Common Sense Media Review
By Danny Brogan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Short animated sequel debunks princess stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Zog and the Flying Doctors
What's the Story?
In ZOG AND THE FLYING DOCTORS, Princess Pearl (voiced by Patsy Ferran), Gadabout (Daniel Ings), and Zog (Hugh Skinner) spend their days flying around helping those in need. But then Pearl is locked up in a tower by the king (Rob Brydon) for not behaving like a princess. Could this be the end for the trio of flying doctors?
Is It Any Good?
This TV movie is both a sequel and adaptation of one of Julia Donaldson's popular kids' book. Zog and the Flying Doctors picks up from where the first story ended with the accident-prone, fire-breathing, friendly dragon, Zog, flying Princess Pearl and Gadabout around as they help those in need of medical attention. However, whereas Zog was the main character in the first story, this time it's Pearl who is front and center.
Pearl remains a strong female role model, objecting to those around her who say she should behave more like a princess, and determined to help others in her job as a doctor. She remains compassionate throughout, despite the interference and meanness shown by her uncle, the king. Meanwhile Zog and Gadabout provide the slapstick laughs, crashing and bumping into things, usually each other. Yet despite this repositioning of the characters, Zog and the Flying Doctors fails to move the narrative along. Themes from the first story are revisited and while they are admirable and positive, there's nothing here that the first film didn't do, arguably better.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the positive messages in Zog and the Flying Doctors. What examples of teamwork, compassion, and integrity were there? Why are these such important character strengths to have? Can you give any real life examples when you've demonstrated any of these?
Would you describe Pearl as good role model? If so, why? What make a good role model? How did Pearl compare to other portrayals of princesses you've seen? How did she defy what was expected of her? How do stereotypes in movies and on TV impact kids' development?
How did this film compare to the first? What about the book, how did it compare to that? What are your favorite films based on books?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 25, 2020
- Cast : Lenny Henry , Patsy Ferran , Hugh Skinner
- Director : Sean Mullen
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Magic Light Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 26 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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