Rufus 2

Rufus 2 is a 2017 Nickelodeon family-comedy film that is a sequel to the 2016 movie, Rufus. It is again centered on the lovable titular character, Rufus, portrayed by heartthrob Jace Norman, known for his Nickelodeon television work on the popular series, Henry Danger. Rufus 2 also brings back the talented Davis Cleveland, widely known from Disney’s Shake It Up, as Manny and the charming Haley Tju, from Nickelodeon's Bella and The Bulldogs, as Paige.

The movie ramp ups the antics of the original while maintaining its humour and heart. The premise of the sequel, like the first, is grounded in a magical and endearing twist of fate. In the first film, Rufus was a dog who, thanks to a magical amulet, gets turned into a human boy. In Rufus 2, we once again, find Rufus in the middle of hilarious but touching mishaps amplified by his canine habits and instincts being unleashed in his human form.

Rufus 2 celebrates the everyday challenges and triumphs of boyhood and friendship, woven into an enchanting plot with comedic undertones. Rufus, living as a boy with his best friend Manny, keen to maintain his secret from family and friends, navigates through the everyday world of school and teenage life. However, his secret is threatened when a mysterious woman, named Kat, shows up claiming to be a relative.

Kat's arrival disrupts Rufus and Manny’s life, and they soon find themselves embroiled in a nefarious plot. The storyline takes a twist with Kat's ulterior motive involving the magic amulet that turned Rufus into a human. The mystical element combined with evergreen themes of friendship, loyalty, and doing what’s right provides a warm, engaging, and entertaining narrative.

Amidst all this, an unexpected romantic angle develops when Rufus's crush, Paige, gets more screen-time. Paige is a well-liked girl at school who is sweet, smart, and shares a special bond with Rufus. The friendship blossoms into a cute puppy love scenario, bringing an added layer of depth and connection to the plot.

One key highlight of Rufus 2 is Jace Norman's dynamic performance. His portrayal of Rufus successfully combines the naive innocence of a dog with the complexities of a human. His antics, coupled with effective comedic timing keeps the audience engaged and laughing throughout the film. Davis Cleveland’s performance as Manny, is also noteworthy. He lends solid support to the storyline and provides many of the film's humorous moments. Haley Tju's character adds a spark of romance and further complexity, creating a robust, balanced story.

Rufus 2 also welcomes new characters, including Kat, whose mysterious aura brings a dash of suspense to the plot. The blend of seasoned actors and new talents contributes to the evolution and depth of the sequel. The character’s relatable struggles combined with a dash of magic foster an engaging narrative that keeps the audiences hooked.

The movie is directed by Savage Steve Holland, who utilizes his vast experience in directing children’s television to bring out the fun, excitement, drama, and magic in Rufus 2. The director ensures a seamless transition from the first movie, retaining its charm while introducing more engaging plots and deeper character developments.

Overall, Rufus 2 is a brilliant blend of adventure, comedy, and heartfelt moments. It takes the audience on a magical ride complete with hilarious teenage antics, endearing puppy love, nerve-wracking action scenes, and a heartwarming narrative about friendship, loyalty, and the courage to do what’s right. Both kids and adults will find something to love in the sweet-natured Rufus, the loyal Manny, and the charming Paige. Whether you're a fan of the original film or new to the franchise, Rufus 2 is sure to entertain with its special blend of humor, magic, and traditionally grounded themes.