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Stuart Little 2
Stuart Little 2
Stuart Little 2
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Stuart Little 2
An anthropomorphic mouse on a skateboard
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRob Minkoff
Screenplay byBruce Joel Rubin
Story by
Based onStuart Little
by E. B. White
Produced by
Starring
CinematographySteven Poster
Edited byPriscilla Nedd-Friendly
Music byAlan Silvestri
Production
companies
Distributed bySony Pictures Releasing[1]
Release dates
  • July 14, 2002 (2002-07-14) (Westwood)
  • July 19, 2002 (2002-07-19) (North America and United Kingdom)
Running time
77 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$120 million[3]
Box office$170 million[3]

Stuart Little 2 is a 2002 American live-action/animated comedy film loosely based on E.B. White's novel Stuart Little. Directed by Rob Minkoff and screenplay by Bruce Joel Rubin, the film stars Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, and Jonathan Lipnicki, alongside the voices of Michael J. Fox, Melanie Griffith, Nathan Lane, James Woods, and Steve Zahn. It is the sequel to the 1999 film Stuart Little and the second installment in the Stuart Little trilogy. In the film, Stuart (Fox) and Snowbell (Lane) meet a canary named Margalo (Griffith) before she is captured by Falcon (Woods), and Stuart and Snowbell must team up to find her and defeat Falcon.

Stuart Little 2 premiered in Westwood on July 14, 2002, and was released in theaters for the rest of North America and the United Kingdom on July 19 by Sony Pictures Releasing through its Columbia Pictures label, and grossed $170 million against a $120 million budget, with it also receiving positive critical reviews.[3] It was followed by a third film, a direct-to-video sequel titled Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild in 2006.

Plot

[edit]

Three years after being adopted by the Littles and defeating Smokey,[a] Stuart Little has settled into family life with his parents, older brother George, and baby sister Martha, who has yet to say her first words. Stuart is becoming tired of his adoptive mother Eleanor's overprotectiveness due to his small size, and is finding himself lonely when George would rather play with his own friend, Will. When playing by himself, Stuart accidentally wrecks George's toy plane while trying to fix it, prompting George to furiously throw it into a trash can at Eleanor's request due to it being much too dangerous. Stuart is upset about the situation, but his adoptive father Frederick tells him there is a "silver lining" to every hard situation, and encourages him to find a new friend of his own.

When driving home from school in his roadster, Stuart meets Margalo, a canary who falls into his car. Margalo states she has injured her wing being chased by a predatory Falcon, and Stuart takes her home to recover. Unbeknownst to the Littles, Margalo is in fact physically healthy, and is working for Falcon to steal precious items from households. However, she soon bonds with the Littles, and feels immense guilt over what she is planning to do; Falcon threatens Stuart's life if she does not complete their plan. Margalo steals Eleanor's ring, prompting Stuart to venture down the Littles' kitchen drain in an unfruitful attempt to find it again. He soon finds himself in trouble, but Margalo rescues him; realizing the danger she is putting him in, she leaves the next morning. Stuart becomes convinced by Eleanor that Falcon has kidnapped her, and sets off to find her with Snowbell. Stuart convinces George (who initially wants to go along with him) to conduct a series of elaborate (and extremely unconvincing) lies to Eleanor in order to cover for him.

During their journey to rescue Margalo, Stuart and Snowbell seek out Smokey's right-hand street-cat Monty, who tells them that Falcon lives at the top of the Pishkin Building, and warns that he is an extremely dangerous foe. Stuart uses a balloon to fly to the summit of the Pishkin Building, but is taken aback when Margalo reveals her alliance with Falcon. Falcon traps Margalo in a paint can, and attempts to kill Stuart by dropping him from the sky; Stuart instead lands in a garbage truck and is taken to a garbage barge out at sea. Initially devastated at the series of events, Stuart soon remembers the time he saved Snowbell from Smokey and finds his silver lining by rediscovering and subsequently repairing George's broken toy plane, which he uses to fly back to land. Meanwhile, George is reprimanded by his parents for his deception (in which he told them that Stuart had been staying at Will's house to rehearse as part of a play) and interrogated on Stuart's true whereabouts. George confesses to the Littles where Stuart is, prompting them to head out and look for him.

