle to raise their children in a proper way. The computer animation is excellent and this adds to the films charm. The lessons taught are not to lie, love one another and always offer to be a friend. Although there are no biblical or Christian references in the film, it was enjoyable and my children were impressed by Stuart’s friendship.
My Ratings: [Better than Average / 3½]

Jim Canaan, age 36

Positive—There’s much to like in this mostly delightful film, and at the top of our family’s list was the absence of any foul language. The music and scenery, as well as the computer generated graphics, were very good and we found the story engaging and fun as well. In this sequel to the original “Stuart Little” movie, Stuart, the mousey hero, is growing up and anxious to prove to his mother that he is old enough to earn more trust and larger boundaries. And he gets them, through the deceptive help of his brother, and the companionship of “Snowbell” the cat, Stuart finds himself on a big adventure to find his new friend, a little bird. Other postives: Plenty of friendships and participation from other ethnic groups. The little boy has a best friend who is black. The film emphasizes focusing on others’ abilities and, on a broader level, accepting people who are different. One talking point with children afterward will be the little boy’s deception to his parents. While the parents did say “It is never OK to lie to your parents” and gave a promise that he was in “big trouble,” we never do see any consequences for the child’s lying. A couple of negatives: The obligatory litter box and occasional “poop” jokes. It’s very mild, but may be offensive to some. The falcon character, the film’s bad guy, does die in the end (he ends up as “Monty” the cat’s dinner) but we do not see it. All in all, a good film to see with the family. Our children, 6 and 3, were with us, and we were not uncomfortable or disappointed.
My Ratings: [Better than Average / 4]

Chris Alford, age 38

Positive—My husband and I took our two boy (ages 5 and 7) to see this and we enjoyed it because it focused on a traditional family and there weren’t any offensive behaviors. It was funny and exciting (in a seven year old way:)). I didn’t like the idea that the parent excused the lying in the end but overall, it was much better than the first Stuart Little.
My Ratings: [Good / 4]

Jenny Chapman, age 34

Positive—We enjoyed this film. The main character has his brother lie for him but in the end he gets caught in the lie and faces owning up to his lie. The characters show remorse for wrong choices. It’s as close to a Christian film as they come. Plenty of action, left us guessing what was going to happen next.
My Ratings: [Good / 4]

Janie S., age 33

Positive—I took my 6 year old daughter to see this movie and was quite pleased with the film. Granted, it was not the most interesting movie from an adult perspective, but my daughter had fun and we didn’t have to sit through another morally offensive block-buster. The story-line was very predictable but filled with moral lessons. Great launching point for a great discussion on the ride home from the movies.
My Ratings: [Good / 3]

James Piper, age 31

Movie Critics

…a must-see movie for families. It is as good as a family movie gets… Better written than the original, it is one of the best written movies of the year…

Dr. Ted Baehr, Movieguide

…Children will delight in this fun adventure and adults will get some laughs… appropriate for ages 6 and older…

Preview Family Movie and TV Review

Comments from young people

Positive—After walking out of the theater, I was not disappointed in the least. There was absolutely no profanity, sex, or gory violence. It was as charming and cute as the original—maybe even better! I strongly recommend this movie for anyone, no matter what age. My family and I were actually stopped in the mall the other day by a woman who had seen the movie and wanted to encourage us to go see it. Little children will be delighted with the animated characters and the humour is not too juvenile for the others. I loved it! Two paws up!
My Ratings: [Excellent! / 5]

Abigail Humphrey, age 13

Positive—This movie is a very good family film. The characters are well thought-out and the effects are very life-like. The characters make some wrong choices in the movie but the right thing to do is made clear. It has very good moral standing. The only thing I found wrong was that Stuart was not punished for his behavior, though it was said that George was in big trouble for lying. I encourage you to go see this movie. It will be well worth your money. (It may be to scary for young children.)
My Ratings: [Better than Average / 4]

Lisa, age 14

Positive—I went to see it with my friends and we all were laughing so hard! It was really good and funny.
My Ratings: [Good / 5]

Erin, age 12

Positive—I thought the movie was good. It didn`t seem like a PG movie. There are a lot of funny parts. I think you will like this movie.
My Ratings: [Excellent! / 5]

Carolyn, age 9