Peter Rabbit 2

Directed by Will Gluck is the originally named sequel, Peter Rabbit 2. Most of the original cast return and we find Bea (Rose Byrne) and Thomas Mcgregor (Domhnall Gleeson) married. Since we last saw them they have self published her tales of Peter Rabbit with some success, enough to capture the attention of publisher Nigel Basil-Jones (David Oyelowo). As Thomas and Bea head off with rabbits in tow to Gloucester, we find Nigel wants to turn her stories into trashy big budget books and films (as if). While in Gloucester a feeling unloved Peter runs into Barnabus (Lennie James) head of a criminal gang and a friend of Peters dad, who has ambitions to pull of a big heist and sees Peter as part of his plan.

Let’s get it out of the way, I quite enjoyed this, the final act in particular with its cleverly conceived heist and climatic chase is genuinely funny. The gags throughout are pretty rapid fire, even if they don’t all work and the pace relentless.

As with many “family films” it is full of rapid action for the youngsters and “knowing” gags for the adults. It also has quite a lot of fun with many a gag at its own expense, most of which land pretty well, including the ones that setup the fun finale. Although if you have a problem with self referential humour, this may wear pretty thin.

It’s not perfect, James Corden, for me, is still woefully miscast as Peter, “do you think my voice is annoying” he asks more than once, sadly yes it is. Beyond that Byrne and Gleeson are watchable as always and Oyelowo has lots of fun as the bad guy and the well assembled voice cast work well.

The human characters are much less involved this time, with story built around the animals which are beautifully animated.

If what you’re looking for is a traditional telling of Potters much loved stories, don’t go looking here, but if your after a well animated, action packed, humorous bit of family fun, then this may do the trick. Let’s face it, it was good enough for me to overlook James Corden and much better than we had any right to expect.