The Flipcritic

Most sequels try hard to make you like them. They have to work against the identities of their predecessors, but most of the time, they end up repeating themselves. Sometimes this works (like MEN IN BLACK 2) and sometimes it doesn't (see: U.S. MARSHALS). STUART LITTLE 2 is a sequel that doesn't try to look better, or impress you. It doesn't repeat it's original formula (the first wasn't that impressive to begin with). It just tries to tell a simple story as affectionately as it can.

Stuart's (Michael J. Fox of BACK TO THE FUTURE) adventure this time around involves his encounter with a yellow bird named Margalo (Melanie Griffith of WORKING GIRL), who falls out of the sky after being chased by a falcon named... uh... Falcon (James Woods of GHOSTS OF MISSISSIPPI). She tells Stuart that she has no home, so he invites her to stay with his family. But Margalo has other plans, which leads to jewelry theft, an apparent birdnapping, an amusing cover-up, and a brave rescue attempt. All of this done with the help of Snowbell (Nathan Lane of THE BIRDCAGE) and George (Jonathan Lipnicki of JERRY MAGUIRE).

First off, when it comes to realism, the movie has major flaws. Why a falcon would want a ring is probably the most noticeable one. And some people might wonder how Margalo can converse with the Stuart family in the first place. But it is important for all of you to know, that realism is not this movie's purpose. Any movie that shows a talking 4-inch tall mouse ought to know that, (E.B. White did write Stuart Little as a children's book). So please, do not email me rebuking the film's plausibility.

I have seen a lot of children's tales turned into movies. Some of them (most notably SCOOBY-DOO) are pathetic drivel. Others, though well-meant, are sanctimonious and preachy. I can usually spot an expounding of a moral coming from a mile away. But I enjoyed STUART LITTLE 2 even when it explained right and wrong, because it doesn't lay it thick, and it doesn't prolong its lessons. It also takes its time in telling its story. It isn't frantic like some Disney animated features (e.g. ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE and THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE). It has a relaxed feel.

Another one of this picture's treats is willingness to rely on its story than its effects. To explain my point, see MIB 2. From the opening credits, it wants to wow you. And from start to finish, every special effect is bigger, shinier, or more extravagant than any of its kind in MIB. Sure it works, but it could've achieved the same effect (at a cheaper cost) if it had tried to come up with a more original premise, rather than repeat it. STUART LITTLE relies on the its characters' charm as well as the inventiveness of their plights.

Oh, but I don't mean to detract from the film's wonderful images. When the story kicks into high gear, so do the sights. I was impressed by Margalo's quasi-birdlike movements (compared to Stuart's completely humanistic expressions). The detail of Margalo's plume and Stuart's fur are as meticulous as the hides of the dinosaurs in DINOSAUR. And the movie really knows how to make a chase between a toy airplane and a falcon become more exhilarating that it should be.

What struck me most about STUART LITTLE 2 where the two lead characters. I find it so odd to be so enthralled with the charm of Stuart and Margalo, despite their artificial appearances. You look into their eyes, and they are so expressive. These two aren't just cute, they're warm and loving. They have some wonderful moments together (with slight hints of inter-species romance), especially in a scene where they watch James Stewart and Kim Novak kiss in VERTIGO. Michael J. Fox and Melanie Griffith voice their characters aptly. James Woods and Nathan Lane are also highly entertaining as Falcon and Snowbell. Both of them have the best lines:

Falcon: Never make a friend I can eat.

Snowbell: Stuart, I have one thing to say... buy a parakeet and forget her!

It should also be said that Geena Davis (THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT) and Hugh Laurie deserve some kind of award for keeping straight faces. What can I say? They play very very very nice parents, never getting too self-conscious or cynical. It's too bad though that Jonathan Lipnicki is not as cute as he used to be.

If E.B. White were still alive, I think he'd be proud to see his mouse's adventure. It's innocent without being naive. It stays faithful to his book by being good natured and adventurous. And Stuart Little isn't just a soulless 3-D image, he really seems alive and full of character. If I were to describe Stuart Little, it would be meek but brave. And the movie? It's a simple, enjoyable tale, but it isn't simplistic. Stuart himself makes the film a small delight.

Posted by FLIPCRITIC at July 31, 2002 12:00 AM