Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Elmo, Abby and gang celebrate neighborhood diversity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Magical Wand Chase: A Sesame Street Special
What's the Story?
THE MAGICAL WAND CHASE: A SESAME STREET SPECIAL features Elmo, Abby, and their friends as they go on a citywide adventure. When Nina (Suki Lopez) forgets the book they are supposed to read in order to guide their imaginary travels to far away places, Abby suggests that she use her magic wand to take them. Along with Big Bird, Rosita, Grover, and Cookie Monster, they travel high above New York in colorful hot-air balloons. But when a bird (played by Elizabeth Banks) gets ahold of the wand, they find themselves chasing it through neighborhoods that are full of people from other countries and cultures, and making new friends.
Is It Any Good?
This amusing and delightful special highlights how fun it is to learn about people and cultures from all over the world. It also celebrates the fact that, thanks to the diversity of many of our cities and towns, people can do so by learning more about the people who live in their surrounding communities. The power of using your imagination, and the importance of friendship and teamwork, are also major themes.
The Magical Wand Chase mixes learning with contemporary elements like hip-hop beats, snacks like fruit smoothies, and other details that continue to make the Sesame Street franchise popular. It's possible that smaller children may find it a little long, but the story is structured in such a way that it's easy to pause and continue another time. Nonetheless, Sesame Street fans of all ages will appreciate everything this special installment has to offer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different communities Elmo, Abby, and their friends learn about in The Magical Wand Chase. What makes them unique? What makes your own community special?
The Magical Wand Chase reminds us that sometimes we don't have to go far to learn about different cultures. If you had a chance to explore the neighborhoods close to yours, what would you find?
How do the stars of this special use communication and teamwork to reach their goals? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 17, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : November 6, 2018
- Cast : Suki Lopez , Elizabeth Banks , Ryan Dillon
- Director : Benjamin Lehmann
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : HBO
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Teamwork
- Run time : 44 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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