 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Brother Bear 2
- Review Date: August 30, 2006
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Bear's warm-furry quest finds love and friends.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
BROTHER BEAR 2 reunites viewers with boy-turned-bear Kenai (Patrick Dempsey); his cub sidekick, Koda (Jeremy Suarez); and moose brothers Rutt (Rick Moranis) and Tuke (Dave Thomas). The movie 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.) Now a young woman, Nita is preparing for marriage. But her heart still belongs to Kenai, and the nuptials are ultimately postponed. Innoko (Wanda Sykes), the tribe's "sha-woman" 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.
Is it any good?
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.
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 and Tuke, 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."
What families can talk about
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?
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AGE
Excellent movie, deserves as TV series
I LOVE Brother Bear! In fact, I think the movie's so great, I think it deserves a TV show! And maybe Patrick Dempsey can reprise his role as Kenai. But since Jeremy Suarez is big now, maybe Bobb'e J. Thompson can voice Koda! What do you guys out there think about that?
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AGE
greater than the first!
i enjoyed this one even more than the first. and as you would exspect Keni meets a girl he likes. (figures) But this movie is less vilont then the first and there's a lot more laughs then tears.
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AGE
Perfect for the whole family to watch
I loved it. It was so passionate and caring. I loved every bit of it and I woukd love to watch it again any time soon
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AGE
as good as the first
this movie was as good as the first maybe even better. It's funny and the story is good. There is just some mild peril.
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AGE
Scary too-deep concepts for under 6
My boys watched this and they completely got hung up on the brother dying, could not get the concept of the brother turning into a bear (and the fact that people could not hear him when he talked) and got completely FREAKED OUT by the spirits. They both (4 and 5.5 years old) cried - seriously cried - and they have NEVER cried over any movie - they have watched Star Wars, many disney movies, etc. They are not overly sensitive, but my younger son could not understand how the brother who died came back from "heaven" and then went back again...and my older son worried that we will die. Maybe it was just bad timing, but they asked me to NEVER EVER show them this movie again. Hmmmm.
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AGE
I don't see why this movie got 4 stars. It doesn't even deserve that many. It has some suggestive things, unlike the previous movie. So, that's what makes it better?! Nice...
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AGE
Great for the whole family!
I thought this movie had a wonderful mix of decisions for kids to learn from. What it's like to be different, how is that good. How sometimes things are not what they appear to be and you need to look deeper to find the real part of people. Loved it! And it's for all ages!!
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AGE
3 year old more scared, 5 year old like it but still didn't understand the plot, reasons for behaviors
This seemed to have more screen time devoted to peril than the Brother Bear 1. The love interest portion of the story is central and not essential for intended audience. This version seems to have lost a little bit of the general intelligence and respect of the first movie. Might be better than many of the movies out there, so if you're looking for the lesser of two evils, this may still suffice.
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AGE
Sweet movie for all ages!
Very sweet story with a happy ending. Friendship and love endure.
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AGE
im watching this movie right now actually! i like this movie.its funny and cute
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| Topics: | adventures, wild animals |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Ben Gluck |
| Cast: | Andrea Martin, Catherine O'Hara, Jeremy Suarez, Mandy Moore, Patrick Dempsey, Rick Moranis, Wanda Sykes |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 73 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 29, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | August 29, 2006 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
| MPAA explanation: |
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