It's not the most alluring prospect: a sequel to a spin-off of the least distinguished Pixar film, Cars (in fact, Planes 2 is a DisneyToon Studios production). Like Cars, this is essentially funny-animal animation with chrome and aluminium instead of fur. This further adventure of plucky single-prop flier Dusty Crophopper boasts some top-rank voice talent (Stacy Keach, Jerry Stiller, Fred Willard) but never really creates any distinctive characters. But there's still a sheen of professional care and technological perfectionism on view, odd splashes of wit and a somewhat spectacularly executed forest fire climax. It doesn't soar, but it stays adequately aloft.

• Comments have been reopened to coincide with the film's Australian release.