Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Musical worm tale is bland, with a bit of name calling.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Disco Worms
What's the Story?
Barry the Earthworm is growing up. He's on his way to a full-time job filing compost reports and settling down. But Barry wants more than that. He's tired of being laughed at because of his lowly status as a dirt-eating worm. When he hears about a TV song contest, he realizes that winning could mean fame, fortune, and a different way of life. So Barry and his overweight, but loving best friend decide to enter the contest with the dance sensation of the 1970s...disco! Gathering an odd assortment of would-be musicians (including Lucy, voiced by Jane Lynch) "Sunshine Barry and the Disco Worms" sets out to prove, once and for all, that earthworms are special, that they can boogie.
Is It Any Good?
The message of the movie is fine: follow your dreams, work hard, earn respect. There are amiable recreations of some iconic disco hits ("Play That Funky Music," "YMCA," etc.). The characters are likeable.
But it's all a bland affair. Neither the story nor the humor is original or clever. Sunshine Barry and the Disco Worms can boogie, but they're simply not that special.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the message of this movie. What does it say about the value of winning and losing? Does the movie communicate its message effectively? Does anything detract from its message?
What does the expression "bottom of the food chain" mean? How do Barry, Gloria, and the others change the opinions of the other creatures in the yard? What causes misconceptions about others? How can you avoid making incorrect judgments about others?
How did you feel about everyone laughing at Tito because of his overeating? How did Tito feel about himself? What are the consequences of bullying?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 7, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : September 6, 2011
- Cast : Frank Lenart , Jane Lynch , Jason Graae
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Phase 4 Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 78 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : for mild, rude humor and brief language
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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