Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bugs and robots do battle in animated sequel; some violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Brightheart 2: Firefly Action Brigade
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BRIGHTHEART 2: FIREFLY ACTION BRIGADE, Brightheart (voiced by Savannah Ruth Newton) and her fellow bugs must do battle with a group of robots from outer space. But if they're going to be victorious, Brightheart is going to have to persuade the leader of a group of light-hating moths to help them.
Is It Any Good?
While the original movie was about Brightheart's feelings of jealousy when the robot Aurora arrived, this sequel is strictly an all-action affair. Brightheart 2: Firefly Action Brigade features the same diverse cast of bugs from the first movie and then sets them straight to battle for almost 90 minutes. Unfortunately with its lack of atmosphere and low stakes, it often feels like sitting through a video game without the fun of actually playing it. It's attractively animated with a clear appeal for younger viewers, which like the first movie creates a jarring tone with the violence and deaths.
Those coming to the movie without having seen the first will be brought up to speed with an awkward rap at the start of the movie. But despite the efforts to get the audience on side, the film never draws you in. So when key events take place, no real emotion is felt. With its relentless battles and lack of compelling characters, Brightheart 2: Firefly Action Brigade does little more than look fine and pass the time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the action violence in Brightheart 2: Firefly Action Brigade. Did it feel appropriate for a movie like this? Why, or why not? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
What character strengths are on display in the movie? Did you notice themes of teamwork, courage, and perseverance depicted in the story? Why are these important traits to have?
Have you seen the first Brightheart movie? How did this compare? What other sequels to movies have you seen?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 15, 2020
- On DVD or streaming : February 27, 2021
- Cast : Savannah Ruth Newton , Carrie Jo Crosby , Nick Hudson Murdoch
- Director : Weifeng Deng
- Studio : Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Bugs ) , Robots
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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