Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this movie addresses basic issues like friendship and love, as well as more complex ideas, such as a native tribe's spiritual beliefs and how love endures even after death.
Families can talk about the sacrifices various characters make for one another. Why do they behave the way they do? What does the movie say about family and friends? How does being a bear help Kenai treat humans better?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Teresa Talerico
A touching and fun sequel, BROTHER BEAR 2 reunites viewers with boy-turned-bear Kenai; his cub sidekick, Koda; and moose brothers Rutt and Tuke. The DVD also introduces several new characters, including Nita (voiced by Mandy Moore), Kenai's childhood sweetheart from his days as a human with an Inuit tribe. (Fans of the first movie will recall that the Great Spirits turned Kenai into a bear to teach him a lesson and guide him to his true self.)
Set in the Pacific Northwest after the Ice Age, the movie explores themes of friendship, love, courage, and -- literally -- transformation. More lighthearted than its predecessor, Brother Bear 2 still features the original's mystical feel and stunning animation (a depiction of the northern lights is especially beautiful). Songs by Melissa Etheridge capture the range of emotions between Nita and Kenai -- from excitement to heartbreak.
Now a young woman, Nita is preparing for marriage. But her heart still belongs to Kenai (Patrick Dempsey), and the nuptials are ultimately postponed. Innoko (Wanda Sykes), the tribe's wisecracking "sha-woman" -- as opposed to "shaman" -- consults the Great Spirits and instructs Nita to find Kenai. To free themselves from their lingering connection, the two must journey to their favorite childhood hideaway, Hokani Falls, and burn an amulet that Kenai gave her years ago.
Conveniently, the Great Spirits give Nita the ability to speak "bear," and the rest of the movie follows the duo -- accompanied by third-wheel Koda (Jeremy Suarez) -- on their journey. Along the way, they encounter a group of lawless raccoons; Rutt (Rick Moranis) and Tuke (Dave Thomas), the bumbling moose brothers who are constantly on the prowl for some girlfriends; and one mean avalanche. They also gain a greater understanding of friendship and unconditional love. A recurring theme is the idea that "once you love someone, they stay in your heart forever."
Families who like this DVD might also enjoy Ice Age: The Meltdown or The Jungle Book .
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentThe hilariously inept moose brothers fancy themselves as "players" early in the movie and make teasing references to the females' body parts: "Are those dewlaps real?" "I'm a hoof-man." They redeem themselves later in the movie. A budding (innocent) romance is suggested between two characters. |
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ViolenceCharacters in peril, including some suspenseful moments during an avalanche. Raccoons become surprisingly menacing in one scene; in another, a beloved character appears to be fatally injured. |
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Social BehaviorAddresses the importance of friendship, love, and courage. |
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