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Care Bears: A Belly Badge for Wonderheart Movie
By Renee Longstreet,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Toy franchise cub misbehaves but learns lessons.
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What's the Story?
In CARE BEARS: A BELLY BADGE FOR WONDERHEART MOVIE, the little cub is sad to learn that she can't participate in the approaching Cub Bouts because she doesn't yet have her Belly Badge Power. She just can't wait! In a series of three episodes (previously aired as part of a TV series), Wonderheart uses all the resources at her command to get into those bouts, even if means "kind of" stealing, "kind of" lying, and definitely pushing herself before she's ready. In fact, she almost forgets that Belly Badges are given to help focus caring for others, not for things bears want for themselves. It isn't long before Wonderheart causes near-disaster for all her friends, and learns valuable lessons about how much better it will be to discover her powers when she's ready and to use them wisely.
Is It Any Good?
Filled with messages about good behavior and knowledge of what's important in a kid's life, this Care Bears entry is relatively scare-and-suspense light and has some amusing moments. The soft visuals, relatable language, and the clarity of the lessons offered, provide an entertaining, gentle movie (actually three connected TV episodes) for the very youngest viewers.
But don't expect an ultimate payoff, because while Wonderheart's efforts each result in a teachable moment, the cub is still waiting for her special magic when the movie ends. She's wiser, but no more powerful. Thankfully, rather than just serve as a 65-minute commercial for the Care Bears franchise, the filmmakers seem to want those minutes to result in a positive, enriching experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can discuss the many important lessons Wonderheart learned in this movie. What are some ways you can prove you're responsible in your family?
Make your own Care Bear. Draw a picture of your Bear or Cub and decide what its special "Belly Badge Power" will be. Remember Belly powers are not for you, but for helping others.
As the movie showed us, it's hard to wait when we want something. Does watching this movie make you want your own Care Bear toys? Talk with your parent(s) about the connection between shows and toy companies and the difference between TV shows and commercials.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: August 6, 2013
- Cast: David Lodge , Doug Erholtz , Michaela Dean
- Director: Jeff Gordon
- Studio: Lionsgate
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Friendship
- Run time: 65 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
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