Two by Two – Review by Emily Elphinstone

Directors: Toby Genkel, Sean McCormack
Writers: Richie Conroy, Toby Genkel etc.
Stars: Carla Becker, Ava Connolly, Lotta Doll, Alan Stanford

It’s a well known story: with an impending flood, the animals go two by two into Noah’s Ark. The trouble is that the ship’s unseen owner Noah has left the captain with two very clear rules: Luckily carnivores are not allowed to eat their fellow creatures; but only species listed by Noah can go on board: If your name’s not down, you’re not coming in!

Nesterian father and son Dave (Dermot Magennis) and Finny (Callum Maloney) have never found their true place in the world, so after discovering they are not on the list, they’re forced to trick their way on board; lodging with unimpressed Grymps Hazel (Tara Flynn) and daughter Leah (Ava Connolly). While the adults argue (prompting references to what a good couple they make), the children sneak away and discover themselves accidentally left behind by the Ark.

What follows is an epic travel movie with nods to the likes of Finding Nemo and Ice Age; in which begrudging team Finny and Leah journey to higher ground, while Dave and Hazel try desperately to turn the Ark around and rescue their children.

Two by Two is a truly European film (co-produced by companies from Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium as well as Galway’s Moetion Films), so it’s great to see animation rivalling the big guns of studios like Disney Pixar and Dreamworks, with all the sensory involvement you’d hope for.

This is a family film that’ll appeal to younger children, with colourful and fluffy central characters, and a clumsy double-act of Griffins providing just enough villainy to keep things exciting; but there’s just enough to keep adults entertained too. There are many classic ingredients, with enemies becoming friends, great supporting characters, and a heart-warming moral. But with a finale that will keep you guessing to the end, Two by Two is definitely worth a watch for families.