Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animated sequel has some scenes of peril, cartoon violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Two by Two: Overboard!
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In TWO BY TWO: OVERBOARD!, the animals on Noah's Ark are out of food. But an island of fantastical fluffy Nestrians might provide help -- if the animals, led by Finny (voiced by Max Carolan) and Leah (Ava Connolly), can be persuade the islanders to let outsiders into their community.
Is It Any Good?
Despite being a bright, impressively animated, and incredibly detailed spectacle, the beauty of this animated sequel is only skin deep. The script of Two By Two: Overboard! leans heavily on the tired humor of its characters, while the slapstick rarely raises a smile. The movie's messages of harmony and understanding are well-meaning. But in the shadow of the likes of Zootopia, animated offerings of this kind need more than perhaps used to suffice.
In addition, for a movie that is sometimes so bright it hurts your eyes, its tone is occasionally far too dark for its target younger audience. The chilling scream and anguished face of an infant Nestrian being wrenched from its home as its whole world burns is well rendered and performed, but maybe a bit much. Likewise, when a character seemingly dies, the camera ghoulishly closes in on the corpse for far too long before they're jolted back to life, leaving a bitter taste.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the positive messages in Two By Two: Overboard!. What do you think the filmmakers are trying to say? How might the themes of inclusion and harmony be applied to the real world?
Talk about the characters of Finny and Leah. Would you describe them as being positive role models? Why, or why not? What character strengths do they show?
Discuss the moments of threat in the movie. Did the fact that it was a cartoon impact how you felt about it? Why do you think that was? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How did this sequel compare to the first movie? What are you favorite sequels?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 23, 2020
- On DVD or streaming : March 9, 2021
- Cast : Max Carolan , Ava Connolly , Dermot Magennis
- Directors : Toby Genkel , Sean McCormack
- Studio : Entertainment One
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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