 | 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. |
The Wind in the Willows: The Complete Second Series
- Review Date: July 31, 2005
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1986
Common Sense Media says
The further adventures of Toad and friends.
Parents say
Kids say
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.
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
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| Topics: | book characters, friendship, wild animals |
| 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 date: | August 1, 1986 |
| DVD release date: | July 26, 2005 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
| MPAA explanation: | all audiences |
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