Zambezia – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Zambezia

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2012

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A forgettable African bird adventure that's technically safe but will probably put you to sleep before the falcon finds his flock.

29%

→

Zambezia

movie

G, 2012

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A forgettable African bird adventure that's technically safe but will probably put you to sleep before the falcon finds his flock.

29%

Jump to

Also rated on

29%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Here's the deal: Zambezia has all the right ingredients on paper—African setting, community themes, talking birds—but the execution is just... meh. A 29% critic score and 44% audience score tells you everything you need to know. This is the kind of movie that ends up on free streaming platforms because no one's paying to watch it.

It's perfectly safe and has decent values, but it's also forgettable and derivative. If your 6-year-old is bored on a rainy Saturday and you've exhausted Netflix, sure, throw it on. But don't expect them (or you) to remember a single thing about it by dinner time.

The WISE score reflects reality: it checks basic boxes but lacks the spark that makes kids actually want to watch something. There are dozens of better animated options from the same era that your kids will actually enjoy.

Age Fit

Best for ages 5-8 who are still in that "any animated movie will do" phase. Older kids will likely find it boring, and even younger ones might tap out if they're used to Pixar-level storytelling.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Themes of community, finding your place, and defending others are solid. The falcon protagonist learns cooperation over individualism. No major red flags for emotional health, though the execution appears generic based on critical reception.

Imaginative

A bird city at Victoria Falls is a decent concept, but reviews suggest derivative execution (29% RT critics, 2.6/5 Letterboxd). Feels like it borrows heavily from other animated films without bringing fresh creativity. The setting has potential but doesn't seem to inspire much wonder based on audience response.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 7, suggesting mild peril typical of animated adventures. No indicators of inappropriate content, unexpected violence, or disturbing themes. Standard animated action/conflict around defending the city. Clean family fare.

Enriching

Learning about community and teamwork are worthwhile lessons, but the 44% audience score and 5.7 IMDb rating suggest the story doesn't land with much impact. Educational potential around African wildlife/geography exists but seems underutilized. More forgettable than memorable.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Positive messages about community over individualism and finding where you belong
Features African setting and wildlife, offering some geographic/cultural exposure
Free on multiple streaming platforms (Tubi, Roku Channel) so it won't cost you anything to try
Safe, clean content appropriate for young elementary kids without parental hovering

⚠

What to Watch For

Extremely low ratings across the board suggest this is a tough sit—even for kids
Standard animated peril (defending the city from threats) but nothing scary
May feel like a knockoff of better animated films your kids have already seen
The 2012 animation quality hasn't aged particularly well

Conversation Starters

"What do you think makes a place feel like home? Is it the place itself or the people (or birds) there?"
"Kai had to learn to work with others instead of doing everything alone. When have you had to do that?"
"Have you heard of Victoria Falls? Want to look up what it really looks like?"
"If you could live in a city made for birds, what would your job be?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic