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The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (PG, 2000)

common sense media says

Kids will enjoy it, even if the jokes escape them.

parents & educators say
See all 7 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that in order to market this movie to older kids by getting a PG rating, the producers have included brief mild language and cartoon-style violence. Very young children may be scared by the machine that turns people into vegetables (literally).

Violence & scariness: Cartoon peril and violence.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Brief strong language.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about Karen's "ends justify the means" justification for stealing a truck and other dishonest acts, and Rocky's reply, "But we're supposed to be the heroes." Older kids will enjoy the way that the characters are aware that they are in a movie -- what people call "breaking down the fourth wall." Characters talk back to the narrator. When Karen is asked to explain her behavior, she says, "I didn't write this movie!"

What's the story?

What's the story?
In this live-action update to the classic cartoon series, Rocky and Bullwinkle, living in the animated world of Frostbite Falls since cancellation of their television show, are called back into action to defeat their long-time foes, Pottsylvanian spies Boris and Natasha (Jason Alexander and Rene Russo). The Pottsylvanian bad guys, including boss Fearless Leader (Robert DeNiro), have been brought into the real world and are plotting that perennial bad-guy favorite, total world domination, through television programs that turn everyone into zombies. Young FBI agent Karen Sympathy (Piper Perabo) seeks out her childhood heroes to help her save the world.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Fans of the old Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon show fondly remember its wisecracking sensibility, its refusal to take anything seriously (especially itself), and its terrible puns. The best thing about this live-action update is that it is true to those qualities. It is so unpretentious that it is impossible to dislike. There's not much to the plot, but there is plenty of gentle satire, lots of jokes and guest appearances, and, of course, some really horrible puns. There are also lots of movie references and so many stars show up for brief appearances that Whoopi Goldberg's character is named "Judge Cameo."

Kids may miss a lot of the jokes, but they'll love the puns and enjoy the interaction of the live and cartoon actors and the silly humor. Parents will enjoy seeing Rocky and Bullwinkle characters cope with the 21st century. The actors all do their best to create an impression in what is really a cartoon environment, but Piper Perabo's task is particularly thankless as her character Karen is not very interesting.

Movie themes & details

Themes
adventures
Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: Des McAnuff
Cast: Jason Alexander, Rene Russo, Robert De Niro
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 92 minutes
Theatrical release: June 30, 2000
DVD release: February 13, 2001
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: brief mild language
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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What parents & educators say

6

Most useful reviews by all members

Frylock234
kid, 12 years old
 
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
MovieLover4Lyfe
adult
6
 
while i love the cartoon, the live action movie didn't impress me. it's a cute movie and many kinds will find it comical, but the cartoon is the true gem.
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Thecoyote
teen, 14 years old
6
 
Mouse and Squirrel
A really fuNNy film!!! Robert De Niro and Jason Alexander were awesome while the girl wasn't that cool. There's some cartoonish violence.
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Dominicboo1
teen, 16 years old
4
 
Classic Cartoon Comes To The Big Screen.
Rocky and Bullwinkle as they did in the classic series do their best to be as kind and happy as they can. As always they're willing to help anyone in need. Karen learns that it's not so bad to be kid at heart. A scene where Rocky and other viewers are turned into brainless zombies by watching boring television (not dead just mindless) is intense. Also Fearless Leader turns Karen and Rocky into vegetables. A cartoon weasel is vaporized (much more mild them Doom dipping the shoe)
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Sgt-Samson
teen, 16 years old
9
 
The cartoon was great but a live-action movie adaptation of Rocky & Bullwinkle is a hit and mess for older audiences.
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G3
adult
 
pretty good
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nduns
adult
 
First I have a question
What is with the hate this movie receives? So many people hated this, but I thought it was great because it did what any old Rocky and Bullwinkle show would have, it made me laugh and made fun of itself. Overall, it's a good movie, not great, but I enjoyed it.
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