“The Angry Birds Movie”
Very Good (3 stars)
Rated PG for action and rude humor
Running time: 95 minutes
With over three billion downloads and counting, Angry Birds is the most popular app of all time. Nevertheless, one need not be familiar with the video game to enjoy this delightful animated adventure.
The kid-oriented cartoon was co-directed by Fergal Reilly and Clay Kaytis who make an auspicious debut with this silly comedy featuring enough sophisticated asides to keep adults thoroughly entertained, too. The frenetically-paced production arrives laced with witty one-liners (like “Something isn’t Kosher about these pigs.”) as well as a cornucopia of cute sight gags (such as a billboard for “Calvin Swine” underwear).
The story is set on idyllic Bird Island, a tropical paradise inhabited by a variety of very happy flightless birds. As the film unfolds, we’re introduced to four exceptions to the rule who actually have trouble controlling their tempers. We find protagonist Red (Jason Sudeikis), along with Chuck (Josh Gad), Bomb (Danny McBride) and Terence (Sean Penn), attending an anger management class being taught by Matilda (Maya Rudolph), a former angry bird-turned therapist.
The plot thickens upon the arrival of a big boat containing a couple of ingratiating green pigs (Bill Hader and Tony Hale) claiming to be alone and explorers coming in peace. Truth be told, the pair have a hidden agenda about to be executed by their army of pigs.
After suckering the masses of gentle, gullible birds into letting down their guard, the diabolical invaders proceed to steal every hatched egg on the island before setting sail for home. Once, it’s clear they’ve all been duped, the irritable quartet, led by Red, springs into action.
Because they can’t fly, they soon realize their best chance of retrieving the eggs rests in enlisting the assistance of Mighty Eagle (Peter Dinklage), the only bird on the island who can. Trouble is, he’s lazy and hasn’t flown in ages. Of course, Red and company do eventually coax him out of retirement to join forces and help save the day
A kooky, kitchen sink comedy with lots of laughs for kids of all ages!
