lead the discussion
Trolls: World Tour - 2020
Movie Info
Rating: PG
Age-appropriateness: Good for the whole family. Mildly inappropriate humor. Scenes of Trolls overtaking other communities in cartoon-fashion.
Overview: When the Queen of the Hard Rock Trolls tries to take over all the Troll kingdoms, Queen Poppy and her friends try different ways to save all the Trolls. We aren’t meant to live in isolation. We were created to live in harmony with everyone, no matter how different. Poppy learns that we don’t all have to be the same. It’s our differences that make us great as people. God’s church is meant to be a diverse group of people who unite in their love for Jesus. When that happens, incredible things can happen and love spreads throughout the world.
Themes: music, diversity, unity, harmony, being different, isolation, loneliness, friendship, trust, listening
The Quick 3
Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.
1. Harmony. How much harmony do you see in the world today? Who are some people in your life that look and sound different than you?
Poppy fought for harmony. She said, “A world where everyone looks the same and sounds the same? That’s not harmony….real harmony takes lots of different voices. We have to listen to other voices, even when they don’t agree with you. They make us stronger, more creative, more inspired. All of our differences make the world a better place because you cannot harmonize alone.”
2. Friendship. Who are your closest friends? What makes them your friend?
Barb says that friendship take time and years of mutual care and respect. Branch said that being friends means speaking up when you think someone is making a mistake. Friends listen to one another.
3. Diversity. Why is it important to recognize our differences? What makes you different from other people? All people are different.
And differences do matter. King Quincy says that “We’re not all the same. Denying our differences is denying the truth of who are.” God has created all people uniquely, so that each could contribute to His Kingdom in different ways.
Check out this article on How to Talk to Your Child about Diversity.
After The Movie Discussion Guide
Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.
1. Troll Kingdom is made up of six different Troll tribes, living in six different lands, devoted to six kinds of music. Which Troll Tribe and type of music was your favorite? (Funk, Country, Techno, Classical, Pop, Rock)
2. Barb, the Queen of the Rock Trolls, wanted to unite the Trolls under one vibe. She thought every Troll should play and like the type of music she likes. Barb thought everyone should be the same. She wants to unite Trolls as “one nation, under rock”. Did you know our country was built on being “one country, under God”? What does it mean to be “one country, under God”?
3. Branch says that good queens are good listeners. He’s sad because he doesn’t feel like Poppy listens to him. Poppy realized that she actually made decisions selfishly, wanting to prove herself as a good queen. She was motivated by keeping up her reputation. James 1:19 says that “everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” How good of a listener are you? How often to you speak first before listening to others?
4. Poppy was brave enough to think that things could change. She was strong and self-confident. Bravery is having the courage to make good choices, even when you’re afraid. When you look around at the world, what are some things that you think should change? How can you be brave and contribute towards this change?
Minute By Minute Guide
Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.
:13 Peppy explains how the Trolls first began. They played music together, but eventually became intolerant of one another. They fought over what type of music to play, so they decided to separate and live in isolation. The other Trolls sing and dance differently, so they don’t all get along. Why do you think people don’t get along? Why do our differences make us fight sometimes?
:22 Branch brings weapons on their trip to visit Barb and the Rock Trolls. Poppy said that violence never helps solve a problem. Romans 12:21 says, “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Do you ever try to use violence to solve a problem? How can you conquer evil by doing good?
:26 Poppy says that being queen comes with power, and that power must be used for good. She doesn’t want people living in isolation and protects her people no matter what. Meanwhile, Barb uses her power to destroy. God’s Word says that true power and greatness comes from serving others, not by destroying others or trying to make yourself more important. In Mark 9:35b, Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” How can you take last place in order to serve others?
:34 The Country Trolls sing a sad song. Branch kind of likes it, because life is sad sometimes. Poppy would rather listen to music that makes her happy. Poppy wasn’t prepared to meet Trolls that don’t just want to have fun. Do you ever like listening to sad music? Why might it be important to feel sad sometimes?
:44 Poppy talks about how Branch doesn’t trust anyone. Branch doesn’t trust Hickory, and he actually might not even trust Poppy. Biggie doesn’t feel safe and feels hurt that Poppy would break a pinky promise. Trust means to believe that someone is honest and sincere. Who is the person you trust the most? Is there anyone you do not trust?
:49 Cooper explains how you don’t have to just be “one” thing. He’s pop and funk. We all have multiple aspects of our personalities, and it’s okay to have a variety of interests. Do you ever feel like you have to be “one” certain way?
:59 Branch asks, “Why does Barb get to decide which music gets to be saved? All music should be saved.” Jesus didn’t come to just save one group of people. Jesus came to save everyone. 1 Timothy 2:4 says that God “wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” What kind of people does God love the most? (everyone)
1:05 Barb relates to Poppy, saying that being a queen can be lonely. Instead of having real friends, queens are often surrounded by people who just tell them what they want to hear. When was the last time you felt lonely? Do you have friends who love you enough to tell you hard things?
1:14 Music comes from within us and it can’t be taken away. Music comes from our experiences, our lives, and our cultures. When a variety of people, from all over the world, come together and unite for one purpose, incredible music can be made. This is how God’s family is meant to look: all different people, styles, colors, backgrounds, cultures, and personalities. Together, God’s family is made up of all sorts of people who are united in their love for Jesus. Sin divided us, but Jesus Christ brought us all together. Galatians 3:26 says: “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.” What does this tell you about the type of person Jesus is?