The Nut Job

The Nut Job is currently streaming in Australia on Stan, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and fuboTV, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Will Arnett leads a cast with real comic timing. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Stan.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, The Nut Job earns its spot. The Nut Job does what great comedies rarely manage — it is actually funny, consistently, across the whole run. Surly, a curmudgeon, independent squirrel is banished from his park and forced to survive in the city. Lucky for him, he stumbles on the one thing that may be able to save his life, and the rest of park community, as they gear up for winter - Maury's Nut Store. Will Arnett and Brendan Fraser lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2014. The timing in The Nut Job is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, The Nut Job respects your intelligence. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Will Arnett anchors an ensemble with real chemistry. Genuinely funny, consistently, across the whole run.