Trolls World Tour is an animated musical adventure that continues the story of Poppy and Branch as they discover there are six different Troll tribes, each dedicated to a unique genre of music. When the rock-and-roll Queen Barb threatens to unite all trolls under a single rock sound by stealing their musical strings, Poppy and Branch embark on a quest to save the diverse musical landscape. The film is known for its vibrant animation, energetic musical numbers, and messages about celebrating diversity and the importance of listening to different voices.
While Trolls World Tour does not explicitly feature openly LGBTQ+ characters or storylines, some Christian review sources highlight 'implied homosexual characters' and 'perverse references.' The film includes a scene where a male character 'gives birth' to a baby, which is interpreted by some as a non-traditional portrayal of family and gender. Later installments in the franchise feature more explicit LGBTQ+ representation, indicating a potential progression of these themes within the series.
Movieguide notes 'lots of homosexual and perverse references including implied homosexual characters.' A specific example is the male character Guy Diamond 'giving birth' to Tiny Diamond, which is cited by Movieguide as a 'perverse reference.'
The movie contains mild cartoon violence, primarily involving Queen Barb and her Hard Rock Trolls who use sonic blasts to destroy other troll lands and convert inhabitants into 'rock zombies' through hypnosis. Physical altercations are non-graphic and played for comedic effect, but some scenes involve threats and destruction of property.
Queen Barb uses 'sonic blasts to destroy troll lands' and forcibly unite trolls under rock, leaving towns 'full of broken buildings.' Branch is bitten on the leg by a 'toothy, centaur-like troll,' and other trolls are shown pushing and kicking each other in scuffles.
Romantic content is mild, limited to flirtation and unexpressed affection between main characters. However, there are instances of crude humor and partial nudity that some parents may find inappropriate. These include comedic moments rather than explicit sexual references.
Biggie's pants accidentally come down, revealing his bare bottom. Poppy comments in awe on a smooth Jazz Troll's 'heart-shaped tuft on his naked chest,' stating 'Look at his chest hair'.
The movie features magical elements related to music, where different musical strings hold power. Queen Barb uses rock music to create 'zombies' (hypnotized trolls) and cause destruction. There is also a brief depiction of a troll turning into a ghost after dying. These are fantasy elements, not explicit occult practices.
Barb and her rocker trolls 'attack the other Troll nations, using their music to create lightning-like lasers that knock down their victims and destroy their homes.' The film also shows 'a troll turns into a ghost after dying.'
While there is no explicit drug or alcohol consumption, the film depicts trolls entering an 'intoxicated state' when exposed to 'smooth jazz,' which can be interpreted as an allegory for substance-induced effects. Additionally, characters are shown in a 'delusional state' due to being hypnotized by another character.
When the trolls hear 'smooth jazz,' they 'enter an intoxicated state.' Movieguide notes characters are 'in a delusional state because of another character almost hypnotizing them,' drawing a parallel to drug effects.
The film contains several intense and potentially frightening scenes for younger children, including an aggressive antagonist, widespread destruction, and visually overwhelming moments. The depiction of trolls being turned into 'rock zombies' with glowing red eyes can also be disturbing.
Queen Barb is depicted as 'very shouty, threatening and aggressive,' destroying towns and converting trolls into 'Hard-Rock Zombies' with 'blank, glowing red eyes.' Scenes featuring a 'giant, scary fish' that is actually a Hard Rock Troll flying ship, with its mouth opening 'like a zip with sharp teeth,' may be frightening to young viewers.
The main protagonist, Poppy, initially disregards her father's warnings and embarks on a mission with a naive optimism that leads to complications. Some Christian reviews criticize the film for promoting a 'romantic worldview' about 'following your heart and disobeying our parents no matter what the consequences are,' suggesting a theme of unchecked self-will.
Poppy explicitly insists 'We're all trolls. Differences don't matter,' in direct opposition to her father King Peppy's warnings about the distinct and potentially dangerous nature of the other troll tribes. Movieguide highlights a thematic concern that the movie implicitly encourages children to 'disobey our parents no matter what the consequences are.'
Movieguide, a Christian review organization, identifies 'lots of pagan messages' and a 'romantic worldview' that suggests 'people are free to choose perversity' and 'indulge in self-destructive and culturally destructive behavior.' The film's overarching message of celebrating all diversity, while generally positive, is seen by some Christian viewpoints as potentially undermining traditional values if interpreted without discernment.
Movieguide specifically notes the presence of 'lots of pagan messages' within the film. They also critique the film's 'romantic worldview about following your heart' as potentially leading children to believe they can 'do whatever they want,' which they state can be 'destructive to others and themselves.'
The film contains very mild coarse language and rude humor, consistent with its PG rating. Instances are infrequent and primarily consist of common, non-offensive terms.
The movie includes mild name-calling and terms such as 'butt,' 'dang,' and 'pipsqueak.' Movieguide confirms 'no foul language, but a few jokes about butts.'
Ages 7 and up, with significant parental guidance. While officially rated PG for mild rude humor, some parental review outlets, particularly those from a Christian worldview, suggest extreme caution for younger children and even older teenagers due to various thematic and worldview concerns, including implied LGBTQ+ themes, instances of disrespect, and a 'follow your heart' philosophy that may conflict with Christian teachings.
The 'Trolls' franchise, particularly in later installments like 'Trolls Band Together,' has introduced more overt LGBTQ+ themes (e.g., rainbow flags, characters voiced by drag performers). While 'Trolls World Tour' itself contains more implied or allegorical elements, parents should be aware of the direction the broader franchise takes. The film's fast pace and bright, flashy visuals may also be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities.
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
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