Operation Cuckoo

In Pierre Trudeau's computer-animated follow-up to Cuckoo, Mr. Edgar! (VL-9/00), the endearing cuckoo in the clock accidentally unscrews a gear wheel during routine maintenance and watches as the integral part rolls outside, falls onto the pavement, and disappears down a crack in the pavement into the basement. Knowing that the bell (or cuckoo) will not toll for anyone without a properly working clock, Mr. Edgar beats tailfeathers down to the basement where he meets Fifi the firefly, who shows Mr. Edgar some old 16mm film and then enlists the aid of some birds and a frog to help him retrieve the missing gear--a favor that Mr. Edgar later returns. While not a totally disappointing sequel (this is no Exorcist 2: The Heretic), Operation Cuckoo still doesn't hold a candle--either in originality or charm--to the wonderful Cuckoo, Mr. Edgar!, especially given its lengthy and--for kids--rather boring nostalgic look at 16mm projectors. Optional. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)