 | 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. |
Zhu Zhu Pets: Quest for Zhu
- Review Date: October 3, 2011
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Hamster tale is forgettable fluff with some brief scares.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this animated direct-to-DVD movie features those ubiquitous toy hamsters, the Zhu Zhu Pets. Although most of the movie is a harmless adventure for preschool-aged kids, the second half includes some frightening situations that might scare very young viewers, especially the parts with the "Yeti" Zhu, a trio of saber-toothed tigers, and the serpentine villain that shoots fire out of her tail. There's nothing to fear in the long run, since the Zhu pals are ultimately victorious, but some of the scenes might still be disturbing. Like most movies based on toys, the entire story seems like a big merchandising promo (the DVD even comes with two Zhu Zhu figurines).
What's the story?
The lovable Pipsqueak feels unappreciated by her young owner and is magically transported into the Zhu-niverse, where every creature is a form of hamster. She meets fellow Zhus Num Nums, Chunk, and Mr. Squiggles, who are told by Stinker -- the resident trouble-making skunk -- that if they find their way to the Palace of Zhu, an Oz-like Zhu Fu will grant all their wishes. When they arrive at the Palace -- after some close calls with menacing Zhus -- the friends discover that it's run by an evil snake villain called Mezhula. If the Zhu pals can't stop Mezhula, she'll use their "Zhu power" to fuel her nefarious plans.
Is it any good?
When it comes to movies, most young kids are so excited about the magic of the alternate universe they're being transported to that they don't tend to care whether it's "good" or not. Chances are, given the popularity of the Zhu Zhu pet toys, any child who owns one will enjoy this lackluster Wizard of Oz rip-off, while parents will secretly wish they were watching the actual Wizard of Oz (or even the Tom and Jerry version).
It's not just the hamsters' squeaky, high-pitched voices or the Confucius-like character with the ridiculous accent, or the off-putting Mezhula villain that make this quest so unsatisfying. There's just no real purpose to this movie other than to hook kids even further into the world of Zhu Zhu pets. If you are into the little fluff-ball hamsters, the movie will make for passable diversion, but those who aren't already die-hard fans will be underwhelmed.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about movies based on toys. Do they seem like commercials for the toys? What are some good ones? Do you feel more inclined to buy toys after watching this movie or others like it?
Is the violence in the movie too intense for preschool viewers?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Horrible, horrible film
Ok, worst idea ever. This is obviously a CareBears knockoff and I can't stomach either movies. High levels of consumerism and a few scares, this film barely made it past critics.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
It's cute
My little 2.5 yr old got this movie as a gift, we watched it together and she just loved it! She's not a TV fan, but this movie does the trick to have her sit by my side and relax on the sofa. She loves to sing along at the beginning...the hamsters are all so cute to watch...a nice soft story with a good ending to sing along and dance to. We enjoy it together. Nothing's wrong with this movie, but I'd like to see more of this style but with a not-so-scary dragon.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
February 22, 2012
AGE
terrible
it. is. terrible. that is all i have to say
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Universal Studios Home Entertainment |
| Director: | Bob Doucette |
| Cast: | Erin Matthews, Ian James Corlett, Jillian Michaels |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 73 minutes |
| DVD release date: | September 27, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
