Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui

BIONICLE 2: Legends of Metru Nui is a prequel to the first film that follows the adventures of the Turaga 1000 years ago, when they were known as the Toa Metru. Assuming you've seen the first one, you'll know there are many specialized terms, and that the movie might be a bit too complex for younger kids, but aside from that, Legends of Metru Nui is a decent kids movie without any real objectionable content. There's cartoon violence with blades, lasers, elemental powers, etc. between bio-mechanical characters, but it's high-fantasy, and easy to distinguish from reality. Unity, Duty and Destiny, the three BIONICLE virtues are present, but this movie isn't exactly a learning experience. The movie exists to sell toys, but it isn't as in-your-face about it as the first one - Each Toa is a separate, valuable member to the team, and no one feels like they're being sold to you (The toys aren't being made anymore, though, so your kids probably haven't heard of them). Overall, an alright flick, especially if your kids are into the series (modern kids probably aren't, it's been cancelled twice), but even if they're not, it couldn't hurt to give this movie a whirl. Chronologically, it's the first BIONICLE movie, so Mask of Light isn't a prerequisite. If it's a hit with the kids, the others are worth looking into, but if you start with 2, your order should be 2, 3, 1, 4 so no one gets too confused.

A nice prequel to the first film, pretty good animation and action scenes. Matau is just as funny as he is in web of shadows. Still, a bit too basic at times, and a bit odd for todays audience. Everyone who saw it as a child is probably late teens-early twenties at least, so its a bit childish as well. Great when it came out, but today its best for fans of the new releases interested in the old (and far better) storyline.