Open Road Film Sets a Release Date for 'Spark'

It's been a while since Toonbox Entertainment's Spark has been announced to the public. However, I have never heard anything from it since the film debut at Toronto Animation Arts Festival International. Luckily, I had the curiosity to do some digging and found out that Open Road Films acquired domestic distribution rights for the film setting the release date on April 14, 2017.

Spark, 2017

Spark is Toonbox Entertainment's second feature film right after The Nut Job. It will be interesting to see how it turns out to be, since the first movie was a box office success for the studio. I don't know why it took so long for the movie to get a theatrical release but it seems to follow distribution problems similar to Mark Osborne's The Little Prince. Look out for two films from Toonbox Entertainment in 2017, Spark and followed by The Nut Job 2 on May 19, 2017.

The Nut Job 2 Teaser Poster

The new teaser poster for The Nut Job 2 features some old and new characters. The movie stars Will Arnett as Surly Squirell, who bands together with his animal friends to save their home from an evil mayor who decides to bulldoze Liberty Park and build a dangerous amusement park.

Katherine Heigl, Maya Rudolph, Gabriel Iglesias and Jeff Dunham will also lend their voices to the family-friendly film, which is being directed by Cal Brunker, who co-wrote the script with Scott Bindley and Bob Barlen. 

Harry Linden and Barlen are producing the project with Hongjoo Ahn. Bill Bindley, Mike Karz, Hong Kim, Youngki Lee and Daniel Woo are acting as executive producers.

The Nut Job 2, 2017

The Nut Job 2 has received a release date via Open Road Films. The sequel to the 2014 animated feature will hit theaters on May 19, 2017.

Bolts & Blip: Battle of the Lunar League Official Trailer

While surfing in the internet I came up to this interesting movie from the studio that brought us The Nut Job. The trailer is hilarious!

It starts with this cool narrative and an epic music that deals with friendship and the universe.

Trailermeter: 79%

Review #23 | The Nut Job

The Nut Job plays good humor, has good animation, and an amiable moral about sharing.

The Nut Job, 2014

In animated 3D, “The Nut Job” is an action-packed comedy that follows Surly (voiced by Will Arnett), a mischievous squirrel, who must plan a heist to get into his town’s biggest nut shop in order to help his pals in the park gather food to survive the winter. Together with his sidekick, Buddy, he will assemble a ragtag crew to help him get inside – and take them on a fun-filled adventure they’ll never forget.

I was actually surprised of the animation in this movie. Considering this movie used the budget of $42.8 million it has some clean good animation. What I liked about the movie was its story and comedy. I must say it was not good but it was not horrible.

Side characters were annoying but I loved the character of ‘Buddy’. His character is the character that I as an audience cared about. The story had two things going on. One was animals searching for food and human thieves trying to rob the bank.

Basically this is like Over the Hedge but its better. I don’t know why other critics don’t like this movie, maybe I had low expectations but this was actually fun and entertaining. It has a villain and a protagonist and some lame side characters like ‘Grayson’.

The comedy plays a big role in this film and keeps audience entertaining, at least for the kids. It does have a moral ending that sharing is a better way to live. It wasn't disturbing but acceptable and cute.

Inside Outside Rating: 67%

No Nuts No Glory

Lets take a look at The Nut Job which arrives on Digital HD April 8, and on DVD & Blu-Ray April 15.

The Nut Job, 2014

In animated 3D, “The Nut Job” is an action-packed comedy that follows Surly (voiced by Will Arnett), a mischievous squirrel, who must plan a heist to get into his town’s biggest nut shop in order to help his pals in the park gather food to survive the winter. Together with his sidekick, Buddy, he will assemble a ragtag crew to help him get inside – and take them on a fun-filled adventure they’ll never forget.

Now lets look at some of the character from The Not Job:

The Nut Job, 2014

SURLY:  Underneath the “fluff” exterior is a sarcastic rogue squirrel who distrusts everything that breathes. With a no-holds-barred attitude, it is every rodent for himself. From an early age, Surly has constantly been searching for opportunities and dishonest methods to pull off his schemes. His jaded past has made this “tough nut to crack” an outcast, but nonetheless the ultimate survivor. Despite his deceitfulness and lies, Surly does demonstrate that he has a bit of a conscience. Quick as a whip and quick on his paws, this stubborn rodent rises above the rules, outrages his community and believes love is for chumps … that is until he meets the heroine Andie.

The Nut Job, 2014

BUDDY: Buddy is Surly’s little rat “brother”, partner in crime and endearing side-kick. With his innate innocence, Buddy eagerly performs any stunt demanded of him without objecting or considering the consequences. He is accustomed to the unbridled surliness of Surly and Buddy’s acceptance and tolerance levels are exceeded only by his dimwittedness. Although he is a little naïve and too trusting, his heart is always in the right place even when he gets repeatedly duped into Surly's schemes – which continuously go awry. This gentle, quiet and grubby rat is the only gullible partner Surly can rely upon. Buddy is as “nutty as a fruitcake” but is the friend that saves Surly from Surly.

The Nut Job, 2014

ANDIE: With her compassionate heart, radiating warmth, intelligence and nurturing disposition, it’s easy to see why the entire park has faith, trust and confidence in Andie. Everyone that is, except for Surly. The amount of care she puts into her work is commendable. Whether it’s saving lives, solving riddles or lending a helping hand, this red squirrel excels at everything she takes on. The trouble is Andie is becoming a workaholic. Although she is content as one of Raccoon’s key delegates, her deepest desire is for everyone to get along. The paths that Andie chooses to take could leave her in peril, or it could lead this beloved auburn squirrel to be in charge of the park that she’s already “nuts about”.

The Nut Job, 2014

PRECIOUS: King’s mutt that looks intimidating but can’t hurt a fly. She has a lot of licks to spare, and wants nothing but to be accepted and loved. Loyal to whomever has the dog whistle, Precious will do whatever it takes to never set her paw back into the pound.

The Nut Job, 2014

BRUISERS: A groundhog team of twins, Jimmy and Johnny, and an older sister Jamie. She is the shortest of the trio, yet maintains leadership ranking. Jimmy and Johnny are sort of meat-heads, requiring the control of their sister or they would end up squabbling endlessly.

The Nut Job, 2014

RACCOON: Raccoon is the self-proclaimed leader of all Liberty Park. His ruling over the community appears to be noble, however, underneath the façade is a self-serving ulterior motive. A master of manipulation with a lust for control and fortune, he will do just about anything to satiate his incredible appetite for greed. Despite his delusion of grandeur, he is unable to do much on his own and enlists the help of the unshakeable Cardinal. Raccoon has also had it with Surly’s unwillingness to comply with the park rules and will find any opportunity to get rid of this arrogant rodent. However, Raccoon has been investing a little too much time with the exile of Surly when his biggest feat might just be his next in command, Andie.

For more information visit The Nut Job Official Site.