"Stuart Little 2"

Despite often unashamed, if not manipulative, marketing and merchandising, it�s not easy to disparage so-called �family films.� For the most part, they�re wholesome, entertaining and educational -- something that cannot be said of most Hollywood product.

Enter "Stuart Little 2." Michael J. Fox once again voices the disarmingly agreeable mouse adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Little (Hugh Laurie, Geena Davis) and their son, George (Jonathan Lipnicki). Nathan Lane reprises the voice of Snowbell, the Little�s leisure-loving cat. New voices include Melanie Griffith as Margalo, a cute yellow bird who befriends Stuart, and James Woods as Falcon, the obligatory villain.

In this installment, Stuart has to deal with issues of friendship, trust, self-image and responsibility. While hunting high and low for the lost Margalo in New York City, Stuart and Snowbell encounter a steady flow of kiddie-friendly humor, suspense and swashbuckling, all leading to the Lessons of the Story.

Griffith, in her first voicing role, proves she can still deliver an appealing performance, albeit off camera. Lane is in his element as the maudlin, belly-aching Snowbell, the perfect complement to Fox�s portrayal of the sincere Stuart. As The Littles, Laurie, Davis and Lipnicki blend characteristics of The Cleavers, The Bradys and The Huxtables, which, depending on your worldview, will either intrigue or disconcert.

"Stuart Little 2" is certainly worth a look for its visuals, which will most likely garner Oscar nominations. From the movements of Stuart�s features and the realism Margalo�s feathers to the intensity of Falcon�s high-velocity plunges through the sky and the film's incredible lighting, the animation is a pleasure to observe. The color scheme of The Little�s life is also bold and interesting, reminiscent of the primary hues used to much fanfare in "Dick Tracy."

To use industry lingo, Stuart Little is now a franchise, meaning we�re in for more of the affable white mouse. Given the overall quality here, a lot worse could happen. Dare we envision "Mouse Hunt II" or a remake of "Willard"?