Parents' Guide to

Space Dogs: Adventure to the Moon

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Engaging, action-packed sequel has positive messages.

Movie NR 2016 75 minutes
Space Dogs: Adventure to the Moon Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Side_Step
Side_Step Parent of 5-year-old
May 7, 2020
age 7+

Action & Stereotypes

This is a fun, action-packed story, but my 2 and 5 year old won't be watching it again at any young age. It is full of racist and sexist and other stereotypes. Americans are either brave or stupid while Russians are evil and the rivalry between them is natural. Lots of heterosexual "sexy stuff," commentary on how to "treat ladies" and "space girls," etc with references to "boyfriend/girlfriend" in flirtatious scenes that made my 5 year old literally look at me and blush. Poor taste jokes. Characters calling each other "dumb". Seductive female characters and authoritative male characters. It was enough to ruin a good story.

This title has:

Too much sex
JenniZee
JenniZee Parent of 6-year-old
July 5, 2019
age 10+

Skip it

As an adult, many of the Russian Cold-War era themes will make sense but absolutely not to a child. The animation is cute but the story line lacks, despite the historical content. There are references to bombs, lingerie, and characters trying to show off “for the ladies,” and poor taste jokes like “if it’s a big girl must be from Texas.” Many insults at spewed by characters including stupid and idiot. There are references to being “boyfriend and girlfriend” and a lot of talk about dying, destroying people, blowing things up, and being killed, also there’s wielding of a gun. Overall, not impressed, and not appropriate for young children. Catchy main song though.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Three interwoven stories in SPACE DOGS: ADVENTURE TO THE MOON come together when the interspecies heroes find themselves on the moon confronting an enemy that may threaten all of Earth. Strange green beams have been coming from the moon and stealing precious monuments (Big Ben,the Statue of Liberty) as well as smaller artifacts (a VW bus, a watch, a Ferris wheel) from the planet. Russian cosmonaut Kasbek (Sam Witer) is assigned to investigate, and his capsule is launched. He has left behind his devoted wife, Belka (Alicia Silverstone), and her space partner, Strelka (Ashlee Simpson), who, because of the notoriety of their earlier space mission, are now theatrical stars giving musical performances to dwindling audiences. And Pushok, son of Belka and Kasbek, has been sent as a temporary gift to Caroline, the daughter of the American president. When Russia loses contact with Kasbek; when Belka and Strelka's conniving agent disappears; and when the other White House pets get very jealous of Pushok, all of them are launched into outer space, where they meet a surprising and unexpected creature who has been stranded on the moon.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (4):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Uninspired animation and ho-hum music are rescued by funny characters, an interesting story, and kid-friendly suspense. Featured characters (Phil LaMarr as Lenny the rat and Lombardo Boyar as Chip the Texas astronaut, who sounds a lot like George W. Bush) are the most playful and get most of the laughs. Though there's plenty of action for kids who are comfortable with real-versus-pretend violence, Space Dogs: Adventure to the Moon is farcical and never truly scary, and there are no serious consequences. Though part of the plot pits the U.S. against the Soviet Union during the Cold War, recent events make it timely for 21st-century audiences as well. And there's just enough of an introduction to rocket launches and space terminology to give it a small plus for informational content. OK for all except very young viewers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the action in Space Dogs: Adventure to the Moon. Though there's plenty of it, is it ever scary? How is this kid-friendly cartoon different from video games and other animated films in which the violence is more realistic?

  • In what ways might watching realistic violence have negative consequences for audiences? How does your family decide what's appropriate and what's not?

  • This story has some rivalry between the United States and Russia. It's resolved when the two countries come together to solve a bigger problem that affects everyone. Can you see a relationship between this story and other conflicts? Have you ever had such an experience (i.e., sibling rivalry turning into teamwork to right a wrong or help one another)?

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