Back at the Pishkin Building, Snowbell makes his way to the top and frees Margalo from the paint can, only to become trapped in it himself. Margalo breaks free from Falcon's control, and flies away with Eleanor's ring, prompting Falcon to give chase. Stuart arrives in his toy plane, and a furious chase occurs through Manhattan, with the Littles and Snowbell following from behind. Stuart ultimately wins the battle by using the ring to blind Falcon's vision, before jumping out from the plane and allowing it to crash into Falcon as he falls into a trash can and is presumably eaten by Monty. The day saved, Frederick and Eleanor forgive Stuart for running away, George for lying to them, and Margalo for taking the ring, telling them they are extremely proud of them for their bravery. Later, Margalo fulfills her dream of flying south for the winter, planning on returning to the Little household in the spring. Martha stuns everyone by using her first words to say goodbye to Margalo.

Cast

[edit]
Main article: List of Stuart Little characters

Voice cast

[edit]

Live-action cast

[edit]
  • Geena Davis as Mrs. Eleanor Little, the matriarch of the Little family and Frederick's wife.
  • Hugh Laurie as Mr. Frederick Little, the patriarch of the Little family and Eleanor's husband.
  • Jonathan Lipnicki as George Little, the eldest son of the Little family and Stuart's older brother.
  • Anna and Ashley Hoelck as Martha Little, the infant daughter of the Little family and Stuart and George's younger sister.
  • Marc John Jefferies as Will Powell, George's loyal best friend.
  • Jim Doughan as Stuart and George's soccer coach. Doughan previously voiced Lucky and played the role of Detective Allen in Stuart Little.
  • Brad Garrett as Rob, a plumber called to find Eleanor's ring in the kitchen sink's pipes.
  • Amelia Marshall as Rita Powell, Will's mother.
  • Ronobir Lahiri as the unnamed Indian-American taxi driver
  • Maria Bamford as Stuart and George's teacher
  • Angelo Massagli as Wallace, one of Stuart and George's soccer teammates.
  • Kevin Olson as Irwin, another of Stuart and George's soccer teammates.

Production

[edit]

On February 15, 2001, it was announced that Rob Minkoff would return as director.[4] It was also confirmed that the original cast, including Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan Lipnicki, Michael J. Fox, Nathan Lane and Steve Zahn, would reprise their roles in the film.[4]

Principal photography began on March 5, 2001, and wrapped in June of that year.[4]

Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, parts of the Twin Towers soon ended up digitally removed and a number of scenes were re-shot.[5] However, World Trade Center Building 7 still appears in some parts of the film.

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

The film had an opening weekend gross of $15.1 million, ranking in second place narrowly behind Road to Perdition.[6] The domestic total was $65 million and the worldwide total was $170 million against an estimated production budget of $120 million, less than its predecessor.[7]

Critical reception

[edit]

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 81% based on 124 reviews, with an average score of 6.90/10. The critical consensus reads, "Stuart Little 2 is a sweet, visually impressive sequel that provides wholesome entertainment for kids."[8] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 66 out of 100 based on 29 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[9] Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale.[10]

Ann Hornaday wrote a positive review in The Washington Post, noting how the film's idealized setting makes it family-friendly. Hornaday praised the vocal performances of Fox, Griffith, and Woods in their roles as Stuart, Margalo, and Falcon, respectively, as well as the characters' computer animation: "The animated characters engage in such natural movements and, more important, exude such subtle emotional expression that they mesh seamlessly with their live-action counterparts."[11] Tom Shen of the Chicago Reader, described the film as "fairly formulaic", but praised its jokes as "hilarious", especially those coming from the character of Snowbell, the Littles' cat.[12]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The soundtrack, Music from and Inspired by Stuart Little 2, was released by Epic Records and Sony Music Soundtrax on July 16, 2002, on Audio CD and Compact Cassette. The tracks in bold do not appear on the film and the final two tracks are score cues composed by Alan Silvestri.[13]

Another album features the entirety of Silvestri's orchestral score for the film.

