Seal Team
Seal Team
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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 Seal Team is an animated comedy about a determined seal named Quinn (voiced by Jessie T. Usher) who assembles a platoon to fight back against a gang of sharks. Characters use some insults ("stupid," "dummy," etc.), there are moments of violence/peril, and some scenes could be scary for younger viewers. An electric eel is used as a weapon, as is a pistol shrimp. A character is eaten by a shark off-screen, which is what drives the plot forward to stop the sharks. Another character is thought to be eaten by sharks but later returns. A couple of characters flirt and discuss their failed relationship. A minor character smokes a cigar. Characters use teamwork, perseverance, and wits to outsmart the villains while also learning to overcome and forgive themselves for past mistakes.
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How many times can you say “stupid” in one movie?!
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What's the Story?
In SEAL TEAM, a persistent seal named Quinn (Jessie T. Usher), who has lost a friend to a shark attack, assembles a band to fight back against a group of sharks overtaking the area. They enlist the help of a military-trained seal named Claggart (J.K. Simmons) to help get them into shape and ready for battle so that no more seals are eaten by sharks. Both Quinn and Claggart have to learn to let go of their past mistakes to move forward and focus on the mission at hand. Using teamwork, trust, and creative tactics, the group embarks on a pun-filled mission to outsmart the sharks.
Is It Any Good?
Right out of the gate, it's evident that Seal Team is a clever story combining cute seals in a military-like war against sharks. Though it doesn't have the big-name studios behind it, this movie holds its own in the animation and voice acting categories. With names such as Dolph Lundgren playing the dolphin and the singer Seal voicing a singing seal, there's some enjoyment for kids and adults alike. The puns heavily flow from start to finish and at times can feel a little overdone.
Story-wise, the characters have some heart and, of course, a lot of humor. Young kids will likely be drawn to the charismatic characters and silly jokes. You can't help but root for the seals, who will do whatever it takes to help their friends. Though the mission is clear, the story seems to drag a bit, and there's no clear winner, leaving viewers to wonder if perhaps the seals won the battle but the war goes on. It's something left for the imagination -- or possibly a future sequel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about ways people can come together to form a better team. How did different characters in this movie use their individual skills to help the mission? In what ways do you see teamwork in your home or school? How does working with others help in your daily life? What are some skills you have to help on a team?
Did the seal boot camp training look challenging to you? When you're working toward a goal, do you respond better to fast-paced yelling and orders, or a gentler approach? Why?
What parts of the movie were scary? Why? Did anything that you thought was going to be scary turn out to be not so bad?
How do the characters in Seal Team demonstrate courage and perseverance? What about teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: January 3, 2022
- Cast: Jessie T. Usher, J.K. Simmons, Dolph Lundgren, Bumper Robinson
- Directors: Greg Cameron, Kane Croudace
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Superheroes, Friendship, Ocean Creatures, Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 100 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
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