3. It Has Plenty of Well-Known Voices (and Faces)
James Corden returns as the voice of Peter Rabbit, while Margot Robbie (The Legend of Tarzan, Suicide Squad) and Elizabeth Debicki (Tenet, Guardians of the Galaxy) are back as the voices of Flopsy and Mopsy, respectively. Robbie also narrates the film. Cottontail, though, is no longer voiced by Daisy Ridley (The Force Awakens), who was replaced by Aimee Horne (Love Is Now).
The most prominent new on-screen face is David Oyelowo, a Primetime Emmy-nominated actor who is well-known for his roles in Selma and Nightingale. In Peter Rabbit 2, Oyelowo perfectly portrays a charismatic but greedy publisher, Nigel, who tries enticing Bea with the promise of fame and fortune if she makes her characters more modern and exciting (such as by placing them in outer space). In one of the film’s highlights, he spars in a playful boxing match with Mr. McGregor, who was too prideful to admit he had never fought in the ring.
Domhnall Gleeson and Rose Byrne return as Mr. McGregor and Bea.
Photo courtesy: ©Sony

4. It Urges Us to Be Ourselves
Like its predecessor, Peter Rabbit 2 is a movie about the importance of family. Peter runs away from Mr. McGregor and Bea, longing for a loving “mom and dad” who understand him (Mr. McGregor, of course, is the character who is most at fault). He finds this new “family” in Barnabas’ gang, although it doesn’t have the unconditional love and values he craves.
The film promotes fatherhood. Peter and Mr. McGregor each grew up without a father, and the latter pledges to be the dad Peter never had.
It also includes messages about redemption (between Peter and his old family) and the dangers of commercialization (Nigel’s attempts to ruin a classic are both comical and true to real-life).
It teaches us that people can change for the better -- a message straight from the gospel.
At its core, though, Peter Rabbit 2 is a film about self-identity and being true to yourself. Bea is tempted to trade her dreams for millions of dollars. Peter is tempted to become someone he is not so that he will be accepted into Barnabas’ fellowship.
Scripture, of course, has a lot to say on the subject. Yes, we are to be content in our own skin. Mostly, though, we are to strive to be the person God wants us to be. Our self-identity is found in Christ – not others.
That’s a topic worth discussing on the drive home.
Rated PG for some rude humor and action. (It includes cartoon violence but no coarse language or sexuality.)
Entertainment rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Family-friendly rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Photo courtesy: ©Sony