Is Abominable ok for kids? Should children watch the new Abominable Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide and review to the newest DreamWorks animated film. No spoilers! #AbominableMovie May contain commissioned links.
Abominable Movie Review | Safe for Kids?
GROAN. Another Yeti movie?
I guess that I missed the memo that tall, hairy snowmen were trending in kids movies these days. After Smallfoot and Missing Link, my desire to sit through Abominable was about as equal as my desire to climb Mount Everest. Cringing at the thought of another unoriginal story, would this furry and adorable Abominable snowman be fun and loveable? Or having us wishing it would stay hidden in folklore?
In this Abominable Movie Review | Safe for Kids, we’re talking visuals, the story (no spoilers!), a full PG rating breakdown, and sharing whether your kids should watch or skip this film in this no spoiler parent review. Are you yeti?
Grab your Easy Abominable Party Ideas!
The Visuals
I appreciate how much DreamWorks has grown as an animated film company. While still a tad behind the competition, the Abominable visuals look very similar to the latest How to Train Your Dragon movie. Bright colors, sophisticated fur, beautiful landscapes and a nod to Asian animation influences. CGI definitely has come a long way from the early days of Shrek.
The Story
A movie about an Abominable snowman named Everest, finally set in the country that the folktale originates from. It may seem petty to finally scream “YES!” to a predominantly Asian setting, Asian animated cast, Asian voice cast and even an Asian co-animation team, Pearl Animation – but please, let’s first be loud clapping for the diverse representation in this film. Our kids seeing more Chinese people (of all shapes and sizes – by the way), culture, traditions, and places up on the big screen – it speaks volumes to the normalization of multiculturalism in film.
But beyond that? The story itself is predictable. Take a goofy Toothless dragon smile (yes, the same smile) and pop it on a round furry beast, you basically have the same film. It’s an easy to digest kind of film. But, there are lessons to take away for kids including the protection of animals, grief, and the importance of family. And let’s not forget the appreciation for the beauty of Chinese landmarks and scenery – the film definitely had me dreaming of visiting China and it’s iconic landscapes.
That PG Rating
Is Abominable safe for kids? Another Yeti movie? But rated PG, you know that these ratings could be unpredictable for determining if films are kid friendly (Christopher Robin PG or Incredibles 2 PG?). Parents deserve the chance to thaw out the answer to whether Abominable is really ok for children.
Why is Abominable rated PG? Abominable gets it’s PG rating for “some action and mild rude humor.” Should younger kids see this one? There are a few scenes to keep in mind.
Language: Thankfully none. I kept waiting for a slip-in of some crude joke as we see in the Shrek films. But I was surprised to not see any humor going over kids’ heads. No swear words either.
Adult Themes: I think this is where the mild rude humor would be inserted. While no nudity was present in the film, there is a “Shrek” type of moment where you see a person in his boxers. Honestly I kept waiting for a more “surprising” rude humor moment – but it didn’t come. I think the bigger adult theme here is seeing kids deal with grief and loss, as this is a recurring theme throughout the film. Be prepared for those conversations with your own children.
Violence: So here’s where the action of the film comes in. And also where this film may be too much for little kids. There is one injury where you see a little bit of blood. Keep in mind, it’s animated blood – so maybe not as gross to kids. The violence only escalates from here. Vehicle chase scenes and injuries, violent rage/peril, and a scene with a person being shot with a tranquilizer gun – these could be potentially scary for kids under the age of 5.
What Abominable Age Rating is Recommended for Kids?
Is Abominable kid friendly? An animated DreamWorks film with a runtime of 1 hour 37 minutes, this film is definitely geared towards a younger audience. Playing it safe on the MPAA rating for a change, I actually am surprised by the PG placement?
What age rating is recommended to watch Abominable? You know your kids’ temperaments best. With this being an animated film violence, it may soften the blow compared to a live action. But honestly, I was shocked to see this film rated as PG over G. I would recommend kids as young as 3-4 years old for this film. It’s seriously that mild (think Disney animated film mild).
The Overall
I think animated films are in a creative rut. Instead of coming up with entirely new and inspiring films for kids, we’re taking a half-used idea and trying to spin it as original. While Abominable wasn’t unpleasant or unwatchable, it really didn’t grab me as a “must-see” film of the year either. But of all of the trendy snowman movies out there, this was probably the better of the few. It’s enjoyable for kids and adults.
There’s a misty-eyed heart string pulling moment. There’s action. There’s adventure. There are lessons for kids to learn. And overall, it’s a film that the whole family can watch together. But if you’re looking for a “wow” over a “relaxing weekend movie,” this movie isn’t it.
But as a mom raising multicultural kids, I do think this movie brings important aspects to the film industry that normally get whitewashed and swept under the rug. For that reason alone, Abominable encourages me to bring my kids to see this film. And I hope that encourages you to do the same. To see people who look like my kids. To see cultures different from theirs. To see places that they have never seen before. To normalize diversity in film and in our daily lives – Abominable is doing something right.
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DreamWorks’ Abominable Movie blows into theaters this Friday September 27, 2019. Will you be taking your kids to see this film?
I was invited as press to screen this film in exchange for this Abominable Movie Review | Safe for Kids? All photos courtesy of DreamWorks Animation. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment and behind-the-scenes info!
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