《坚果行动》

    The story is not new, but “The Nut Job” still brings much fun.

    Set in a mid-20th century big city, the film features humorous* animal and human characters that are as colorful as those in Damon Runyon’s short stories.

    As the film is voiced by a group of performers including Will Arnett, Liam Neeson and Katherine Heigl, those different voices never quite feel like they’re thinking in a similar way, but the following antics* are funny enough to draw family audiences.

    Based on his 2005 animated short film, “Surly* Squirrel,” director Peter Lepeniotis’ 3-D feature is set in fictional* Oakton City in 1959, when a serious late-fall nut shortage is threatening* the lives of the inhabitants* of Liberty Park.

    But surviving* the winter could be easy if the rogue* Surly (Arnett) manages to rob a nut shop.

    Banished* by the proud Raccoon (Neeson), who makes himself leader of the park’s citizens, Surly at the beginning goes it alone. But he is soon joined by fellow squirrels, the warm-hearted Andie (Heigl) and the self-loving Grayson (Brendan Fraser), among others.

    But they’re not the only ones eyeing* the nut shop — so are a group of gangsters*, led by the strong King (Stephen Lang). These people plan to dig a tunnel into the bank vault* just across the street.

    The film is familiar and makes people think of the “Ice Age” films, “Ratatouille*” and 2006’s “Over the Hedge*,” co-written by “The Nut Job” scripter* Lorne Cameron.

    While Arnett’s bad-tempered tones seem to be fit for the surly hero, his voice lacks warmth that would have made for a more likable character.

    The other characters either sound too crazy or too cool, except for Maya Rudolph, who steals the show* as Precious, an eager-to-please, bug-eyed* puppy.(SD-Agencies)