Parents' Guide to

Once Upon a Mattress

By Tracey Petherick, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Disney reboot has fun playing on fairy tale stereotypes.

Movie NR 2005 87 minutes
Once Upon a Mattress Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 5+

Based on 3 parent reviews

age 6+

Colorful, fun musical with one “skip” scene

Colorful musical with bright costumes and fun (but mostly forgettable) songs. Carol Burnett is a hoot! Watched with my 6 and 10 year olds. Parents should know that the story starts out with a Maid and a Knight learning that they are pregnant. However, no one in the kingdom can get married until the 40 year old virgin Prince marries first, and that is not going to happen as long as the Prince’s mother, the overprotective Queen, has her way. Everything was fine for my kids except my wife and I found ourselves a little surprised by the “Dad, I’m getting married in the morning and I think it’s time we had that ‘talk’” scene. What followed was a 5 minute song with the “mute” King teaching about the birds and the bees, through symbolic pantomime, while the Prince narrated through song. Nothing graphic or grotesque, but weren’t quite ready to spring that on them. My kids love charades, so they were paying close attention. However, other than that one scene, there are only a few “stage“ kisses.

This title has:

Too much sex
age 8+

Lighthearted and silly romp

This is a fluffy, lighthearted musical romp — a silly story with goofy jokes and catchy songs. My 11-year-old son thought it was hilarious, laughing aloud at lots of jokes (both verbal and musical) and didn’t want to stop watching once we had started viewing. Really fairly wholesome way to spend an evening.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (1):

This made-for-TV Disney reboot of the fairy tale classic The Princess and the Pea is simple, silly but nevertheless entertaining family fare. The scheming queen -- effortlessly played by Burnett (Annie) the original Princess Winnifred in the 1950s Broadway musical -- is kitschy and camp, while the obviously fake scenery and props give the whole movie the feel of an intentionally amateur dramatic performance. O'Hare is endearing as Prince Dauntless, a man-child completely under the thumb of his mother, while Ullman as the incorrigible Princess Winnifred or "Fred" brings a burst of energy to the story.

There are rousing musical numbers, slapstick comedy, and a solid cast, including Elf's Deschanel and Glee's Morrison. So although Once Upon a Mattress lacks the quality of a theatrical release, it just about delivers on entertainment -- feisty, fun, and farcical. Even tweens and teens might find themselves having fun ... in between the occasional eye roll.

Movie Details

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