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."I'm Alive" (Celine Dion)Kristian Lundin, Andreas CarlssonKristian Lundin3:28
2."Put a Little Love in Your Heart" (Mary Mary)Jackie DeShannon, Jimmy Holiday, Randy MyersVME3:09
3."Top of the World" (Mandy Moore)Jeff Cohen, Leah Haywood 3:22
4."Another Small Adventure" (Chantal Kreviazuk featuring Drew Barrymore)Chantal Kreviazuk, Raine Maida 2:57
5."One" (Nathan Lane)Harry NilssonRick Jarrard2:18
6."What I Like About You" (The Romantics)Wally Palmar, Mike Skill, Jimmy MarinosPete Solley2:56
7."Hold on to the Good Things" (Shawn Colvin)Roxanne Seeman, Holly Knight 3:30
8."Count on Me" (Billy Gilman)Andy Marvel 3:42
9."Smile" (Vitamin C)Josh Deutsch, Colleen FitzpatrickJosh Deutsch, Garry Hughes3:58
10."Alone Again (Naturally)" (Gilbert O'Sullivan)Gilbert O'SullivanGilbert O'Sullivan3:38
11."Born to Be Wild" (Steppenwolf)Mars BonfireGabriel Mekler3:30
12."Little Angel of Mine" (No Secrets)Orrin Hatch[14] Madeline Stone 3:47
13."Falcon Finito" (Alan Silvestri)Alan Silvestri 6:51
14."Silver Lining" (Alan Silvestri)Alan Silvestri 4:21
Total length:51:27

Source:[15]

Video game

[edit]

Three different video games based on the film were released. One was developed by Magenta Software and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. A second game was developed by Creations and published by Activision for the Game Boy Advance. A third was developed by Hyperspace Cowgirls and published by Infogrames for Microsoft Windows.

Accolades

[edit]
Year Awards Category Nominee Result
2002 BAFTA Children's Award Best Feature Film Douglas Wick
Lucy Fisher
Rob Minkoff
Bruce Joel Rubin		 Nominated
2003 Golden Trailer Award Best Animation/Family Film Stuart Little 2 Nominated
Visual Effects Society Award Best Character Animation in an Animated Motion Picture Tony Bancroft
David Schaub
Eric Armstrong
Sean Mullen		 Won
Best Visual Effects Photography in a Motion Picture Earl Wiggins
Mark Vargo
Tom Houghton
Anna Foerster		 Nominated
Young Artist Award Best Family Feature Film Rob Minkoff Nominated

Home media

[edit]

Stuart Little 2 was released in the United States on VHS and DVD on December 10, 2002, by Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment, and in the United Kingdom on November 25, 2002. In 2008, the film was re-released as part of a double feature with Stuart Little. Stuart Little and Stuart Little 2 were released in a combo on Sony PSP's UMD format on January 3, 2006. A Blu-ray/DVD combo pack was released on June 28, 2011, alongside the first film by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.[30]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Stuart Little 2

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Stuart Little 2 is a American live-action/computer-animated family comedy film directed by and produced by , serving as the sequel to the 1999 film and the second installment in the film series. The story, loosely inspired by E.B. White's 1945 novel , follows the adventures of , an anthropomorphic white mouse voiced by , who lives with his adoptive human family in . In this entry, Stuart befriends a migratory canary named Margalo (voiced by ) who crash-lands near the Little home, only to discover she is being pursued by a ruthless falcon (voiced by ); with the unlikely assistance of the sarcastic family cat Snowbell (voiced by ), Stuart embarks on a perilous citywide rescue mission to save her. Returning cast members include as Mrs. Little, as Mr. Little, and as George Little, alongside new additions like Ashley Hoelck and Anna Hoelck as the Little twins. Released theatrically on July 19, , the film had a of $120 million and grossed $64.9 million in and $104.7 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $169.6 million. The film's screenplay was written by , with a score composed by , who also worked on the first film. Principal photography took place in and , utilizing advanced CGI for the animal characters to blend seamlessly with live-action sequences. Stuart Little 2 emphasizes themes of , , and bonds, featuring action-packed set pieces such as a high-speed and a dramatic aerial confrontation. It received mixed reviews from critics, praising the and voice performances but critiquing the predictable storyline; on , it holds an 82% approval rating based on 122 reviews. Audience reception was mixed, reflected in its 5.5/10 average rating on from over 61,000 users. The movie spawned merchandise, a direct-to-video sequel in 2005 titled Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild, and contributed to the franchise's enduring popularity among young audiences.

