 | 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. |
Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home
- Review Date: March 2, 2005
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2001
Common Sense Media says
This rote sequel will thrill Willy fans.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that without the freshness of the original film, this sequel is a little like watching the previous film's characters (various species) swimming laps. This sequel is strictly for young fans of the original who can't get enough of Willy. Kids above 12 may find this Willy a little too obvious and sugary.
What's the story?
In this sequel, a Free Willy cast reunion takes place just offshore, with the marine mammals once again in peril and an extended human family still learning to get along. Jesse (Jason James Richter) is living happily with his foster parents until his troubled biological mom dies and half-brother Elvis becomes part of his family. Then an oil spill threatens the now-free killer whale Willy and his family. As if that's not enough for Jesse to handle, an amusement park owner sets out to capture the whale.
Is it any good?
You'd think there wouldn't be much to add to the Free Willy saga after Willy was freed, and you'd be right (unless you count the real-life movement to release Keiko, the captive orca used in these movies). FREE WILLY 2 treads some pretty familiar waters; it's not unlike a "Flipper" episode on steroids, especially in the action-filled climax, when whales and boys confront an ocean that's turned into sheets of flame.
But the first movie wasn't so much about stunts as the surprisingly touching relationship between Jesse and the troubled sea creature (Flipper never had such a bad attitude). There's an attempted substitute here in the emotional subplot of Jesse's jealousy, rivalry and reconciliation with Elvis, his obnoxious sibling. Much of their dramatics takes place in the midst of an environmental inferno. The producers correctly intuited that this brotherly spat alone would leave much of the audience cold.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how, in this movie, children put themselves at risk. How much risk is too much? How should kids handle deciding whether to take risks?
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AGE
Most awesome awesomeness!
This movie has a lot of fun and fiery stuff! it's awesome!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
good movie
this movie is so awesome i was excited before i watched it
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AGE
Interesting
I have to admit is was good, actually, I wanted to see this on Youtube but I would have to pay to see so I waited for it to show up on TV and it did. It was amazing to see Willy's family although a little sad that Jessie's mom died. Plus, what the heck did the word 's**' come up. The the movie without that word popping up. It was cute to see the kiss though. Although the flames were new. Other than that it was a good movie, I have to admit well put together.
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Kid, 12 years old
January 22, 2012
AGE
Great movie!!
Great sequel! There is more violence then the first one but is really nothing. Jesse does get a little girl crazy and there is a small kiss and holding hands but just mild. Glen also says tells Jesse that kissing can lead to sex and Elvis mutters the D-word twice but other than that is is a really good, heartwarming movie.
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| Topics: | ocean creatures, wild animals |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Dwight H. Little |
| Cast: | Francis Capra, Jason James Richter, Michael Madsen |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 96 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | June 5, 2001 |
| DVD release date: | June 5, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | emotional intensity |
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