Common Sense Media Review
By Tracy Moore
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sequels offer more peril and scares than original.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
The story of Arthur and the Invisibles continues with this double-disc offering of two full-length followup features. In ARTHUR 2: THE REVENGE OF MALTAZARD, Arthur (Freddie Highmore) rejoins his princess Selenia (voiced by Selena Gomez) and the fight against the evil Maltazard (Lou Reed) after shrinking down to backyard size. But he soon discovers this was all part of Maltazard's plans for dominance. In ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES 3: THE WAR OF THE TWO WORLDS, Maltazar has finagled his way into giant status and is plaguing the human world while Arthur and the gang continue to marshal the forces for his defeat.
Is It Any Good?
Serving up high adventure, giant insects and bugs, and a lively, hyper-active otherworld of the things that go bump in the backyard, the movie offers plenty to entertain kids. though younger kids may have nightmares after extended viewing of some of these beastly characters, and parents will want to address that cigar explosion.
Otherwise, parents can get behind the pro-nature, pro-family angle, and will likely thoroughly enjoy Lou Reed as the pensive bad guy Maltazard. FYI: Arthur 2 is considerably less action- and violence-oriented than the third installment, but the third installment has all the fun.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the impact humans have on nature, even in and around their own homes. Do you think about the way your family's lifestyle affects the animals and plants in your yard, or neighborhood, or city?
Arthur runs away from home when he realizes he needs to help his friends, but thinks that his parents wouldn't understand. Was it OK for him to do that? Have you ever felt you should go behind your parents' back to help someone? What were the consequences?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 12, 2013
- Cast : Freddie Highmore , Mia Farrow , Selena Gomez
- Director : Luc Besson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , STEM
- Run time : 196 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Rated PG for fantasy action and brief suggestive material
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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