Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cartoon adventure with iffy stoner character falls flat.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sahara (2017)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 51 parent reviews
Parents say the film, intended for children, is riddled with inappropriate content, including references to drug use, bullying, and problematic portrayals of female characters, leading many to deem it unsuitable for young audiences. While a few reviews defend the film as humorous and offering life lessons, the overwhelming consensus criticizes its poor messaging and lack of redeeming qualities, urging parents to be cautious about letting their kids watch it.
- inappropriate content
- negative messaging
- poor animation
- mixed reviews
- not suitable for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 34 kid reviews
Kids say this movie seems entertaining but is riddled with adult themes and inappropriate humor that may not be suitable for younger audiences. While some viewers enjoyed the animation and story, many criticized the drug references and suggestive elements, urging caution for parents considering it for children under 13.
- adult themes
- drug references
- inappropriate humor
- animation quality
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SAHARA, Ajar (Robert Naylor) is a desert snake and Eva (Angela Galuppo) is a jungle snake, each living with their own kind close enough to the border between the two. They're both fed up with the confines of their own world and want to escape to explore the larger world. After an accidental meeting being chased by the border patrol, they decide to head off together in search of adventure. Eva's promptly kidnapped and held captive by a snake charmer and forced to join the troop of performers. Ajar, his friend Pitt (Daniel Brochu), and Eva's brother Gary set out to find and rescue Eva. But the Sahara is vast and full of dangers. How will they ever find her?
Is It Any Good?
Interesting visuals and engaging characters aren't enough to save what could have been a fun, slightly romantic adventure. Sahara's downfall is the weak story. The plot clips along at a pretty good pace, but nothing's explored in any depth, the characters don't change or grow, and anything that needs to happen to move the story along appears conveniently from out of nowhere.
The abrupt ending doesn't reveal what becomes of the characters or provide any resolution or reinforcement of weak messages about friendship or perseverance, and using a funny character to acknowledge that doesn't help. Gary, the drug-seeking "stoner" character, makes this inappropriate for little kids, but it's also too juvenile and shallow to hold the interest of kids who can handle the no-big-deal attitude toward his "pollen" fixation.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what "pollen" is in Sahara. Is a "stoner"-type character OK in a kids movie? Does Gary make using drugs seem cool?
Are any other characters stereotypes? Which ones? Are they harmful?
Lots of characters use slapping and punching to solve their problems. Why doesn't that work in real life? Does it matter if it's done by cartoon characters?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 1, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : May 12, 2017
- Cast : Robert Naylor , Angela Galuppo , Daniel Brochu
- Director : Pierre Coré
- Studio : Mandarin Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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