The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature (2017)
91 min · Animation, Comedy, Family
Critics condemned the unnecessary sequel for its frantic, hollow humor and an environmental message delivered with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
The Bottom Reel's take
When we talk about animated sequels, there's always a delicate balance between expanding a beloved world and simply rehashing what came before. *The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature*, clocking in at a brisk 91 minutes, certainly had big shoes to fill, or perhaps just big nuts to crack. It swings for the fences with an environmental tale about defending Liberty Park from a nefarious mayor, aiming for a family-friendly laugh riot with a side of civic responsibility. Yet, if the critical reception is any indication – an anemic 8/100 from the pundits – the gap between ambition and execution was less a gentle chasm and more a Grand Canyon-sized crater.
The film's infamous status largely stems from its particular brand of animated absurdity. Critics decried its humor as "frantic" and "hollow," suggesting a relentless pace that sacrifices genuine wit for sheer volume. This isn't just about a few missteps; it’s about a core approach to comedy that feels less like thoughtful crafting and more like throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks. Furthermore, the environmental message, intended to resonate with younger audiences and their grown-up guardians, was delivered with "all the subtlety of a sledgehammer." In a genre often lauded for its ability to subtly weave important themes into engaging narratives, *The Nut Job 2* apparently prefers the direct, blunt approach, leaving little room for nuance or discovery.
Despite its glaring critical misfires and a lukewarm 37/100 audience score, *The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature* earns its place in our hallowed halls of "famously bad." There's a particular kind of magic in witnessing an animated feature that tries so hard to be everything to everyone, yet manages to miss the mark in such spectacular fashion. It’s the kind of film where the sheer, unbridled energy of its frantic hollowness can transform from a flaw into an endearingly camp experience. For those who appreciate animation that takes bold, if misguided, swings, there's a certain undeniable charm in its earnest, if clumsy, attempts at humor and heart.
So, for your next Friday night cinematic adventure, we wholeheartedly recommend *The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature*. It's not a film to be taken seriously, but rather one to be embraced for its enthusiastic, if flawed, spirit. Gather your most discerning (or least discerning) friends, prepare an impressive spread of ironically gourmet snacks, and marvel at an animated feature that truly lives up to our brand. It’s famously bad, yes, but its particular brand of nutty chaos makes it unforgettably fun.
Synopsis
A nut-obsessed squirrel must defend Liberty Park from a greedy mayor who wants to bulldoze it and build an amusement park in its place.