Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Adventures in Zambezia should appeal to most kids who like animal characters with personality and humor, and a story with some suspense. Set in Africa, the movie introduces bits of the geography, language, and melodies of the continent, as well as many native birds and creatures. Best for kids who can distinguish cartoon violence from real violence, as there's plenty of action (chases, captures, a vicious monitor lizard) to go with the bright, colorful animation and a mostly conventional story. At the heart of the tale is a young peregrine falcon who, in the course of the film, learns about the death of his mother. In addition, one villainous marabou falls to his death as his brother watches. There are lots of positive messages about teamwork, inclusiveness, and growing up.
Sexual
Content
Not applicable.
Violence
Lots of cartoon action. The chief villain is a scary, toothy monitor lizard who is always threatening and is on an evil quest -- he wants to eat all the eggs in Zambesia. His henchmen are designed more comically, but they, too, assault the heroic bird community. One villainous bird falls to his death as his brother watches. A young falcon hears about the death of his mother who gave her life so that he might live. There are numerous swooping chases, falls, crashes, lots of pushing, shoving, and imprisoning captive innocents. The finale is an extended battle scene as the lizard and his followers attempt to invade Zambezia and the citizens fight them off.
Language
Not applicable
Social
Behavior
Clearly shows the positive results of teamwork, loyalty, a sense of adventure, and living in an inclusive society. Parents learn that they can't protect their offspring by keeping them close and restricted, but must let them "fly."
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Not applicable