Narrative and characters

Plot

One year after the events of the first film, , the anthropomorphic mouse adopted by the human Little family in , has adjusted to life with his parents Frederick and Eleanor, his brother George, and the family cat Snowbell. Stuart enjoys a close bond with George, who is passionate about soccer, but Stuart begins to question his own abilities and place in the family due to his small size, especially after a failed attempt to help George during a soccer practice where Stuart's interference causes a mishap. On his way home from in his remote-controlled car, Stuart encounters an injured named Margalo after she falls into his path, having fled from a predatory . Grateful, Margalo becomes Stuart's fast friend, sharing adventures around the city, including visits to the and rides on buses; Stuart confides in her about his insecurities, while Margalo secretly harbors fear of the falcon, who has been pursuing her relentlessly. Snowbell, still harboring resentment toward Stuart but softened by family life, initially distrusts Margalo but warms to her presence. Unbeknownst to Stuart, the falcon forces Margalo to spy on the Little family and steal a valuable object as proof of her loyalty, leading her to take Eleanor's diamond ring from the home. Tormented by guilt, Margalo confesses the theft to Stuart and flees the city to protect him from the falcon's wrath. Determined to save his friend, Stuart sets out on a quest to find Margalo, enlisting the reluctant Snowbell for help after the cat overhears the plan. The duo ventures into the city's underbelly, first arriving at a bird sanctuary in where they seek information from other birds, but the sanctuary's peace is shattered when the falcon attacks, forcing a narrow escape through the sewers and alleys with the aid of Snowbell's street-savvy acquaintance, an alley cat named . Meanwhile, George struggles with his own crisis: after a critical error at a soccer game costs his team a win, he loses confidence and is benched by his coach, paralleling Stuart's adventure as the family worries about the missing mouse. To pursue the falcon, Stuart and Snowbell repurpose George's remote-controlled model airplane into a makeshift flying machine, embarking on an aerial chase across the skyline. The plane collides with a flock of pigeons, crashing into the ; Snowbell heroically drags Stuart to safety on a passing garbage , solidifying their unlikely friendship. Learning that the falcon has taken Margalo to his aerie atop the Pishkin Building, Stuart and Snowbell scale the building in a perilous climb, culminating in a fierce confrontation where Stuart outsmarts the falcon using the plane's remnants as a weapon, causing the bird to plummet to its defeat. Margalo is rescued, and the trio returns home, where Stuart recounts his bravery to the family. Inspired by Stuart's courage and the realization of his own potential, George regains his confidence during the championship soccer game, scoring a game-winning goal that secures victory for his team. The Little family reunites in celebration, with Stuart feeling fully affirmed in his role among them, Margalo joining as a permanent pet, and even Snowbell earning praise for his , bringing harmony and strengthened bonds to the household.

Themes and style

Stuart Little 2 explores central themes of , , and bonds through Stuart's journey to rescue his new friend Margalo from a predatory , demonstrating selflessness and bravery despite his small stature. The narrative emphasizes overcoming fear, as Stuart confronts his insecurities about fitting into the human world, while his adoptive brother George grapples with confidence issues following a failed soccer match, ultimately leading to reconciliation and mutual support within the . These elements underscore the value of loyalty and , with moral lessons on , , and pursuing dreams reinforcing the 's child-friendly message of emotional resilience. The film's style blends live-action footage with sophisticated CGI animation for its animal and bird characters, creating a whimsical, adventure-driven tone suitable for young audiences. Director balances humor—often delivered through the sarcastic cat Snowbell—with heartfelt family moments and action sequences, such as high-speed chases, to maintain a lively pace in its 78-minute runtime. This approach draws from the spirit of E.B. White's original by focusing on the "little guy" on a big adventure but expands into original sequel territory with heightened stakes and character development. New York City serves as a dynamic backdrop, amplifying the sense of scale and wonder in Stuart's exploits, with the urban landscape romanticized to evoke both everyday charm and epic peril during the climax's aerial pursuit. Originally, the chase included views of the World Trade Center towers, which were digitally removed following the , 2001, attacks to respect the altered skyline. The portrayal of George's confidence issues, stemming from frustration over his soccer performance and sibling dynamics, touches on themes of personal growth but lacks deeper exploration of emotional or potential disability-related sensitivities, an area that modern analyses might expand upon for greater inclusivity in family storytelling.

Cast

Live-action cast

Geena Davis reprises her role as Mrs. Little, the devoted mother who anchors the family with supportive guidance in the sequel. Hugh Laurie returns as Mr. Little, the affable father whose portrayal adds comedic warmth to the household dynamics. , aged 11 during production and reflecting his character's shift from childhood to pre-teen experiences, plays George Little, Stuart's older brother navigating school and sibling relationships. The twin sisters Anna Hoelck and Ashley Hoelck reprise their roles as the young Martha Little, contributing to the family's lively interactions. All principal live-action performers from the 1999 film returned for Stuart Little 2, maintaining continuity in the human elements of the story.

Voice cast

The voice cast of Stuart Little 2 (2002) features a mix of returning performers and new additions, delivering nuanced vocal performances for the film's anthropomorphic animal and bird characters. reprises his role as the titular protagonist, infusing the character with energy and optimism that highlight Stuart's adventurous spirit as a young mouse navigating friendship and family. Despite his ongoing battle with , diagnosed in 1991, Fox provided the voice work for the sequel, demonstrating his continued commitment to the role. Nathan Lane returns as Snowbell, the sarcastic and initially reluctant family cat, whose witty delivery adds comic relief and reluctant heroism to the story. voices Margalo, the vulnerable yellow canary who becomes Stuart's friend, bringing a melodic and empathetic tone that underscores her internal conflict and growth. portrays the Falcon, the film's menacing antagonist, with a gravelly, intimidating that evokes threat and cunning, drawing on his experience voicing villains in other animated projects. Supporting voices include as Monty, the opportunistic alley who aids Stuart in a key rescue, delivering a sly and humorous performance. voices Marco, Stuart's avian partner, contributing a competitive yet supportive edge to the bird racing sequences.

Production

Development

Following the financial success of the 1999 film , which earned $300 million worldwide, Columbia Pictures and announced a in early to capitalize on the audience appeal of the family-friendly adventure. The project marked a continued collaboration between Entertainment and , building on the original's blend of live-action and animation. Unlike the first film, which adapted elements from E.B. White's 1945 novel , the sequel drew only on the established characters for an entirely original storyline. Screenwriter , known for (1990) and Deep Impact (1998), crafted the from a story co-developed with producer , emphasizing fresh escapades for the Little family and their animal companions. Rob Minkoff, who had directed the original after co-directing Disney's (1994), was attached to return as director, overseeing the project's creative vision from its inception. Development progressed through 2000, with principal production slated to commence in March 2001 under producers and of Red Wagon Entertainment. The sequel received a planned production budget of $120 million, reflecting the technical demands of integrating advanced CGI animation with live-action elements to sustain the whimsical tone of the franchise.

Filming and animation

Principal photography for Stuart Little 2 commenced on March 5, 2001, and wrapped in June 2001, primarily in —including locations such as Central Park's Mall and Bethesda Terrace—and at Sony Pictures Studios in , with additional shoots at sites like Dodger Stadium in and Rose City High School in Pasadena. To facilitate interactions between human actors and animal characters, extensive use of green screen technology was employed during filming; for instance, real cats were positioned by trainers using bait sticks and clickers to guide their movements on marked spots, while CGI elements like Stuart's plane were composited in . The visual effects and were handled by , which created the fully CGI characters including the mouse Stuart (voiced by ), the cat Snowbell (voiced by ), the canary Margalo (voiced by ), and the antagonist (voiced by ). Nearly every scene incorporated or , with Imageworks focusing on enhancing realism through advanced rendering techniques, such as detailed simulation for Snowbell and pioneering feather systems for Margalo and the —marking the studio's first major use of such bird-specific effects. Blending live-action with CGI presented significant challenges, particularly in matching , shadows, and movements to ensure seamless integration; animators drew from reference footage of real animals to inform character motions, though full was not extensively used for the non-human roles. Following the , 2001, attacks, post-production involved re-shoots and digital alterations to remove visible references to the Twin Towers from skyline shots, contributing to a compressed timeline that saw the film completed by early ahead of its July release.

Music

Soundtrack

The for Stuart Little 2 is a titled Music from and Inspired by Stuart Little 2, released on July 16, , by . The album features 12 tracks by various contemporary pop and R&B artists, selected to align with the film's lighthearted family adventure narrative through upbeat and motivational songs. Notable inclusions are Céline Dion's "I'm Alive (Humberto Gatica Mix)," which serves as the lead single and appears in a version tied to the movie, and Mandy Moore's cover of ' "Top of the World," emphasizing themes of and . ' "I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little Bit More Baby" closes the album.
No.TitleArtist(s)
1I'm Alive (Humberto Gatica Mix)
2Put a Little Love in Your Heart
3Top of the World
4Another Small
5One
6Count on Me
7Smile
8Hold On to the Good Things
9The Way I Do
10Hey You
11That's What It TakesMelanie G
12I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little Bit More Baby

Score

The original score for Stuart Little 2 was composed by , reprising his role from the 1999 film . Recorded by engineer Dennis Sands, the score employs a full orchestral palette that incorporates playful elements such as percussion to evoke the film's whimsical and adventurous spirit. Central to the score are recurring themes that heighten the emotional beats of adventure, family unity, and suspense. A heroic motif underscores Stuart's bravery and growth, while tense, brooding cues accompany the falcon's predatory pursuits, building urgency through driving rhythms and dissonant strings. Instrumentation balances lush orchestral swells for heartfelt family moments with lighter, agile touches—like accents—for the story's humorous and exploratory sequences. Notable cues include the warm opening family theme in "Breakfast Talk / Food for Snowbell," which establishes domestic harmony, and the high-stakes "Final Confrontation / The Plane Chase / Falcon Finish," featuring propulsive and percussion to amplify the film's climactic action. The score weaves seamlessly into the 77-minute runtime, enhancing key narrative transitions without overpowering the visuals. No official isolated score release exists; the 2002 soundtrack album Music from and Inspired by Stuart Little 2 includes only two Silvestri cues, "Falcon Finito" and "Silver Lining." Bootleg compilations, such as a 2007 CD-R pairing it with Stuart Little 3, offer expanded access to the full score, though these are unofficial. Silvestri has provided no significant later commentary on the work.

Release and distribution

Marketing and premiere

The marketing campaign for Stuart Little 2 featured a substantial $50 million domestic promotional budget, aimed at building anticipation for the film's family-friendly adventure. Columbia Pictures emphasized the film's CGI-enhanced action sequences in trailers and TV spots, showcasing Stuart's high-flying escapades with the canary Margalo to appeal to young audiences and parents. Posters highlighted the central duo of Stuart and Margalo, positioning the movie as a whimsical blending live-action and animation. Promotional tie-ins extended to fast-food chains and toy manufacturers, including Happy Meals with collectible figures like Snowbell's feast diorama and Kids Meal toys such as Stuart's rolling soccer ball and airplane vehicles. produced a line of merchandise, including talking plush dolls and action figures of Stuart in various outfits, to capitalize on the character's popularity among children. These partnerships helped target family demographics through everyday consumer experiences. The film held its U.S. premiere on July 14, 2002, at the Mann Village and Bruin Theaters in Westwood, , attended by cast members including and . It received a wide theatrical release on July 19, 2002, distributed by across and the . Internationally, the rollout was nearly simultaneous in over 50 countries starting late July 2002, with early screenings in markets like the and on July 18. Dubbed versions were produced for non-English territories, including French, German, Bulgarian, and adaptations to broaden accessibility.

Box office

Stuart Little 2 had a of $120 million. The film grossed $64.96 million in the United States and , and $105 million internationally, for a worldwide total of $169.96 million. In inflation-adjusted terms, the domestic earnings equate to approximately $126.45 million as of recent estimates. The film opened at #2 in the United States with $15.1 million from 3,255 theaters during its debut weekend of July 19–21, 2002, behind in its second week. Despite underperforming relative to the original , which earned $300.14 million worldwide on a $133 million budget, the sequel broke even primarily through strong international performance. The film's earnings were bolstered by appeal to family audiences during the summer release, with additional revenue from holiday season playdates in late 2002, including $106,122 in the week ending December 29.

Reception

Critical reception

Stuart Little 2 received generally positive reviews from critics, who appreciated its charming animation and family-friendly appeal. On , the film garnered an 82% approval rating based on 122 reviews, with an average score of 6.9/10; the site's consensus describes it as "a sweet, visually impressive that provides wholesome for kids." On Metacritic, it holds a score of 66 out of 100 from 29 critics, signifying "generally favorable reviews." Critics frequently praised the film's animation quality and Rob Minkoff's direction, noting its engaging visuals and heartfelt story. awarded it two out of four stars, noting its emotional core and optimistic portrayal of family life, stating that it has "some of the same charm... as the movies about Babe the pig" despite logical quirks in the premise. highlighted the "whiz-bang action" and visual spectacle, calling it "determinedly un-hip and utterly engaging," even suggesting it surpasses the original in entertainment value. Variety described it as a "slight but lively" sequel well-suited for young audiences, emphasizing the charming voice performances, particularly by and . However, some reviews pointed to the film's formulaic structure and predictable plot as shortcomings, viewing it as less innovative than the first installment. The noted that, beyond its eccentricities, the movie is "fairly formulaic," relying on familiar tropes. A few critics, including those aggregated on , critiqued its over-reliance on CGI effects at the expense of narrative depth, though the animation itself was seldom faulted. Released amid the summer blockbuster season, the film was seen as a reliable option but not a standout in a crowded field.

Audience reception

Stuart Little 2 received a generally positive response from family audiences upon its release, earning an average grade of "A" from surveys conducted among theatergoers, particularly appealing to children and parents for its lighthearted tone and relatable themes. On , the film holds a 42% audience approval rating based on over 100,000 user reviews, reflecting mixed sentiments where younger viewers often praised its adventure elements while older audiences found it formulaic. Similarly, IMDb users rate it 5.5 out of 10 from more than 61,000 votes, with many highlighting its charm as a sequel suitable for repeat viewings with kids. Fans frequently commend the film's messages on and overcoming social challenges, such as George's evolving relationships and Stuart's efforts to prove his worth, which resonate as subtle lessons on and without overt preachiness. for the early CGI also plays a role in its enduring appeal, with viewers appreciating the then-innovative blend of live-action and that captures a whimsical era of family filmmaking. surveys underscore its high kid appeal, scoring it 4 out of 5 stars for ages 6 and up, noting strong engagement from children due to the humor and action sequences involving Stuart and Snowbell. The film's release proved successful, generating approximately $7.8 million in DVD and sales in the , contributing to its profitability beyond theaters and encouraging repeat family watches. In the streaming era, it maintains popularity on platforms like and Prime Video, where availability as of 2025 supports ongoing viewership among new generations, though specific metrics remain proprietary; from user platforms suggests sustained interest through family streaming sessions. Audience discussions also touch on cultural aspects, with positive notes on the Little family's adoptive dynamic as a model of diverse inclusion, portraying across differences. However, some critiques address the of animals like Stuart and Margalo, arguing it blurs human-animal boundaries in ways that could confuse young viewers about species roles, as explored in analyses of . Recent trends show emerging rediscovery among Gen Alpha via short-form video clips on , focusing on memorable scenes like the chase, though this remains niche without broad polling data.

Adaptations

Video game

A video game adaptation of Stuart Little 2 was released in 2002 for the PlayStation (PS1), , and PC platforms. The PS1 version was developed by and published by Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), while the GBA and PC versions were developed by Creations and published by . Release dates included July 17, 2002, for the PS1 in , July 12, 2002, for the GBA, and similar timing for the PC version. The game is a that follows the film's , with players controlling on missions to save the Margalo by collecting stolen jewels across various levels set in . Gameplay emphasizes exploration in hub-based worlds, including activities like , , , and , alongside 12 minigames such as and puzzle challenges that tie into story elements like flying sequences. The PS1 and PC versions feature 3D environments with non-linear level design, while the GBA version uses 2D side-scrolling mechanics. includes David Kaufman as and Risa Hall as Margalo, but does not feature the film's main cast. All versions received an ESRB rating of E for Everyone, suitable for mild cartoon violence. Commercially, the game sold approximately 165,000 units on the PS1 alone in the United States, contributing to modest overall sales across platforms. Reviews were mixed, with a score of 59/100 for the GBA version, praising its family-friendly appeal and graphics but criticizing simplistic controls and short length. Similar feedback applied to the PS1 version, noting it as an accessible title for younger players despite limited challenge.

Home media

Stuart Little 2 was released on and DVD in on December 10, 2002, by Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment. The single-disc DVD edition included audio commentary by director and producer , a featurette, deleted scenes with optional director commentary, a photo gallery, storyboards, and trailers. A Blu-ray/DVD combo pack followed on June 28, 2011, from , presenting the film in high definition with 5.1 audio and retaining select bonus features from the DVD. This edition also featured a collectible booklet and access. Digital purchase and rental options became available on platforms including and Amazon Video around 2006, expanding accessibility beyond . As of November 2025, the film is available for streaming on Prime Video . sales for Stuart Little 2 generated roughly $7.8 million in revenue through 2023, contributing to the franchise's overall video market performance. Internationally, editions were distributed in , such as the UK release on November 25, 2002, by Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

Recognition

Accolades

Stuart Little 2 received several nominations and two wins across various awards organizations, primarily recognizing its animation, visual effects, and family-friendly appeal.

BAFTA Children's Awards

In 2002, the film was nominated for the BAFTA Children's Award for Best Feature Film (Children's), with producers , , director , and writer credited for the nomination.

Visual Effects Society Awards

At the 1st Awards in 2003, Stuart Little 2 won the award for Outstanding Character Animation in an Animated Motion Picture, awarded to animators , David Schaub, Eric Armstrong, and Sean P. Mullen for their work on the film's animated characters. The film was also nominated in the category of Outstanding Photography in a Motion Picture.

Golden Trailer Awards

The film's marketing campaign earned a nomination at the 2003 Golden Trailer Awards for Best Animation/Family.

Imagina Awards

In 2003, Stuart Little 2 won the Imagina Award for Best Feature Film, with the animation team led by Eric Armstrong, Jerome Chen, Jay Redd, and Michelle Murdocca recognized for their effective use of visual effects in a family feature.

Young Artist Awards

Stuart Little 2 received a nomination at the 24th Young Artist Awards in 2003 for Best Family Feature Film – Comedy or Musical, honoring director Rob Minkoff. It was also nominated for the 2002 Ursa Major Award for Best Anthropomorphic Motion Picture.

Cultural impact

Stuart Little 2 played a pivotal role in extending the Stuart Little franchise, bridging the theatrical releases of the 1999 original and the 2005 direct-to-video animated sequel Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild, thereby sustaining the narrative of a computer-generated mouse navigating life in a human family. This continuation helped cement the adoptive mouse-in-human-family dynamic as a recurring trope in children's films, emphasizing themes of acceptance and familial bonds that resonated across the series. Its cultural footprint extended into popular media through parodies, notably in the Family Guy episode "Brian's Play" (season 11, episode 10), where the absurdity of a mouse named Stuart living with humans is humorously referenced in dialogue involving Stewie and Brian. In terms of lasting legacy, Stuart Little 2 contributed to the 2000s boom in hybrid animation for family audiences by showcasing advanced CGI techniques that made anthropomorphic animals feel integrated and relatable, as evidenced by its nomination for a Award. The story's exploration of self-confidence and friendship has been highlighted in educational discussions for promoting children's , with scenes like Stuart's aviation attempts serving as metaphors for perseverance.

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