Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wondrous, bittersweet, funny, edgy animated canine story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Isle of Dogs
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 45 parent reviews
Parents say the film is visually captivating and uniquely crafted, but its themes and some violent scenes may not be suitable for younger children, particularly those who are sensitive. While many find it to be a thoughtful and engaging narrative for older kids, several reviews caution against exposing very young children to its darker elements and complex themes.
- violence concerns
- artistic quality
- age recommendations
- emotional depth
- parental supervision
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 66 kid reviews
Kids say that this film offers stunning visuals and complex storytelling, making it a unique viewing experience that is not suitable for very young children due to its darker themes, including violence and intense emotional moments. Many reviews highlight the film's dark humor and its departure from traditional children's movie formulas, suggesting it is more appropriate for older kids and tweens who can grasp its mature content and appreciate its artistic style.
- visuals
- complex storytelling
- dark humor
- mature content
- not for young kids
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In ISLE OF DOGS, canine flu has ravaged a futuristic Japan, and the tyrannical mayor Kobayashi (voiced by Kunichi Nomura) decides to exile all dogs to Trash Island, starting with his own son Atari's faithful pooch, Spots (Liev Schreiber). Some time later, Atari (Koyu Rankin) crash-lands a small plane on the island in search of his beloved pet. Instead, he meets a roving gang of five dogs: Rex (Edward Norton), King (Bob Balaban), Boss (Bill Murray), and Duke (Jeff Goldblum) -- all of whom lived in homes with humans -- and Chief (Bryan Cranston), who was mostly a stray. While they search for Spots, Chief slowly starts to bond with Atari. Meanwhile, an exchange student named Tracy Walker (Greta Gerwig), working at her school newspaper, tries to uncover a government conspiracy against the dogs.
Is It Any Good?
Wes Anderson's ninth feature film (his second in stop-motion animation) is his wildest and waggiest yet, expanding his wondrous, inventive vision while retaining his meticulous compositions. Isle of Dogs -- which, if spoken aloud, sounds like "I love dogs" -- is probably Anderson's first movie to deal with the downtrodden and rejected, as well as politics and conspiracies, yet all of these things feel perfectly at home in his universe. He's been accused many times of being overly cute, but he clearly loves his characters; he probably laughs along with their quirky sense of humor.
The movie is sublimely funny but also a bit edgy, and it's certainly bittersweet and heartfelt. Certain moments are bound to prompt a tear or two, such as when Chief tastes a doggie treat for the first time. Anderson's last stop-motion movie, Fantastic Mr. Fox, was more kid friendly and also more straightforward. This one has a much bigger vision, and its movements and rhythms are utterly unique. The compositions of the shots are unfailingly jaw-dropping; as with the work of Stanley Kubrick, any frame from this movie could be taken out and viewed as a beautiful snapshot. On the whole, it's a pure treasure.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Isle of Dogs' use of violence. How much is shown, and how much is suggested? Is the violence meant to be unpleasant or exciting? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How did teamwork help the characters in Isle of Dogs realize their goal? When you're a member of a team, how do you help your team succeed?
Is Tracy Walker a positive role model? Why or why not?
Anderson has clearly taken great care in his world-building and his choices in depicting Asian characters, but some people may find it problematic due to what could be viewed as stereotypical characterization and a "white savior." What's your take on Anderson's/the movie's choices in this respect?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 23, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : July 17, 2018
- Cast : Bryan Cranston , Edward Norton , Koyu Rankin
- Director : Wes Anderson
- Studio : Fox Searchlight Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Animals
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements and violent images
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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