Mouse of morals

>> Stuart Little 2 delivers more of that
feel-good kiddie gospel

by CLAIRE PHILIPSON

The smallest member of the squeaky-clean Little family is back-still spouting off about the trials of being small and different and still finding comfort and companionship in the most nuclear family since the Cleavers.
Stuart Little’s second Hollywood appearance features the sensitive little white rodent (voiced by Michael J. Fox) on the search for a buddy he can really relate to after being snubbed by his big brother George (who favours more human company). Cue Margalo, the seductive little bird with a dubious agenda, who falls into Stuart’s stylish roadster while on the run from a vicious falcon. The ultimate chick, Margalo bats her eyes at little Stu, delivers a few uplifting adages about the triviality of size and wham-like a red blooded male of any species, Stuart is infatuated.

Alas, all is not as it initially seems and our noble little mouse protagonist must undergo some colossal adventures to preserve the sanctity of friendship, family and moral rightness. Luckily, Stuart is usually accompanied on his escapades by Snowbell (Nathan Lane), the fluffy white Little cat whose raspy one-liners and mafioso mentality do wonders to dilute Stu’s nauseating integrity.

The wholesome and uncontaminated New York that the Little family inhabits is colourful and entertaining. Geena Davis and Hugh Laurie are perfectly satirical as the cardboard cut-out, morally upstanding parents who accept everyone and can find the silver lining in every situation. In fact, the whitewashed ’50s world of Stuart Little 2 is a little more ironic and a little less creepy and Waspy than its predecessor. Maybe Hollywood producers actually took the inclusionist messages they were spewing out in Stuart Little to heart.

Sure, it’s pretty syrupy and predictable, but Stuart Little 2 is also funny, entertaining and yes, even a little heartwarming. All Stuart’s mini stuff is pretty neat and as preachy as he is, the little mouse is undeniably cute. Just make sure to explain to your kids that the motifs of acceptance and fitting in apply even if you’re not talking about the tribulations of a small white rodent. :

Stuart Little 2 opens Friday, July 19

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