Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Entertaining wolf sequel has peril and some scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Alpha and Omega: The Legend of the Saw Tooth Cave
What's the Story?
In ALPHA AND OMEGA: THE LEGEND OF THE SAW TOOTH CAVE, Runt, the littlest Omega wolf of all, seems to be the most high-spirited, the most adventurous, and the most confident. In fact, his caring parents are worried that he won't recognize a truly perilous situation when he sees it. And they may be right. Runt insists that the legendary "shadowy forest" isn't really scary and that the myths about the Saw Tooth Cave aren't true. When he takes it upon himself to investigate and prove his point, he finds himself in a very frightening place -- but not in the way that everyone imagined. Instead of running into danger, Runt meets the fragile Daria, an outcast wolf who truly deserves his help. Runt enlists the assistance of his brother and sister, and, along with a surprising ghost and a vigilant porcupine, the three pups set out to make things right.
Is It Any Good?
This entertaining fourth DVD in the series is almost entirely character-driven, both in the tale that's told and as the wholesome origin of the laughs that emerge. The original Alpha and Omega, a 3-D feature film released in 2010, relied on sly sexual innuendo for much of its humor; some found this objectionable for the target audience. The creators of the franchise have certainly gotten the message. Porcupines have never been so intriguing. The now-familiar wolf pack and the other critters in their world reflect the emotions and behaviors of all creatures. Kids will identify with Runt, Claudette, and Stinky and recognize the grown-ups who try hard to raise them well. Still, kids who are not yet able to grasp the concept of cartoon danger might find this film too dark or scary.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Kate and Humphrey as parents who were having a hard time allowing their pups to grow up. How did Runt and the others convince them that they could be trusted?
Why do you think that Daria's original pack did not accept her? What were they afraid of? How are human families different?
What is an "alpha" wolf? Did you know that some experts think that there are actually no "alpha" or "omega" wolves? Find out about the different views of the hierarchy of a wolf pack.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 7, 2014
- Cast : Kate Higgins , DeeDee Greene , Ben Diskin
- Director : Richard Rich
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 45 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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