Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animated adaptation of classic tale has grief, peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Peter & the Wolf (2023)
What's the Story?
Sullen 12-year-old Peter is grieving the loss of a parent and living with his worried grandfather in PETER & THE WOLF. They live in a house by a meadow on the edge of the woods, where a dangerous wolf is said to reside. When Peter sees the wolf eat an animal in his backyard, he decides to take matters into his own hands. He will have to face the creature, hunters on the prowl, and his own fears in the process.
Is It Any Good?
Bono's participation in this animated version of the classic fairytale might help draw audiences to this technically attractive and artistic Irish short. This version of Peter & the Wolf updates the heartfelt tale with a lively ensemble rendition of the classic Prokofiev score, groovier characters that are based on Bono's original illustrations, and a new ending. Peter looks like a slightly hunched, shaved-head tween you might find on the streets of Dublin, and the suave fly narrator (voiced by musician and composer Gavin Friday) wears sunglasses and an earring.
A brief intro shows Bono painting the characters on a transparent wall, which neatly flips around to send the animated versions into action. The film's use of miniature sets and 2D animation add to the visual depth, while the intricacies of the musical connections to characters and action might warrant multiple viewings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the meaning behind Peter & the Wolf. What is the literal story, and what do you think it means?
Do you think the wolf in the film is symbolic? What might he represent?
Have you read the story or seen other versions of this tale? If so, how did this one compare? What was different?
Discuss the use of color in the film.
How does the music complement the action in this film?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 19, 2023
- Cast : Gavin Friday
- Directors : Elliot Dear , Stephen McNally
- Studio : Max
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 32 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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