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Under the Sea 3D (G, 2009)

common sense media says

Stunning vision of the beautiful -- and fragile -- ocean.

parents & educators say
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the filmmakers have minimized the predator-prey relationships in this 3D nature documentary: Even though there's vivid evidence of the food chain at work, those few scenes are presented gently, as part of a natural process. Similarly, the mating behavior that's shown is treated with simple respect. It's worth noting that since the experience of watching a 3D movie brings images very close to your eyes, small children may need some introduction to the concept before watching.

Positive messages: Paints a clear picture of a complex issue for children by offering a gently cautionary look at the effects of climate change and global warming, with references to specific endangered sea creatures.
Violence & scariness: Although big fish eat little fish and turtles eat jellyfish, the filmmakers don't dwell on the cruel or gory aspects of nature.
Sexy stuff: Only as it apples to the mating and reproduction of cuttlefish.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Under the Sea 3D

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the variety and beauty of our natural surroundings. What does the movie say about our responsibility to our planet? What can we do, at any age, to respect and protect the other living things with which we share the earth? Kids: What creatures most amazed you? Did it surprise you when one species worked together with another so that both would be better off? How could that have meaning in your own life?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In UNDER THE SEA 3D, filmmaker Howard Hall journeys southward to Papua, New Guinea, The Great Barrier Reef of Australia, and the waters of the Coral Triangle. His subject is the ocean and the miraculous, vibrant creatures beneath its surface. The narrator (a superbly calm Jim Carrey) and the camera follow the drama of countless living things, all engaged in the extraordinary drama of self defense and self preservation.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
From the astonishing scenes of waving fields of garden eels to the dazzling beauty of the nearly extinct leafy sea dragons and on to the playful antics of endearing sea lions, frame after frame of this lovely film will impress even the youngest audience members with its panoramic view of nature's magic and the interdependence of our planet's inhabitants. The good news for parents is that the movie is a 40-minute delight, perfect for the the short attention spans of most children; the bad news for everyone who falls under its spell is that it's only 40 minutes long. This is a special film with footage that must have been very hard to come by and is delivered with great respect and care. It's highly recommended for viewers of all ages.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros.
Director: Howard Hall
Cast: Jim Carrey
Genre: Documentary
Run time: 40 minutes
Theatrical release: February 13, 2009
DVD release: March 30, 2010
MPAA Rating: G
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This review was written by Renee Schonfeld
 
 

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What parents & educators say

4

Most useful reviews by all members

Sanjay407
kid, 13 years old
2
 
This is awesome!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (96) | had useful details (89) | read my mind (89)
CSMOfficialAccount
adult
6
 
Stunning visual of the beautiful - and fragile - ocean.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (90) | had useful details (95) | read my mind (87)
buddy45
parent of 4 and 6 year old
2
 
a tiny bit scarey in bits
Loved the 3D movie, but my daughter was quite scared with the quick jumping of some of the sea creatures lunging suddenly to eat other fish - the shark was pretty scarey, too for my daughter who is 4 1/2. overall, a great movie though - thankfully it ended with cute little sea lions coming out of the screen.
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helped me decide (92) | had useful details (87) | read my mind (89)
cai
teen, 14 years old
2
 
EVERYONE WILL LOVE THIS
THIS WAS THE BEST THINK I HAVE EVER SAW
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helped me decide (97) | had useful details (85) | read my mind (83)
mohi
parent of 6 year old
6
 
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helped me decide (89) | had useful details (86) | read my mind (89)
jstroik
parent of 4 year old
2
 
Beautiful
I took my 2 1/2 year old son to see this. He loves fish and animals that live under water. He was enthralled the entire time. He loved it. There are 3 different parts where a big fish eats a little fish. He jumped, I think mostly because of how fast the bigger fish moved in on the smaller ones. I would tell any mom to take her little ones to it. The sea lion ending was a favorite of mine and my son's.
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helped me decide (85) | had useful details (80) | read my mind (94)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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