Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway

As the summer film season is cranking up toward the big-budget movies, we have a smaller, family film, "Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway", a sequel to the 2018 film. As with the original, this follows the misadventures of Peter and his friends to help with a family crisis. Like its predecessor, this was charming, humorous and heartwarming--perfect for the family.

The sequel to the 2018 film, "Peter Rabbit", we find, after Bea (Rose Byrne) and Thomas McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) marry along with the release of Bea's acclaimed novel based on the adventures of Peter and his friends, including cousin, Benjamin Rabbit (voice of Colin Moody), Flopsy Rabbit (voice of Margot Robbie), Mopsy Rabbit (voice of Elizabeth Debicki) and Cottontail (voice of Aimee Horne), Peter (voice of James Corden) is feeling like everyone only sees him as rebellious. So, when Bea and Thomas decide to take a trip for the book deal with Nigel Jones (David Oyelowo), Peter sees this as an opportunity to go on the run. Venturing out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated. However, when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be. 

Others to round out the cast are Lennie James as voice of Barnabas, Rupert Degas as Voice of Samuel Whiskers, Damon Herriman as voice of Tom Kitten and Ewen Leslie as boice of Pigling Bland.

This was whimsically directed by Will Gluck ("Fired Up!" '09, "Easy A" '10, "Friends with Benefits" '11, "Iceland" (TV movie) '11, "Annie" '14, "Peter Rabbit" '18, "How May We Hate You?" (TV movie) '18) plus TV and a video short. Being the same director as its predecessor, this film has the same whimsical, heartwarming feel which makes for a seamless transition. Gluck's resume certainly involves a lighter fare, but he does it with such effortlessness, that it makes it more forgiving. It was cleverly written by Gluck ("Fired Up!" '09, "Friends with Benefits" '11, "Annie" '14, "Angry Angel" (story, TV movie) '17, "Peter Rabbit" '18) plus a plethora of TV experience, and Patrick Burleigh ("Ant-Man and the Wasp" (additional writing) '18, "It Was a Pug Day" (TV movie) '15) plus a short, based on characters and tales of "Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter. Even though only Gluck was involved with the writing here as he was on the original, he still was able to create the same or similar feel as its predecessor. I'm sure Burleigh's writing was pivotal in conveying his part of the story, but its clearly Gluck's project. The writing was humorous and heartwarming which is something for the whole family. I not sure if there will be a Part 3, but suffice it to say, either way, there is an open door. This wasn't perfect, there were some places that were a bit choppy, but all in all, it was fun for all. James Corden's Peter was, like the original, uproarious and heartfelt.

Certainly if you liked the original, you'll love this. It being based on the cherished characters by Beatrix Potter, it is entertainment obviously geared toward the family which we don't see much of unless it's an animated film. Entertainment, humor, adventure all with a great message for all to learn. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                                  Rated: PG                                                   94mins.