Wondering if Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank is ok for kids? This comical film starring cats and a dog is family friendly and may not be a summer blockbuster, but it’s entertaining enough for kids. Get ready for some cliches and potty humor. Here’s what parents need to know in this Paws of Fury Parents Guide.
Paws of Fury Parents Guide
Hank (Michael Cera) is a down-on-his-luck dog who finds himself in a town full of cats…who hate dogs. However, they are in need of a samurai to protect them from a villain’s evil plot to wipe their village off the map. With help from a reluctant trainer (Samuel L. Jackson), the underdog must assume the role of fearsome samurai and team up with the felines to save the day. But will Hank be able to help since every cat has said, “Dogs can’t be samurai.”
Why is Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank Rated PG?
Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank is rated PG for Violence, Language, and Rude and Suggestive Humor which means some content may not be suitable for kids.
Is Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank Kid Friendly?
Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank is kid friendly for most ages if you are ok with some animated violence and bathroom and fart jokes. In Paws of Fury you can expect to see some suggestive references and use of weapons.
Language
There is no profanity in Paws of Fury, however there are some phrases that are questionable for young ones like suck, dummies, loser, idiot, and “what the fuzz.” And Samuel L. Jackson also says”what the mother father cocker spaniel” in place of his usual catch phrase.
Mature Content
Hank is training to be a samurai and weapons are used like guns, swords, ninja stars, and arrows to defeat some of the bad guys. There is also some hand-to-hand combat. However, thankfully no blood or gore. Some comments can be a little morbid, especially when talking about death and killing.
There is a lot of potty humor, including literally a big giant toilet. Be prepared for fart jokes and characters farting. A character comes out of someone’s butt crack.
Some characters drink alcohol to the point of being drunk.
Topics such as judging others and discrimination are underlying themes.
Is Paws of Fury Appropriate for Kids Under 8?
I went into this film without many expectations, and it was funnier than I thought. Described as a Blazing Saddles for kids played by animals (I haven’t seen Blazing Saddles), Mel Brooks is in both, and you can feel his influence. It also has some Kung Fu Panda vibes with the character who lacks self confidence and needs a good mentor to shape him up.
Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank is silly enough for kids with some crude jokes for the parents. Most of the semi-inappropriate jokes should go over kids’ heads. The lesson of acceptance and not judging people aka ‘don’t be a racist jerk’ is one that bears repeating. However, the journey there is tricky as Asian stereotypes are thrown around.
Some of the funniest moments come from the supporting cast, and little Emiko is adorable and feisty. There are plenty of laughs, perhaps one of my favorites was a reference to jellicles. IYKYK.
While Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank is nothing original, it’s an entertaining summer family flick.
