Saw it last night as well. About as good as the previous movie which i just recently saw as well. I was certain the movie was over yet there was another 45 min or so left! A bit morbid and i never appreciate seeing children in harms way but that's just me.
Agree it's not very Disney-esque; they would have thrown in hints of anti-hunting, homosexuality and occult to make it more kid friendly.
The scarecrow guy reminds me of Martin Short.