Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slapstick sequel goes bigger but still has stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Gods Must Be Crazy II
What's the Story?
In THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY II, big-city lawyer Ann Taylor (Lena Farugia) is sent to southern Africa for business. Through a series of mishaps, she ends up stranded in the bush with a zoologist (Hans Strydom) who knows plenty about wildlife but less about relating to real people. Meanwhile, Xixo (N!xau), the Indigenous San character who was the hero of the original The Gods Must Be Crazy, returns when his children find themselves stuck in a poacher's truck and are transported far from home. The characters' stories intersect -- along with that of two bumbling soldiers who are trying to capture each other -- and once again Xixo's deep understanding of the wild world helps him save the day.
Is It Any Good?
This sequel follows the same formula as the first movie, and both of them are full of stereotypes about Africans and Indigenous peoples. The Gods Must Be Crazy II doubles down on ridiculous situations, portraying San characters as two-dimensional -- both pure and wise -- while everyone else bumbles around. Expect slapstick humor and broad comedy that reaches for the lowest of hanging fruit.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Gods Must Be Crazy II presents Ann's education and how it affects what she learns in the jungle. How do her views change during the film?
How does this sequel compare to the original? What do the two films have to say about modern consumer society?
How familiar are you with the African continent and its huge array of diverse peoples? How does the film's portrayal of Indigenous San peoples compare with what you know?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 13, 1990
- On DVD or streaming : June 1, 2004
- Cast : Hans Strydom , Lena Farugia
- Director : Jamie Uys
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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