Similar to the original, The New Minimoy Adventures combines live action and animation and continues the adventures of Arthur (Freddie Highmore) and his tooth-sized friends, the Minimoy. The first film kicks off shortly after the conclusion of the original when Arthur receives a grain of rice with the word "Help" etched in the side. Believing the message is from Princess Selenia (Selena Gomez), whom he has a major crush on, Arthur sets out to return to the miniature world in his garden. Once there, Arthur learns the message is actually part of a trap set by Maltazard (Lou Reed), his nemesis from the first film.
The second film picks up just as Maltazard's trap is sprung. With Arthur out of the way, Maltazard sets his sights on Arthur's grandfather and attempts to trick him out of a growth formula in order to form an army and take over the world. Meanwhile in the miniature world, Arthur and Selenia need to deal with Maltazard's son, Darkos (Iggy Pop), who is determined to defeat the pair and win his father's affection.
There's little reason to split The New Minimoy Adventures into two films. Although there's enough action to fill two films worth of run time, most of the action is empty and serves no real purpose to the overall story. A number of scenes either run on for way longer than they need to or simply don't need to exist at all. For instance, it takes way too long for Arthur to get back to the Minimoy's world. I get the need for some sort of conflict, but it doesn't need to drag on for as long as it does.
Things aren't much better once he returns. Plot points are strung together by long, aimless chase sequences designed to transport characters around the Minimoy's world, only they never really go anywhere. They ride bugs, animals and every toy they come across. It's like a Michael Bay film, only in miniature and without as many explosions.
The New Minimoy Adventures offers up a surprisingly long list of celebrities for its voice cast. In addition to Selena Gomez, Lou Reed and Iggy Pop, there are appearances by Snoop Dogg, Jimmy Fallon, Stacy Ferguson and will.i.am. In general, the performances are as good as could be expected from the group, though there's a noticeable bit of inconsistency with characters between films. It's especially noticeable with Princess Selenia, who inexplicably flip-flops from nice girl to snob over the course of the two films.
Normally, I'd be willing to give The New Minimoy Adventures a bit of a pass considering the audience, but I'd also like to think younger viewers are above the mindless action. Although it may hold the attention of some kids, there are better options.
