Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Endearing story blends sea life facts and mild action.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Go Fish
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Christine (Kathleen Bar), a curious young seahorse, is dying to go on an adventure in GO FISH. She doesn't want her parents to baby her anymore; she wants them to believe that she can do grown-up things. So when, Alex (Sean Patrick O'Reilly), a parrotfish responsible for keeping their home coral reef clean, sets out to find the source of some awful black goop that's falling on the fish, Christine wants to go with him. Her reluctant parents agree, but only when Ed (Elijah Davvaan), a steadfast blowfish, promises he'll go and look after their daughter. The enthusiastic trio is joined by Eelanor (Asia Mattu), a shy eel. The team's journey does become a real adventure when they encounter the unexpected... a sunken plane, two sharks who are looking for a fine dinner, and, finally, an oil rig that may just have a problem.
Is It Any Good?
Cute, humorous, and always well-intentioned members of an animated fish clan convey fascinating facts, make new friends, and help put off a natural catastrophe with just a touch of cloying sweetness. Sean Patrick O'Reilly, his team, and his own clan (lots of O'Reillys in the credits) are well-intentioned, too. Descriptions of sea creatures -- their behaviors, their defense systems, and their purpose -- are relayed in a gentle way, smoothly blending with the storytelling. Based on O'Reilly's own graphic children's book, Go Fish is a simple story, well-told, and designed to be family-friendly.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the action sequences in Go Fish. Were they scary? At what age do you think you understood the difference between pretend and real violence? How does your family decide whether a movie is suitable for you? Why is it important to be aware of the impact of violence on kids?
Were you surprised to find out that coral reefs are actually made of living animals? Find out more about them. Why are coral reefs in real danger? What can humans do about those dangers?
What did Christine learn about growing up and being independent? Why did her parents give her boundaries? Why do parents generally make rules for their kids?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 19, 2019
- Cast : Mark Hamill , Ron Perlman , Asia Matt
- Director : Sean Patrick O'Reilly
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : STEM , Adventures , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- Run time : 74 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some mild rude language
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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