See more movie reviews

The Wind in the Willows: The Complete Second Series (G, 1986)

common sense media says

The further adventures of Toad and friends.

parents & educators say
Be the first to review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that these charming stories are a departure from most contemporary children's fare. The claymation is a far cry from, and far superior to, computer animation, and the stories are slower and gentler than most. The characters are wonderful, and their interactions are entertaining and very funny.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
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 The Wind in the Willows: The Complete Second Series

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the difference between the stop-motion animation in this series and the computer-generated animation in films like Finding Nemo. Do you prefer one kind of animation over another? If so, why? Families can also discuss friendship and loyalty. How can we tell who our friends are? What do our friends do that makes us feel good? What do they do that makes us feel bad? How do we know who we can and can't trust?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The second series of the stop-motion animated program based on Kenneth Grahame's classic stories features yet more adventures of the mischievous Toad and his friends Rat, Mole, and Badger. This collection of 13 episodes finds Toad in the sporting mood as he tries to become the local ski champion and bets the sneaky weasels that he can beat them in golf, even though he's never played the game. In other episodes, the friends work together as a team by organizing a search party to find a missing shrew and gathering food to prepare for the upcoming winter months.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
There are stories you just watch and stories you get caught up in. These tales are most definitely in the latter category. There is a literary quality to the tales, based on the characters created by Kenneth Grahame, that makes them very engrossing -- you really have to pay attention to what's going on, and as you watch you learn more about the characters and their relationships. The irrepressible Toad is always amusing, but the more subdued humor of Rat, Mole and Badger emerges with attentive viewing. Even the wicked Weasels have a sort of nasty charm.

The extremely high quality of the stop-motion animation and the voices make all the difference, creating characters with real depth. This is an excellent offering, one that children and parents will find bears repeated viewing.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: A&E Home Video
Director: Jackie Cockle
Cast: David Jason, Peter Sallis, Richard Pearson
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 290 minutes
Theatrical release: August 1, 1986
DVD release: July 26, 2005
MPAA Rating: G
MPAA explanation: all audiences
This review was written by Sarah Wenk
 
 

Review It

 

Review The Wind in the Willows: The Complete Second Series

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see The Wind in the Willows: The Complete Second Series?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more movies
About our rating system
ON: Content is 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
Our child development rating guidelines