Rita & Crocodile 2 – Rita og Crocodile 2 (2018)

Directed by: Siri Melchior | 45 minutes | animation, family | Dutch voice cast: Lux Parser

After the success of ‘Rita & Crocodile’, which conquered the hearts of toddlers, preschoolers and their parents in the winter of 2017, a sequel was inevitable. ‘Rita & Crocodile 2’ is literally more of the same (nine cuts instead of eight, as in the first film), but each cut is so striking and appealing, it’s almost a shame that the film is only 45 minutes long. Although that length is of course ideal for the target group. Fortunately, a third part is already planned.

Rita is a smart, headstrong toddler who, in her endless fantasy, experiences both everyday and extraordinary adventures with her boyfriend Crocodile. Like any child, she has to deal with emotions such as pleasure, jealousy and fear, but learns to come up with solutions in every story. Crocodile seems slightly more developed, but does not force herself on Rita, so that she finds out on her own what is best. Together they discover the world around them.

Rita’s experiences and fantasies pass before the viewer in colorful drawings with funny details. The situations are recognizable and close to the experience of toddlers and preschoolers: visiting a children’s party (where the present is actually too nice to give away), learning to share (which Rita is of course very good at, she thinks) and learning to ride a bike without training wheels. Compared to the previous film, Rita’s social environment has grown slightly: Boris appears in two stories and she has a new best friend, Susan, although it turns out to be even more fun to play with the three of you.

Every story contains a wise lesson for Rita, but the young audience will also learn something from it. Each video is preceded by the same intro – this repetition provides security and structure. In that intro the characters of Rita and Crocodile are already well reflected: Rita is the boss and Crocodile just likes to be her boyfriend and is always there for her. ‘Rita & Crocodile 2’ is ideal for a first cinema visit. Since the stories are standalone, it is not necessary to have seen the first part first, but bet it leaves you wanting more?