Riverdance The Animated Adventure Review written by the Hobbit and Queen on February 6th, 2022. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Watch
Movie: Riverdance The Animated Adventure
Rating: TV-G
Age Suggestion: 5-15
Running Time: 1 Hour 30 minutes
Release Date: January 14, 2022
Where to Stream: Netflix
Warnings: Some minor scary scenes; death of parent figure
Quick Riverdance The Animated Adventure Summary:
Riverdance uses a story with loose roots in Irish folktales and dancing to frame a story about handling grief. The story opens with young Keegan and his grandfather, the lighthouse keeper. His grandfather explains that their light is keeping the Huntsman from the shore. If the Huntsman arrives, he will stalk the ancient deer, dry up all rivers, and thus bring darkness and destruction. When his grandfather dies, Keegan is devastated. But his friend Moya introduces him to a magical land she has found – and to its inhabitants, notably the Mageloceros Giganteus, giant Irish elk who bring life through their dancing. However, Keegan failed to light the lighthouse light the night before…. And the Huntsman is growing nearer.
Riverdance Parent Review:
The story is well done and offers some good emotional guidance on dealing with loss. It is captivating enough to keep a 5-year-old and a 50 year old entertained. There are few recognizable actors, but they do a good job. The two main characters are convincing as kids. The film quality is good, but this is a lower budget film so you are not going to get the same quality and detail as the major studios put out.
There are many great themes in this film to discuss. There are thems of friendship, tradition, sacrifice, and love for family, friends, and neighbors. Most of the music comes from the original Riverdance production. The movie also celebrates tradition and community.
-Is Riverdance Appropriate for Younger Kids?
There are some slightly scary scenes and a little juvenile humor. And, although handled well, we do have Keegan’s grandfather dying (and we have the death of an animal character later on in the movie). So, generally yes, but there are things to be aware of for specific kids.
Quote: “Do not mourn the man; celebrate the life. Celebrate with dance.”
Riverdance Discussion Questions
Themes to Discuss: Friendship, tradition, sacrifice, and love for family, friends, and neighbors
1) Which character was the funniest? What made them funny?
2) Had you ever seen Irish dancing before? What do you like or not like about it?
3) Do you have a friend like Moya? Who is it and how are they like her?
4) Does your family or community have traditions? How do you feel about them? Did the movies make you feel any differently?
5) What do you think the most important thing was that Keegan learned?
Thanks for reading our Riverdance The Animated Adventure Review. Check out some related posts
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