“The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature” plays like an old “Tom and Jerry” serial, in that it the film moves like a series of comic tete a tete comebacks. The result makes for a colorful, playful moviegoing experience, and for this particular summer filled action pictures that may not be suitable for children, this film, by Cal Brunker, may provide a more youthful escape.

This film features many of the same characters from its predecessor, 2014’s “The Nut Job.” This time, nature and nurture are at war when their free access to food is halted, and their only way to stay alive is through Liberty Park, which in turn is threatened to be turned into an amusement park by a corrupt mayor, in it for a buck. The leader of the pack, Surly the squirrel, must learn to choose what is right over what is easy, that there are no shortcuts in life.

It is a strong lesson, but a weaker execution. “The Nut Job 2” becomes so occupied with its offhand humor that it often forgets to remain on course with its message. Younger audiences will still likely understand the overarching themes. But through its continual action, it sometimes seems as though the film is promoting violent retaliation as a means to solve problems.

That said, “The Nut Job 2” is not entirely a message film. It is a piece of entertainment for young viewers, and with its momentum, it is a friendlier movie option for the month of August. Because of its cheery animation style and maintaining some positive messages, Dove awards “The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature” its approval for All Audiences as a good alternative at the movies this summer.