La Leyenda del Chupacabras

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La Leyenda del Chupacabras
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that La Leyenda del Chupacabras (in Spanish with English subtitles) is the fourth installment in the La Leyenda animated series about the adventures of 9-year-old Leo San Juan and his friends. This movie takes place in Mexico during a rebellion. Some scenes will be scary to younger kids, including those with the chupacabras -- bat-like creatures with glowing red eyes -- and some tense scenes in which the rebels are captured at gunpoint and told they'll be executed. Two friendly monsters have living skull sidekicks, which could also upset the youngest viewers. Expect some insult language ("blockhead" and the like). Fans of the La Leyenda series will enjoy this latest installment, while newcomers may find it hard to follow, despite its messages about the importance of having an open mind and that violence isn't the answer.
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What's the Story?
LA LEYENDA DEL CHUPACABRAS is the fourth installment in the La Leyenda animated series, which follows the adventures of 9-year-old Leo San Juan (voiced by Benny Mendoza) and his friends. In this movie, Leo finds himself with a group of Mexican rebels who are captured and put in prison. With the help of his friends, Leo must find a way to save everyone -- and figure out the mystery of the monstrous Chupacabras while he's at it.
Is It Any Good?
In order to fully enjoy this Spanish-language adventure (subtitled in English), you might want to watch the previous films first. Leo is a sweet character, but his sidekicks don't make much sense without the context of the earlier movies. That said, La Leyenda del Chupacabras is action-packed and has a positive message about fighting for what's right and not jumping to conclusions. The animation is fun to watch, as are the wacky sidekicks, a group that includes colorful monsters and walking skulls. Younger kids may have trouble with the subtitles and the scary images, but older kids and adults who know the back story may find this Scooby-Doo-like story entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the messages of La Leyenda del Chupacabras. What does it mean to have an open mind? What are other ways to solve conflicts besides violence?
Did you find the movie scary? Why or why not? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
Everyone thinks the Chupacabras are bad and to be feared. Is there anything that you're afraid of that might not be as bad as you think?
When Leo is first captured, he's told to give up the leader and he'll be set free. He doesn't. What would you have done in that situation? Do you think Leo is courageous?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 14, 2016
- On DVD or streaming: March 7, 2017
- Cast: Benny Mendoza, Mayte Cordero
- Director: Alberto Rodriguez
- Studio: Pantelion Films
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Adventures, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Run time: 81 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: action/scary images and brief smoking
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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