MOVIE REVIEW: The Angry Birds Movie

THE world is divided into two types of people, those who have played Angry Birds and those who haven’t.

I’m in the second camp with some bloke from Greenland, so that in theory, should make me one of only two people alive who can objectively review this movie. 

As I’m sure the rest of you know, ‘Angry Birds’ the game, has been a global phenomenon since its release in 2009. It’s been downloaded over two billion times and continues to be a popular distraction today. With that kind of following, you’d be crazy not to transfer it to the big screen.

On our island paradise, flightless birds lead a mostly happy existence, except for Red (Jason Sudeikis), who just can’t get past the daily annoyances of life. His temperament leads him to anger management class, where he meets fellow misfits Chuck and Bomb. 

Red becomes even more agitated when his feathered brethren welcome green pigs to their home, and as the swine begin to get under his skin, he joins forces with his friends to investigate the real reason behind their mysterious arrival.

The movie is directed by Irishman, Fergal Reilly, from Ardee, who has previously worked as a storyboard artist on such hits as ‘Spiderman 2’ and ‘Hotel Transylvania’. This is his first move into directing, and it will certainly earn him a lot of exposure. 

The film itself, not surprisingly, is action packed. In fact, it’s the animated equivalent of those roller coaster, explosion stuffed, full throttle Hollywood blockbusters, that many filmgoers have grown somewhat tired of. 

I was kind of hoping there would be more belly laughs but the script and jokes are not of a high calibre. It’s certainly not comparable to the likes of other animated hits such as ‘Inside Out’, or ‘Toy Story’, which boast well developed characters and stories.

Most family films today offer something for the parents but this is more for the kids, and of course those adult fans of the game who will no doubt get the many in-jokes. We score it an average, yet chirpy, 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Paul O’Rourke