“The Nut Job” was exactly what I expected it to be: average.

It had plenty of talent, but no substance to support that talent. It was slightly amateurish and felt almost like a rip-off to the successful animated feature, “Over the Hedge.”

Perhaps it felt amateurish because I found it completely predictable. The story used almost every cliché in the book, but didn’t connect them in any way. They were just kind of thrown in there. For example, near the climax of the movie, a reference is made that Surly (Will Arnett) must be doing the things he is doing to impress the female lead, Andie (Katherine Heigl). Up until that point, there had been no connection between Surly and Andie having feelings for one another; and top it all off, nothing ever comes of it.

The overall plot was just recycled material of an outcast main character and corrupt leader who does everything possible to make sure the outcast stays that way to ensure ultimate power. It all created a sense that the makers of the movie were just trying too hard to become the next “Ratatouille,” “Over the Hedge” or “Bee Movie” — movies that had a large amount of success with less than desirable creatures as main characters.

Speaking of the main characters, an all-star cast lent their voices for the movie. Unfortunately, the movie didn’t match the level of talent that produced it. It may be due to the fact that, with the exception of Will Arnett and Liam Neeson who provided their voices for Lego Movie, the cast did not have experience in voice-work for animation. I actually thought, however, that the voice-work was one of the highlights of the movie. The right people were chosen for their specific characters. Arnett’s gruff voice matched the outcast feel of the main character. Heigl is known to be sweet and often plays strong willed characters, exactly who she was as Andie in this film. Neeson often portrays rough and angry lead characters, and nothing changed in his role as Raccoon. Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, who has plenty of experience using his voice to become quirky characters, played Mole. Stephen Lang, who is better known as the tough colonel in the mega hit Avatar, provided the voice of the mob boss. A fitting character for a tough guy. Maya Rudolph, famous for being silly on Saturday Night Live, played a silly female bulldog to give the plot a humorous twist, as Surly the squirrel becomes her new master.

The film was created and directed by Peter Lepeniotis. This was his first time directing, though he has had experience in animating other features like “Toy Story 2” and “Everyone’s Hero.”

The main reason this film did not become a hit is most likely due to this being a first-time production. While the animation was appealing, the screenplay and direction faltered. Lepeniotis might want to focus more attention on his clear animation talents and less on trying to write and direct.

The movie was not so awful that it was unenjoyable, but it did not provide its viewers with anything. There is no moral of the story for the kids and no humor specifically for the adults. It is just worn out clichés attached to a non-spectacular story.

2.5/5