Norm of the North: King Sized Adventure

Norm of the North: King Sized Adventure
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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 Norm of the North: King Sized Adventure is another story in the animated film franchise about a good-natured polar bear who is the ruler of his community. The film reiterates the importance of being reliable and following through with what you say you will do. In this film, "adventure" actually means "peril," with Norm constantly finding himself in dangerous situations: being chased by an antiquities thief armed with a poisonous dart gun and two snapping Komodo dragons, surviving avalanches, falling out of planes, etc., but it never feels like there's any real danger. The story incorporates Chinese mythology and features two Chinese characters who have integrity and intelligence. On the flip side, it also features quite a few fart jokes.
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What's the Story?
In NORM OF THE NORTH: KING SIZED ADVENTURE, Norm agrees to help his grandfather with his upcoming wedding. Soon after, he meets Jin, an archeologist who is trying to keep a treasured Chinese antiquity out of the hands of a thief and bring it to Beijing in time for an important cultural event. When JIn is injured, Norm takes on his mission. Having given his word to both Jin and his grandfather, Norm must find a way to recover the artifact, deliver it intact, and make sure his grandfather's wedding goes off as planned.
Is It Any Good?
This movie is a problem solver: it's an innocuous film to entertain young ones for 90 minutes when parents need to put their focus on something else. The story is simple, but not dumb. It's not particularly educational, but it does introduce an earth science phenomenon and Chinese culture. Norm's constantly in dangerous situations, but one never doubts he'll come just fine. Don't expect a barrel of laughs, but if "adorable farts" makes you giggle, you're in luck. Ultimately, Norm of the North: King Sized Adventureis just like Norm: easy-going and nothing to worry about.
Again, though, this is not a Pixar or an animated film for all ages: it's going to be a rough watch for adults. The animation is nothing special. In fact, whether it's an homage or a rip-off, some scenes are similar to Aladdin, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Tomb Raider. The computer animation values were surpassed soon after computer animation was invented, but its lack of sophistication will likely only bother grown-ups: the intended audience of younger kids will like it just fine. The story is so uninspired, it'll be hard for adults to keep their focus, so look forward to utilizing the film as a way to get other work done or snuggle with your little ones and catch a few winks on the couch while Norm entertains them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Norm's promise in Norm of the North: King Sized Adventure to keep his word. What does Grandfather mean when he says "you're only as good as your word?" Then, what did Norm mean when he told Dexter he couldn't trust him because "your word is only as good as you are"? Why is it important to follow through with what you say you'll do?
How does Quinn treat people when he's put in charge of the wedding plans? Does being a leader mean you get to boss people around? How do you think a leader should behave to get a project done?
How does Fong the rabbit handle frustration when his ice sculpture keeps shattering? Compare that to how Quinn when he felt they were running out of time and he yelled and threw the phone. Does it feel good to scream when we're frustrated or under pressure? Does it do any good?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: June 11, 2019
- Cast: Andrew Toth, Maya Kay, Alan Marriott
- Directors: Richard Finn, Tim Maltby
- Studio: Lionsgate
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Wild Animals
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 29, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love animals
Themes & Topics
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