Sammy 2

It is awful to see filmmakers running out of creative and outstanding ideas in making a movie more interesting to watch. Unfortunately, this is apparent in the second installment of Ben Stassen's "Sammy's Adventure" franchise.

"Sammy 2" leads us to Sammy, the old sea turtle and his best friend Ray, who are celebrating their newborn grandchildren Ricky and Ella at the sea shore. However, things go wrong when both turtles bring the new hatchlings for exploration in the sea and then get captured by a bunch of poachers who place them in a huge aquarium at Dubai. While making their escape, Sammy and Ray get interrupted by Big D, the kingpin of the aquarium. Having their spirits dampen, the turtles must get themselves and everyone out from cruel hands.

The core idea of the storyline is none other than focusing on humanity's selfishness as it tries to create awareness of the protection of marine wildlife; something that Stassen had already brought up in the first movie and a concept that has been repeated over and over again in various other movies. In fact, this sequel has locked in most of the story set in the aquarium, which makes it less less exciting to watch compared to Sammy's 50 years prior in traveling to different shores.

Technically, the animators' effort in bringing objects under water 'pop' with remarkable 3D effects are anything but unremarkable. In order to prove that, it is advisable for the audience to take a ride along with the turtle's adventure in 3D glasses for a wonderful underwater experience.

Utilizing the impressive 3D CGI effects to immerse audiences into the deep water adventure is not enough to make one attached with the flow of the story though. To be honest, the movie is rather dull if not save for the funky and groovy Latino soundtrack.

The conversation between the characters could've been more amusing and active like what Pixar did in "Finding Nemo" and Dreamworks' successful box office hit "Shark Tale". Some of the jokes in "Sammy 2" are lame and fail to entertain.

"Sammy 2" is definitely not an up-to-standard kind of animation for those die-hard fans of the American animation studios that always surprises us with fresh elements, but still, the movie has noble values for nature lovers and children as well.