Cheburashka 2

Review of 'Cheburashka 2' (2026)

Remember the absolute delight of meeting Cheburashka and Gena in the first film? Well, get ready to dive back into their charming world because "Cheburashka 2" has arrived, and it brings with it a familiar warmth, a few new challenges, and a whole lot of heart. As someone who absolutely fell for the original, I was incredibly excited to see what adventures awaited our favorite furry friend and his grumpy-but-lovable companion. And I'm happy to report, it delivers a very sweet, if slightly predictable, ride.

Story Overview

So, where do we pick up? After the events of the first movie, Cheburashka is no longer a hidden secret; his existence is known (and adored!) by the small town. He's found his home with Gena, Tanya, and Sonya, and life seems pretty idyllic. But, as with all good sequels, this peace can't last forever!

The story this time around centers on Cheburashka’s newfound local fame. Tourists start trickling into the town, eager to catch a glimpse of the unique creature. This attention eventually attracts the interest of a charismatic, seemingly well-intentioned, but ultimately self-serving "conservationist" named Dr. Viktor Kholodov. He proposes building a grand "Cheburashka Nature Preserve and Visitor Center," promising to protect Cheburashka while boosting the town's economy.

Gena, with his usual sharp instincts, is immediately suspicious. He senses that Kholodov's motives are more about profit and spectacle than genuine protection of Cheburashka’s simple, happy life. The film then unfolds as Gena, with the help of his ever-observant granddaughter Sonya, tries to uncover Kholodov's true intentions and protect Cheburashka from becoming a commercialized attraction. It’s a classic tale of balancing the charm of a local legend with the pitfalls of widespread popularity, all while reinforcing the importance of family and true friendship over flashy appearances.

Main Characters & Performances

The heart of these movies truly lies in their characters, and "Cheburashka 2" doesn't disappoint on this front.

First up, Cheburashka himself! The CGI is just as wonderful and expressive as before. He's still that lovable, innocent creature who just wants to belong, but this time he’s grappling with being in the spotlight. His reactions to the attention are adorable and often quite funny, showing a new layer to his character as he tries to navigate a world that suddenly wants to put him on a pedestal.

Sergey Garmash as Gena continues to be the perfect blend of gruff exterior and marshmallow-soft interior. He’s the steadfast protector, the voice of reason (even when he’s grumbling), and his bond with Cheburashka is truly beautiful to watch. Garmash perfectly portrays Gena's struggle with the modern world and his deep-seated desire to shield his loved ones, furry or otherwise, from harm.

Olga Kuzmina as Sonya takes on an even more active role, which I really appreciated. She’s not just Gena’s granddaughter; she becomes a key player in uncovering Dr. Kholodov's schemes, showing intelligence and bravery that really shine through. Her friendship with Cheburashka remains a highlight.

As for our new antagonist, Dr. Viktor Kholodov, played by the excellent Dmitry Lysenkov, he’s a fascinating contrast to Gena. Lysenkov brings a charming but subtly sinister edge to the character, making him initially seem trustworthy before his true colors slowly emerge. He’s not overtly evil like some villains, but rather represents a more insidious kind of threat: one that masks greed with good intentions. Elena Yakovleva also makes a brief but memorable appearance as Rimma, reminding us of her delightful villainy from the first film, even if she’s not the main threat this time around.

What Works Well

Oh, so many things! Visually, the film is just gorgeous. The picturesque town, the vibrant colors, and Cheburashka's seamless integration into the live-action world are all top-notch. It's a feast for the eyes, making you feel like you could just step into this cozy, slightly magical place.

But beyond the aesthetics, the film’s biggest strength is its heart. It beautifully continues the themes of family, friendship, and finding your place in the world. The emotional moments land genuinely, reminding you that true happiness often comes from simple connections, not grand spectacles. I found myself tearing up at a couple of scenes, just like in the first movie.

The humor is also spot on for all ages. There's plenty of gentle slapstick involving Cheburashka, Gena's dry wit, and some genuinely funny situations born from the clash of old-fashioned values with modern commercialism. The musical score is lovely too, perfectly setting the whimsical and heartwarming tone. It genuinely felt like a warm hug of a movie, perfect for a family afternoon.

What Could Be Improved

While I loved "Cheburashka 2," it’s not without a couple of minor areas where it could have perhaps soared even higher. My biggest takeaway was that the plot felt a tad predictable. You can pretty much see where things are headed from the moment Dr. Kholodov steps onto the scene, especially if you're an adult who's watched a fair share of family films. It follows a pretty standard sequel formula: new threat, protect our beloved character, reaffirm values.

Additionally, while Dr. Kholodov was a good antagonist, I felt he could have been a little more fleshed out. His motivations, beyond simple commercial gain, felt a bit one-dimensional compared to the more complex and oddly sympathetic Rimma from the first film. A little more nuance in his character might have added another layer to the story.

Finally, while the messaging about true protection versus commercial exploitation is important and well-intended, it sometimes felt a little heavy-handed. For younger audiences, it's perfectly clear, but for older viewers, a touch more subtlety might have been appreciated.

Overall Entertainment Value

"Cheburashka 2" is, without a doubt, a highly entertaining film, especially for families. It captures much of the charm and magic of its predecessor, providing a delightful escape. It’s the kind of movie you can comfortably watch with kids of all ages, knowing everyone will find something to enjoy. My younger cousins were absolutely glued to the screen, giggling at Cheburashka’s antics and cheering for Gena.

It doesn't quite hit the same groundbreaking emotional notes or freshness as the original, simply because that first meeting with Cheburashka was truly special. But it’s a very strong follow-up that builds on the world and characters we already love. It’s perfect for a cozy movie night and offers a comforting, feel-good experience.

Final Verdict

If you adored the first "Cheburashka" movie, then "Cheburashka 2" is an absolute must-watch. It’s a sweet, visually stunning, and heartwarming film that reaffirms the power of family, friendship, and protecting what truly matters. While it might tread some familiar ground and has a somewhat predictable plot, its emotional core, lovable characters, and gentle humor make it a truly enjoyable experience.

It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes, the simple things in life, like a talking orange-eating creature and his best friend, are the most precious. So, gather the family, grab some snacks, and prepare to be charmed all over again! It’s a definite thumbs-up from me for a delightful family viewing.