Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Musical has big lesson, huge heart that all ages will love.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience
What's the Story?
NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE UNDERGROUND ROCK EXPERIENCE is a rock 'n' roll parable with a significant message for today's audiences, based on the hit children's book (and subsequent live musical) created by Mo Willems. Wilbur and all his fellow naked mole rats in the colony have always been, well ... naked. The colony is a matriarchal society led by a queen, Grand-Mah. Wondering what other possibilities are out there, Wilbur discovers a love for clothing and style. When word of his new passion turns the colony upside down, can he proves to everyone that there's no need to be just like everyone else?
Is It Any Good?
This raucously fun special strikes the perfect chord by preserving Willems' charmingly simple illustrative style while delivering musical numbers that are supremely satisfying. Giving the genius of Mo Willems the 3D-animated treatment for the first time is no small task, especially when there's already a successful live musical to live up to, but Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience does it with apparent ease. As any fan of Mo Willems would expect, it's clever, funny, and tenderly endearing, and there's even a trademark cameo in there too. As in his books, the humor here is playfully varied, using word play, site gags, and subverted expectations around every turn -- basically everything young kids will love. Mix that with ridiculously good lyrics, melodies, and vocal performances, and every minute of this story is kept fresh and enthralling. Which is a very good thing, because there are important themes of self-acceptance, open-mindedness, and standing up to peer pressure layered into all the silliness. This is a special you'll want your kids to watch again and again.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about courage and how it feels to stand up to peer pressure and be true to yourself. Role-play with your kids some scenarios where they can practice being courageous.
Talk about Grand-Mah's message "If something hurts someone, don't do it; if it's fun, get to it." How is this an example of empathy? Does this include hurting yourself?
Did you notice that you learned anything new watching this? How does the special use music and humor to teach? Is this a fun way to learn?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 30, 2022
- Cast : Jordan Fisher , Carol Kane , Thomas Lennon , Kate Micucci
- Director : Guy Moore
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : HBO Max
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 55 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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