The Angry Birds Movie 2 is a 3D animated comedy film directed by Thurop Van Orman and written by Peter Ackerman. It is the sequel to The Angry Birds Movie (2016), based on the popular mobile game series Angry Birds developed by Rovio Entertainment. Released in 2019, the film features the return of the beloved feathered and piggy characters, with new ones introduced to continue the comedic and action-packed story.
The film follows Red (Jason Sudeikis), Chuck (Josh Gad), Bomb (Danny McBride), and their friends as they team up with their former enemies, the pigs, to face a new threat. With its colorful animation, light-hearted humor, and action sequences, the movie aims to entertain both children and families while offering a humorous and adventurous storyline.
Plot Summary
In The Angry Birds Movie 2, the birds and pigs must put aside their differences to confront a common enemy. The island where the birds live is under threat from a new villain, Zeta (Leslie Jones), who has created a weapon capable of destroying the birds’ home. Zeta, who lives on a nearby icy island, seeks revenge on the birds and pigs by using her weapon to cause chaos and destruction.
To stop her, Red (Jason Sudeikis), the grumpy but well-meaning leader of the birds, teams up with his usual companions: the speedster Chuck (Josh Gad), the explosive Bomb (Danny McBride), and the pigs led by King Leonard (Bill Hader). Together, they form an unlikely alliance and work to infiltrate Zeta’s ice-cold lair.
As the birds and pigs work together on a mission to save their homes, they face a variety of challenges and humorous situations. New characters are introduced, including the brilliant but eccentric tech expert, the Eagle (Rachel Bloom), who helps the group by providing them with the tools they need to defeat Zeta. Throughout the movie, the characters develop and learn important lessons about teamwork, friendship, and overcoming differences.
Main Cast and Characters
- Jason Sudeikis as Red: Red is the grumpy, sarcastic, and misunderstood leader of the birds. Jason Sudeikis voices Red with a blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, capturing the character’s growth as he learns to work with his enemies for the greater good.
- Josh Gad as Chuck: Chuck is the fast-talking, hyperactive bird who is always ready for action. Gad’s voice work adds a comedic layer to Chuck, making him a fun and lovable character.
- Danny McBride as Bomb: Bomb is the excitable and explosive bird who gets into all kinds of trouble. McBride’s voice brings energy and humor to Bomb, making him a fan favorite.
- Leslie Jones as Zeta: Zeta is the film’s primary antagonist, a bitter and vengeful character who seeks to destroy the birds’ home. Jones brings her signature comedic style to the character, adding both menace and humor to the role.
- Bill Hader as King Leonard: King Leonard is the well-meaning but slightly incompetent leader of the pigs. Hader’s portrayal of Leonard adds an element of humor as the character tries to navigate his own political struggles while working with the birds.
- Rachel Bloom as Eagle: Eagle is a new character, a tech expert who helps the birds with the mission to stop Zeta. Bloom’s voice work is quirky and energetic, bringing a fresh dynamic to the group.
- Awkwafina as Spoon: Spoon is a character introduced as one of Zeta’s minions, adding additional comic relief to the film.
Themes and Style
The Angry Birds Movie 2 retains the lighthearted and comedic tone of its predecessor, with an emphasis on humor, action, and adventure. The film explores themes of teamwork, acceptance, and the importance of putting aside differences for a common cause. The birds and pigs must learn to work together despite their longstanding rivalry, which highlights the importance of cooperation in overcoming obstacles.
The movie also emphasizes the value of friendship and the idea that even the most unlikely teams can accomplish great things when they unite. In addition to the action and comedy, there are moments of heartwarming camaraderie as the characters bond over their shared mission.
Visually, the film is colorful and vibrant, utilizing bright, bold animation that appeals to children while still offering entertaining visual gags and action sequences that keep adult audiences engaged. The animation style is fun and expressive, capturing the whimsical nature of the characters and their surroundings.
Audience Reception
The Angry Birds Movie 2 received generally positive reviews from both critics and audiences, particularly for its humor, animation, and voice performances. The film was praised for its clever jokes, slapstick comedy, and appealing animation style, which succeeded in maintaining the charm of the original mobile game while expanding on its universe.
However, some critics noted that the plot was formulaic and predictable, similar to many family-friendly animated films. Despite this, the movie’s heartwarming messages about teamwork and cooperation resonated with viewers, and it was considered an enjoyable experience for families and younger audiences.
The performances of the voice cast, particularly Jason Sudeikis and Leslie Jones, were highlighted as key strengths of the film. Sudeikis brought depth to Red’s character, while Jones’ portrayal of the villain Zeta added a fun and charismatic touch to the antagonist role.
Box Office and Success
The Angry Birds Movie 2 performed well at the box office, grossing over $152 million worldwide against a production budget of around $65 million. While it did not reach the financial heights of some other animated films released that year, it was still considered a solid success, particularly for its target audience of children and families.
Conclusion
The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019) is a fun, colorful animated sequel that continues the story of the iconic characters from the mobile game. With an engaging plot, vibrant animation, and a strong voice cast, the film provides plenty of laughs and action for both children and adults. While the storyline may be predictable for some, the themes of teamwork, friendship, and overcoming differences resonate throughout, making it an enjoyable family movie. It serves as a worthy follow-up to the original Angry Birds movie and remains a hit with fans of the franchise.