Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animated comedy is forgettable but promotes teamwork.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Parents say the film is riddled with violence and crude humor, making it unsuitable for young audiences, as many describe it as a chaotic, poorly structured story that prioritizes messy antics over coherent plot and character development. While some viewers appreciate the animation quality and underlying positive messages about teamwork and community, the overwhelming consensus points to a lack of redeeming value, with many recommending that families avoid it altogether due to its mature themes and unkind portrayals.
- violence and crude humor
- poorly structured story
- unsuitable for children
- lack of redeeming value
- positive messages
- high-quality animation
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 12 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In THE NUT JOB 2, Surly (voiced by Will Arnett), Andie (Katherine Heigl), and their gang of animal friends end up losing a secure food supply when their home, the nut shop, burns down due to their own neglect. At first Andie enthusiastically tries to convince the group that they can just scrounge for food in the park, but Will and Buddy (Tom Kenny) try to find easier, more secure food venues. They come up short and soon learn that the greedy town mayor (Bobby Moynihan) is planning to tear down the park and put up a profitable amusement park instead. When the animal squad tries to sabotage the construction, the mayor hires an animal control specialist to hunt them down. Surly, Andie, and their friends must band together with unlikely allies to save their park -- and one another.
Is It Any Good?
It's not particularly memorable, but this animated sequel will still appeal to younger viewers who have a low bar for entertainment: talking animals, silly jokes, and sight gags. The plot of The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature is slim and unoriginal (and, for that matter, not entirely consistent with the original's ending), but at the very least, there are continued positive themes about teamwork and friendship. Home, these animals believe, isn't about biological instincts to be out in the woods, but rather their commitment to be with one another.
The only good parts are a sweet flashback to how Surly and Buddy became friends and the fact that Jackie Chan voices the leader of a huge crew of adorable white mice with amazing kung fu skills. They're cuddly and wide-eyed -- but never call them "cute," or they will hurt you. Other than that part of the story, when the mice martial artists make themselves known, there's just not a lot to propel the movie beyond the level of mediocrity that parents willingly endure to make their kids happy. But parents -- and kids -- deserve more from family-friendly movies than unnecessary sequels with nothing substantive to contribute or say.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ongoing popularity of talking-animal movies. Why do you think so many movies like The Nut Job 2 have animal main characters? Which are your favorites?
What's the movie's message about teamwork, friendship, and community? Does it promote any character strengths?
Which parts were scary to you? Why? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
Do you think there should be another Nut Job sequel? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 11, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : November 14, 2017
- Cast : Will Arnett , Katherine Heigl , Maya Rudolph
- Director : Cal Brunker
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Open Road Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action and some rude humor
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate