The Nut Job Film Review

                                              The Nut Job

            Animals have to survive somehow. In Liberty Park, food rations are down big time. But this is more than

clear when Surly Squirrel inadvertently blows up a nut tree. A swift banishment forces him into the human world

and a nut shop. Surly is more interested in serving himself than helping the park, but that could change

because someone has him as a target. (Note: Spoilers are contained in the following sections).

            Positive Elements: Despite his tough exterior, Surly does care for the other animals. His grittiness stems

from the fact that no one takes him seriously. His rat pal Buddy is loyal to him, despite a brief rift in their

friendship. Though others distrust Surly’s intentions (and rightfully so), he never gives up on them. (Spoiler

Warning): He sacrifices his life to protect them from the film’s villain, garnering respect in the process.

            Andie (Surly’s love interest) is a compassionate squirrel who laments Surly’s banishment. She is also the

voice of reason here, giving out nuts to the animals, and challenging Surly to be better. Other animals are

selfless too, risking their lives to protect others. The film teaches us that truths are better than lies. Other

lessons include not rushing to judgement, and being careful who you trust. A few human characters are kind to

the animals, and express genuine remorse for their deceptive actions.

            Spiritual Elements: Surly exclaims “We have found the city of Nutlantis!”

            Sexual Content: Grayson (the park’s fake hero) is infatuated with Andie, spouting some adult quips that

will fly over kids’ heads. Andie is more interested in Surly, and their feelings develop slowly. A female human

character wears outfits that accentuate her curves. The same character and her boyfriend kiss a few times. The

song “Gangnam Style” plays a few times in the film (and contains suggestive lyrics).

            Violence: As mentioned above, Surly accidentally blows up a nut tree in Liberty Park. A couple other

explosions occur as well. Animals have to dodge several traps set by humans (one instance has Surly caged for

a brief time). Gaudy rats attack some characters.

            (Spoiler Warning): Raccoon grows a bit unhinged near the film’s end, threatening to kill Surly and others

who refuse to follow his directions. Part of this includes his apprentice Mole trying to drown two groundhogs

digging a tunnel. Raccoon chokes Surly. Police have guns and dynamite is deadly in a few scenes. One girl has

nuts shoved in her mouth. Other slapstick violence occurs during the film too.

            Language: Two misuses of God’s name, along with “moron,” “lying sack of fur,” “bums,” “Holy Toledo,” and

other name calling insults are part of the dialogue.

            Drugs/Alcohol: None.

            Other Negative Elements: Both Raccoon and Surly are thieves, and the film doesn’t deny it. However,

Raccoon plans to starve the park to remain its leader. The animals unfairly give credit to Grayson on multiple

occasions. When Surly admits the truth about Raccoon’s plan, they don’t believe him. There are a few toilet

humor gags and betrayals in the mix too.

            King plans another heist after just getting out of prison. Lana breaks up with him when finding this out.

For most of the film, Surly is a selfish jerk.

            Conclusion: The Nut Job is a pretty good film. The animation reminds viewers of the Open Season films,

and voice acting is stellar (Brendan Fraser is hilarious as Grayson). There are sweet messages about self-

sacrifice and telling the truth.

            However, let’s not forget that stealing is part of this equation. Indeed, Surly, Raccoon, and King are

thieves, manipulating everyone around them to get what they desire. Surly isn’t likable for most of the runtime.

Add in adult jokes, toilet humor, and somewhat intense violence might have parents scrambling to put this film

on pause.

            That said, The Nut Job still manages to shine. As alluded to, the voice cast shines. Will Arnett brings his all

to grumpy Surly. Katherine Heigl (27 Dresses and Grey’s Anatomy fame) hits the positive notes as Andie. The

animation is refreshingly different from Dreamworks and Pixar, scooping viewers into the story.

            Unlike Raccoon, Surly has a change of heart. He realizes that sharing is better than taking everything for

yourself. His redemption is driven by protecting the other animals. It brings to mind Colossians 3:7 (NIV): “You

used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.”

            Like Surly, we are all flawed human beings, distracted by materialistic things. But when we choose to put

aside our desires, joy fill us up. Surly is excited to be part of a community by the film’s end.

            In contrast, Raccoon cares more about his reputation. Though Andie and the others follow him, Surly is

able to see through the shallow surface. Raccoon’s control is more about keeping himself happy than looking

out for others. It becomes clear that fear and lies are his tactics to sway the crowd. Raccoon’s schemes remind

me of Proverbs 15:16 (NLT): “Better to have little, with fear to the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner

turmoil.”

            Sure, The Nut Job has content conundrums that require discussion, especially with the stealing subplot.

But compared to some other animated films, you could do a lot worse. It does not scream Oscar material, but

has enough flair to keep you intrigued. The Nut Job is nutty (no pun intended), reminding us all that sharing and

community are important in life. That’s not too terrible at all.