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Compared to the first film, it's like the filmmakers were working in their sleep. Part 2 lacks any real spark; the acting and direction seem only about halfway there, with no real conviction at all. And the script shows only glimpses of originality, pasting together family movie cliches and hitting the mark with only about one joke out of four. Even the action sequences seem contrived and derivative in a way the first film never was. That said, the effects are again far above average; the animal characters are seamless, and so engaging that you want a set for your very own. There is just enough comic action to keep the kids giggling ... and perhaps enough moments of sublime humour to keep the adults from going mad with boredom. Most of the laughs come from Lane's wacky vocal gymnastics as the increasingly miffed Snowball, the only character with attitude. But if this is going to become a franchise, the next chapter will need to be much more creative than this one.