Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble (2012)

Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble (2012) Poster

Finnish title: Niko 2: Lentäjäveljekset

Other titles: Niko 2: De Flyvende Brødre, The Magic Reindeer,

Little Brother, Big Trouble: A Christmas Adventure

15th European Union Film Festival

Comments on Movie: Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble (2012)

"There are numerous high flying action set-pieces spread throughout the film's brief running time, showing off the high production values and giving children (and adults) plenty to keep them entertained ... A solid family entertainment which will keep the children occupied over the holiday season without offending the tastes of their parents." - David Brook, Blueprint: Review.

"A very well animated and well written animated movie that not only retains some of the Christmas magic of the first movie The Flight Before Christmas but deals with some pretty big issues but in a way that is easy and gentle enough for the little ones to understand as well." - Patrick Challis, Curiosity of a Social Misfit.

"Just how many family films intended for children out there that are actually adorable and touches on important life issues and taboo topics? Niko 3 please." - Rosalyn Lim.

Genre/Tags 

Adventure Children Comedy Family Christmas Finnish 3D Animation
Rosalyn's Favorite Animated Feature Film Festival

Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble (2012) Trailer

Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble (2012) at a glance

Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble (2012) is a family and Christmas themed animated feature directed by Kari Juusonen from Finland. It is the sequel to Niko & The Way to the Stars (2008). The production of this animated feature is a collaboration between Finland, Germany, Denmark and Ireland. In 2013, this Finnish animated feature has won the Grand Prix of the best film in feature section at Tokyo Kinder Film Festival.

PS. Thanks again, to Anne-Claire from Alliance Française & the organisers of European Union Film Festival for the Complimentary Pass!! Really appreciate it!!

Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble (2012) Synopsis

Niko, a young reindeer boy, secretly wishes his mom and his hero dad from Santa's world famous Flying Forces would get back together so they could be a real family – something they have never been. One day mom springs the news on Niko; she’s met a guy, an ordinary reindeer, Lenni, and he and his little son Jonni will be moving in. Niko's world is shaken: he will no longer be the only child. Furthermore, when called upon to look after this darn cute little stepbrother, Jonni goes missing and Niko must embark on a dangerous journey to save him.

15th European Union Film Festival

From the film festival's booklet.

I have missed most of the amazing European movies screened by EUFF because of my hectic schedule that leaves me very little personal or even sleep time but from the first time I saw Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble (2012) on EUFF film lineup, I knew I must watch it. How could I miss it especially I have a complimentary pass with me? So, on the last day of screening in a theatre near me, which happens to be my less hectic day, I finally headed there!

You know, I almost got late for the movie as I reach the theatre entrance just a few minutes before the movie starts (I utilised the day to do some book shopping and lunch with a friend who works nearby as well) but guess what? I did not know I have to use the complimentary pass given to me to redeem a specific ticket from the usual ticketing counters! (That just made the situation worst </3)

15th European Union Film Festival x GSC International Screening!

Gosh, the queues at the usual ticketing counters are soooo long. I began to worry that not only the hall would be full or leaving me only front row seats, and I might not make it in time for the movie as well but luckily I did not change my mind! I told them that the movie I wanted to watch starts soon! Then one kind GSC staff told me I can actually redeem it at the Gold Class counter and wow, the universe is like on my side, there is exactly one good seat left for me! T-T

Thank you God or Goddess, whoever that blessed me!! hahaha!! And yes, I watched the movie alone. So, here comes my movie review!!

Movie Review: Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble (2012)

Niko's mother and Jonni's father.

The beautifully animated Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble (2012) is a sensational animated feature from Finland. While I cannot compare this film to the first one as I have not seen it, I could proclaim that this animated feature is not your typical christmas movie!

Niko and his new family members.

This Christmasy animated feature touches on issues from separated parents and extended family which not many creators would include in family or festive movies, especially those intended for children. In contrary to popular belief, it isn't a negative or depressing theme at all. In fact, it is quite endearing to watch how these characters accept or get along with each other!

Wilma, Saga, Jonni, Niko and Julius.

Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble (2012) is also fun and amusing. In the beginning, it may appear to be childish for those who are not into family films but truly, this animated feature has the ability to charm the hearts of all ages with its lovely characters! Yes, the plot could be a little confusing to those who have not seen the first one as there is no flashbacks or mentions of incidents from the previous movie but the friendship and family values are strong in this film so it is great for family movie time!

Niko's father, Prancer. A member of Flying Forces.

Most importantly, what we can learn from this animated feature is that there are certain things that we shouldn't take lightly of and we should be honest in serious matters especially one lie can lead to another and it won't be easy to correct it later. Our lives too, are not just about us, it also about people around us and there is a huge responsibility in everything we do.

In short, Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble (2012) champions the importance of a happy heart and we should too, always keep ourselves and everyone we love, happy. That is the most important and the best present ever one could give to anyone!

PS. Super glad that I went for the movie and found another one to add into my favorite list. I love this movie because just how many family films intended for children out there that are actually adorable and touches on important life issues and taboo topics? Niko 3 please.

Movie Ratings

Will write a page regarding this and add this to all animated feature entries in the future.

Who will like this?
Obviously, I did not monitor everyone but nearly everyone in the hall, both adults and children, laughed. I don't think anyone left the hall without a smile throughout the movie. ;)

PS. This movie is great for family and it does makes a great Christmas movie!

Details of the movie
Director: Kari Juusonen
Producer: Antti Haikala, Hannu Tuomainen, Petteri Pasanen, Moe Honan, Lise Ann Mangino, Maite Woköck
Story: Not sure.
Screenplay: Marteinn Thorisson, Hannu Tuomainen
Cinematography: Not sure.
Music: Stephen McKeon
Studio: Anima Vitae, Cinemaker, Ulysses Films, Tidal Films, A. Film Production
Starring: Erik Carlson, Juhana Vaittinen, Mikko Kivinen, Vuokko Hovatta, Aarre Karen
Full Credit: [IMDb]
Distributor: Global Screen, BAC Films, Nordisk Film, Universum Film, Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Country: Finland
Language: English
Genre: Adventure Comedy Family
Running time: 79 mins
Budget: Not sure.
Box office: Not sure.

Official website(s)
http://www.nikomovie.com/
http://www.anima.fi/

Related
Niko & The Way to the Stars (2008)
Various Other Animation Studios
Rosalyn's Favorite
Rosalyn's Animated Movie Marathon

Behind the Scenes
N/A

Favorite Movie Character

Niko meets Jonni.

The young reindeer Jonni is innocent and kind-hearted. He is Niko's new little brother. Although he could feel he is being disliked, he tries his best to bond with his new elder brother. That being said, Jonni is also friendly and understanding. As can be seen in the movie, he is quite mature-minded for his age, he doesn't throw tantrum when things doesn't go as he liked. He even supported the union of their parents because he could tell that his father is much happier now than before. 

As a conclusion, Jonni is a lovely reindeer with a nice personality!

Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble (2012) Movie Quotes

Typed with my iphone! (Incomplete for now, I wanted to skim the whole script but don't have it!)

1. Concentrate on your happy heart for Santa Speed!
2. So you are my big brother now?
3. She is your mother, she needs to know!
4. You don't have brother or sister to get ypu in trouble? Or parents to boss you around?
5. Can u help me to get the little flying reindeer boy?
6. We will get the when we get there.
7. They have appear to be disappeared. 
8. It's okay if you don't want to be my brother, I'll stay out of your way.
9. Jump and I'll catch you. Trust me!

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