Common Sense Media Review
By Danny Brogan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animated adventure has stereotypes, cartoon violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Harvie and the Magic Museum
What's the Story?
HARVIE AND THE MAGIC MUSEUM tells the story of Harvie (voiced by Wilson Davis), a mischievous boy whose sole purpose is getting into the hall of fame for his favorite computer game. But when he and his best friend, Monica (voiced by Sarah Natochenny), discover magical puppets in the museum, Harvie turns his attention to a new mission -- to become the best puppet master in the world. Yet after Harvie accidentally resurrects the previous puppet master, Bastor (voiced by H.D. Quinn), it's not just Harvie who's in danger, but the whole city.
Is It Any Good?
Perhaps the biggest problem with this animated adventure is that the lead character, Harvie, is so unlikable. From the first scene of Harvie and the Magic Museum, in which he speeds his way through the city on his bike, knocking two girls into a fountain, to ignoring his dog's pleas to go for a walk, Harvie is difficult to warm to. Furthermore, the portrayal of his friend, Monica, as a bookish teacher's pet -- something Harvie continuously pokes fun at -- feels outdated and lazy.
Younger viewers may enjoy some of the set pieces -- Harvie and Monika's first ride on the dragon is the most notable -- and there are a couple of laugh-out-loud moments. But there are better family adventures available and certainly ones with less obnoxious lead characters.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Harvie and the Magic Museum. What are the consequences of the violence? Does it make a difference that it's cartoon violence? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Discuss the portrayal of Harvie and Monica. Do you think they're stereotypes? If so, how? How can gender stereotypes affect us?
Did you like Harvie? What were his motivations? Had he changed by the end of the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 15, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : July 15, 2019
- Cast : Sarah Natochenny , Mike Pollock , Marc Thompson
- Directors : Martin Kotík , Inna Evlannikova
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Puppets
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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