Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Magic school sequel adds tween romance, bullying.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
School of Magical Animals 2
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In SCHOOL OF MAGICAL ANIMALS 2, two new magical animals join the class as they try to put on a play for the school's 250th birthday. Romance, conflict, and a mysterious nighttime digger threaten to disrupt the show but friends encourage each other to share their talents and investigate strange goings on.
Is It Any Good?
The first School of Magical Animals was a gentle new-school adventure with some colorful creatures. For the sequel, School of Magical Animals 2, the animals are sidelined and the series is growing up along with its characters. Center stage this time is a pair of tween romances (complete with love triangle) and lots more singing and dancing via a show the kids put on to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the school. Some of the songs are catchy and the kids banding together to put on a show gives the movie a feel-good factor. The Mean Girls plotline, with the cruel Helene (Emilia Pieske) controlling her so-called friend and trying to destroy Ida (Emilia Maier) and Jo's (Loris Sichrovsky) burgeoning romance, is just the right side of suitable for its age group, but could feel excessive when viewed by younger children.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about magical animal companions in School of Magical Animals 2. Which were your favorites? How did they help, or not help, the children?
Discuss the tween romance in the film. How did Ida and Jo's relationship develop? What did they have to do in order for that to happen?
Talk about the legend the kids uncovered. How do you think different versions of stories are passed down through time? Why do you think some facts are hidden, like this one?
The movie is based on a series of books. Have you seen any other movies based on books? How do they tend to compare to the original books?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 7, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : July 23, 2024
- Cast : Emilia Maier , Loris Sichrovsky , Lilith Julie Johna
- Director : Sven Unterwaldt Jr
- Studio : Blue Fox Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some rude material and language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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