Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
review by Bobby Blakey
There are so many iconic children’s characters throughout history and each of them are slowly making their way to the big screen. In 2018, the beloved Peter Rabbit got the live action treatment with an awesome cast including James Corden, Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki, Rose Byrne and Domhnall Gleeson. Now the garden gang is back for another adventure for Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway.
Bea, Thomas, and the rabbits have created a makeshift family, but despite his best efforts, Peter can't seem to shake his mischievous reputation. Adventuring out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated, but when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be.
To be honest I had little to no interest in seeing the first film, but kept an open mind and ended up enjoying it more than expected despite mixed feelings. That doesn’t mean I was hoping for another chapter, but knowing the potential made it a little easier to step into this tale and once again I had a good time with it despite some issues. First I am clearly not the audience for this film so you have to recognize that to appreciate what they are trying to do. Much like the Paddington films, which I love, it is blending that real world and CGI together so you have to buy into the premise first and foremost.
Once you can accept this world then you can have a lot more fun, but if you are put off by the simple and often ridiculous idea of it all then you need to just move on. Where the first film felt a lot more intimately chaotic with it being more an at home situation, this one sets out into the world to offer up a bigger story. Sometimes bigger is not better and here it works, but at the same time makes you want to question this world even more so than before. Thankfully if
you have stuck with it then you are already in so can just get in on the fun.
One of my biggest issues with the first film is that it seemed to be focused on setting up each gag instead of just letting the story evolve. This time around the chaos and silliness is still there, but I found it less forced. Its still a by the numbers story that you pretty much know where it is heading, but it’s also a storybook come to life so what more do you expect. This film was meant to be funny and heart felt and does manage to offer up both way more than I thought it would. The CGI worked really great with you believing that these animals were real outside of the clothes and speaking. This will no doubt entertain the kids and in reality that is who it is clearly for anyway.
In addition to the film this release offers up bonus content including featurettes, fun activities and more. Join Peter for more chaos with Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway available now on digital, 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD from Sony Home Entertainment.