While the movie will certainly keep the kids entertained, the depth and subtlety of the story and acting that many parents enjoyed in the original title is missing this time around. Elliot (Joel McHale), formerly voiced by Ashton Kutcher, and Boog (Mike Epps), previously sporting the vocalization of Martin Lawrence, seem to take a bit of a backseat to the supporting cast. The story revolves around Mr. Weenie (Cody Cameron) and his struggles with whether he is truly a "wild" or a "domestic." The battle is spurred on by Fifi (Crispin Glover), a psychotic poodle who cannot abide any "wilds." But in the end, it is Mr. Weenie who must ultimately decide where he belongs.
Throughout the adventure to save Mr. Weenie, Elliot struggles with whether he is in fact ready to be wed to Giselle (Jane Krakowski) "forever and ever." Yet, this storyline is never that fulfulling and seems simply a vehicle to keep him relavent to the movie. The interaction between the domestics and wilds is entertaining and the supporting cast puts forth some notable performances, especially those of McSquizzy (Billy Connolly) and Roberto (Steve Schirripa). Cody Cameron's vocal talents are well displayed and he, along with McSquizzy, easily steal the show. While I did not dislike the movie overall, it simply failed to live up to the original, as so many sequels do. Speaking of Open Season, the title in this case was completely irrelavent aside from the fact that it was the same cast of characters. There was no mention of hunting season or hunters throughout the show. This may seem a bit nitpicky, but in a movie already in a seeming identity crisis, this was just another point of distraction.
The DVD is full of extras that the kids will enjoy. There are five DVD games in the Wacky Weenie Arcade, and while none of these games are exceedingly special, the collective group will serve to keep the kids busily entertained for a time. There are 3 deleted scenes and a music video for the song "Who Let the Dogs Out," featuring clips from the movie, which was admittedly entertaining. A featurette entitled "Going Wild!" is a behind-the-scenes look at the voice talent of Open Season 2. Lastly, in a useful segment for the aspiring young artists, the lead artist of the project does a quick step-by-step breakdown on how to draw Boog, Elliot and Fifi.
I would not rate this movie as a complete waste of time. My children certainly enjoyed it and will undoubtedly watch it again. Still, I would submit to the producers of Open Season 2 that the season is now, in fact, closed and should in all likelihood be left that way.
