 | 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. |
Disco Worms
- Review Date: September 9, 2011
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Musical worm tale is bland, with a bit of name calling.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Disco Worms includes several instances of name-calling: "sissy," "dumb brain," "fatty," "stupid greaseball," etc. and one use of "hell." Otherwise it's pretty tame (and bland) stuff. There are some typically cartoonish mishaps with no injuries or consequences. Characters get caught in a zipper, smashed by a boot, trapped in a container meant for live bait, threatened by a rusty hook, and more. A sleazy rock star tries to seduce a young female worm-singer and one member of the worm band makes several vague gay references which could easily go right over the heads of young viewers.
What's the story?
Barry the Earthworm is growing up. He's on his way to a full-time job filing compost reports and settling down. But Barry wants more than that. He's tired of being laughed at because of his lowly status as a dirt-eating worm. When he hears about a TV song contest, he realizes that winning could mean fame, fortune, and a different way of life. So Barry and his overweight, but loving best friend decide to enter the contest with the dance sensation of the 1970s...disco! Gathering an odd assortment of would-be musicians (including Lucy, voiced by Jane Lynch) "Sunshine Barry and the Disco Worms" sets out to prove, once and for all, that earthworms are special, that they can boogie.
Is it any good?
The message is fine: follow your dreams, work hard, earn respect. There are amiable recreations of some iconic disco hits ("Play That Funky Music," "YMCA," etc.). The characters are likeable.
But it's all a bland affair. Neither the story nor the humor is original or clever. Sunshine Barry and the Disco Worms can boogie, but they're simply not that special.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the message of this movie. What does it say about the value of winning and losing? Does the movie communicate its message effectively? Does anything detract from its message?
What does the expression "bottom of the food chain" mean? How do Barry, Gloria, and the others change the opinions of the other creatures in the yard? What causes misconceptions about others? How can you avoid making incorrect judgments about others?
How did you feel about everyone laughing at Tito because of his overeating? How did Tito feel about himself? What are the consequences of bullying?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Encourages Stereotypes!
This is a film I regret showing my family because of the subtle messages in regards to sexism and racism. The protagonist is of couse a white male worm with no human attributes except eyes and a mouth. I was greatly offended to see full breasted female worms in this film and I thought that it was self serving. All females depicted in this sloppily done animation , were steriotypical nagging mothers or "dumb blonde" females. Not impressed with any aspects of this film andi regret encouraging such stereotypes that my children are confronted with daily.
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| Topics: | music and sing-along |
| Studio: | Phase 4 Films |
| Cast: | Frank Lenart, Jane Lynch, Jason Graae |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 78 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 7, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | September 6, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | for mild, rude humor and brief language |
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