Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Music-themed movie has great message, confusing story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
After a concert at the Red Volcano, someone has stolen the Musical Keys, and without them, the instruments can no longer play music together. The Brass, Woodwinds, Strings, and Percussion no longer get along, because each thinks one of the other groups stole the keys. While wondering lost in Brassland, a piccolo named Dizzy (JoJo Levesque) meets a soprano saxophone named Bop (Bow Wow). Because they come from different groups, they're not supposed to get along, but in spite of this a friendship develops. Together, and later joined by a wayward snare drum, they decide to figure out a way to rescue the Musical Keys and restore the sound of music to the world.
Is It Any Good?
DIZZY & BOP'S BIG ADVENTURE: THE GREAT MUSIC CAPER, while a creative idea, is often marred by muddled storytelling. Characters come and go, show up out of nowhere, disappear, come back. Attempts to provide context only serve to get in the way of the adventure itself. The rivalries between instruments make it seem like nobody really likes anyone very much, even on good days.
And yet, despite the flaws, most kids will understand that what's at stake here is saving music from those who wish to silence the world of it. Also, since it's about music, there's ample opportunity for young kids to learn about the different instruments in an orchestra and the sounds that they make. This alone makes it worthwhile for families interested in music, even if the story is hard to follow at time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about music. How does this film showcase the importance of music? Why do you think music is important?
What did you learn about the sounds that different instruments make? Which instruments would you like to play?
How does this movie compare to other computer-animated features?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 27, 2009
- Cast : Bow Wow , Cheech Marin , JoJo Levesque
- Director : Eric Gutierrez
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Weinstein Co.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 77 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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