“Red, we’ve discovered a third island. We need to put aside our differences and work together,” says Leonard (voiced by Bill Hader), the leader of the green pigs. Leonard would love nothing more than to call a truce between the pigs and the birds in order to stop a mysterious third island that’s attacking them both in the animated sequel, The Angry Birds 2 Movie.
Red (voiced by Jason Sudeikis) became Bird Island’s hero after saving all the eggs from the green pigs’ attacks in the first film based on the popular game. Along with his pals – Bomb (voiced by Danny McBride) and Chuck (voiced by Josh Gad) – Red spends his days keeping the island safe by watching out for Pig Island and attacking them with pranks.
When Leonard suggests a truce, Red is both wary and concerned he’ll lose his status as island hero. However, when he realizes both islands need a “hero” to save them, he’s all in because he loves his special status.
Joining Red’s team this time around is Chuck’s sister, Silver (voiced by Rachel Bloom). Silver’s all in on this adventure and she’s a huge help given her status as the smartest bird on the island. (She’s apparently close to genius level. Way to go, Silver!) The only problem is Silver and Red get on each other’s nerves. Only because the fate of both islands is now at stake, Red allows Silver to join his squad.
Teaming up with Chuck, Boom, Leonard, and Mighty Eagle (voiced by Peter Dinklage), they head out to stop whoever is in charge of the mysterious third island that’s attacking their homes.
Cute, chaotic, and sporadically funny, The Angry Birds 2 Movie is a colorful, juvenile adventure that will entertain children but has nothing to offer the adults. Sorry moms and dads – this film’s strictly for the younger set.
The Angry Birds 2 Movie, like its predecessor, is full of silly slapstick and sophomoric humor. On the plus side, it does serve up some solid messages about team work, friendship, and sharing credit.
The voice cast is stronger than the script, with Jason Sudeikis once again leading the way as the voice of Red, the ex-“angry bird” who fears if he loses his hero status he’ll go back to being ignored and forgotten on Bird Island. Josh Gad and Danny McBride bring to life Red’s two best friends – the energetic and speedy Chuck and the exploding Bomb – with just the right enthusiasm. Bill Hader is very funny as the voice of Leonard, the leader of the pigs who creates the truce between the two islands and helps convince Red to join forces to save their homes. Hader’s Leonard has some of the best lines in the film.
The Angry Birds 2 Movie is a hectic, vibrant, fast-paced, and harmless animated film that should have children laughing and smiling throughout. Watching the sequel will try parents’ patience, but it’s worth putting up with a little silliness for the sake of the kids.
GRADE: B-
MPAA Rating: PG for rude humor and action
Release Date: August 13, 2019
Running Time: 100 minutes
Directed By: Thurop Van Orman
