Stuart returns in family romp

Stuart Little 2 is a light-hearted action adventure for children, featuring a little mouse, a sexy bird, a fat cantankerous cat and Stuart’s well-meaning, loving and very much human family.

Stuart is a little mouse with big dreams. Stifled by an overprotective mother, he longs for an adventure and gets it when an alluring bird by the name of Margalo drops into his life one day.

There is action and adventure aplenty to delight younger viewers (and perhaps even amuse mum and dad) as Stuart and his friends get involved in all kinds of capers and survive death-defying stunts.

Apart from adventure, Stuart Little 2 also offers a good bit of humour and even a smidgeon of romance as it tackles the themes of friendship, loyalty and courage.

Some of the funniest moments in the film come from the cat Snowbell with its sniping sarcasm. Nathan Lane does the honours in conveying Snowball’s withering sense of humour. Hugh Laurie, Geena Davis and Jonathan Lipnicki are amusing as Stuart’s sweet and loving family, but the syrupy sweetness of the Little family may lead audiences to gag more than a little.

Take the too-cutesy greeting that the family has devised, for instance: “A Little high, a Little low. A Little hey, a Little ho.” Fortunately, the movie is saved from veering into annoying by some cheeky humour.

If all the film’s cuteness is lost on you, then at least enjoy the miniature special effects adapted specially for Stuart as a mouse living in a man’s world. Working in tandem with the digital wizardry is the film’s easy-on-the ear pop soundtrack

All in all, Stuart Little 2 should be a hit with the kids, and just witty and engaging enough for adults to have a pleasant enough time.