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The Care Bears Movie
By Pam Gelman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Not all rainbows and hugs -- some scares, too.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Based on 3 parent reviews
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For young kids
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What's the Story?
In THE CARE BEARS MOVIE, the Care Bears, whose mission is to help those humans who have given up on ever feeling loved, target an orphaned girl named Kim, and her brother, Jason. Two Care Bears travel down to Earth and bring them back to Care-A-Lot. Fun and frolicking ensues in the puffy clouds, and the Care Bears win the hearts of the kids. Another Care Bear finds a friendless magician's assistant, Nicholas, who falls under the spell of an Evil Spirit. The Spirit corrupts Nicholas and together they begin a quest to rid all caring from the world. With the help of the bears, Kim, Jason, and the Care Bear cousins from the Forest of Feelings, Nicholas is saved and the Spirit is once again forced back into an old book.
Is It Any Good?
The Care Bears Movie was made for young kids, but this movie's plot has some dark scenes and parents will want to be close at hand to comfort young viewers. Children may have questions about orphaned kids. Also, for younger kids who are still blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, the Evil Spirit may prove frightening even after the movie is over.
This film was one of the highest grossing kids movies made in Canada. It was a predecessor to the television series and the mass of merchandising that followed. Sugary sweet music provided by Carole King and John Sebastian complement the Care Bear visuals. It has a retro look to it with floating hearts, stars, and rainbows that is stylish today. It's a movie that captures the interest of children across generations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it's important to demonstrate feelings for each other. Also, kids may want to know why Kim and Jason do not have parents in the beginning of the movie.
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 29, 1985
- On DVD or streaming: March 20, 2007
- Cast: George Engel , Jackie Burroughs , Mickey Rooney
- Director: Arna Sleznick
- Studio: MGM/UA
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Adventures , Friendship
- Run time: 77 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- MPAA explanation: all audiences
- Last updated: September 14, 2023
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