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| Image Courtesy of The Verge |
What's in it for the Kids?
This is not a movie for little kids. If your kid scares easily, or has trouble focusing on live action compared to cartoon, wait to watch this until they're 7-9. It was almost a mash-up or nod to a bunch of films I grew up with, and with Molly and Jack's recent interest in films like Never-ending Story, the timing of this movie couldn't of been better for them.
What's in it for the Adults?
Visually this movie is stunning. The costumes and background are bound to give you some wanderlust and a sense of enchantment and wonder. Performances by favourites like Reese Witherspoon, Oprah, Mindy Kaling, and Zach Galifianakis won't disappoint. Just remember to keep in mind this movie is for kids, not you, and that it was Disneyfied for children, and you'll be okay. While Storm Reid was fantastic playing the conflicted Meg, my prediction for career potential goes to Levi Miller (Calvin) who has an amazing presence, despite his smaller role, that was somewhat reminiscent of a young River Phoenix.
Best Parts of the Movie
This movie ambitiously takes on a lot. It touches on everything from being yourself to bullying to self worth to family dynamics. Some of the lessons are more subtle, whereas others hit you over the head, but the kids didn't seem to notice. Jack's favourite parts of the movie were discussions around "the it" (darkness) vs. positive energy and the light. Molly loved Meg, as a female warrior, as well as Ms. Which (Oprah). We've been working a lot with Molly on body positivity - I can't get over how young things like body image and fat shaming come into play for little kids. Molly falling in love Ms. Which because, according to Molly - she is the oldest, biggest, strongest, and most powerful, felt like a win to me. Recently we've noticed the strong influence that pop culture and the the world of twig thin female heroines has had on her definition of beauty, health and strength- bravo to this film which literally calls out the question, "Is there such thing as the wrong size?"
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| Image Courtesy of YouTube |
Worst Parts of the Movie
This film had no cruise control and an uneven pace. The story building was slow, then audiences were taken warp speed into the story, and then spit back out again at the end. There were plot holes, but I could forgive them, because the kids loved this movie. I have never read the book, so I have no point of reference, but this movie seemed a bit like a Frankenstein of other successful films as it pieced together a non linear story in a way children could understand with inspiration from films like The Labyrinth, Never-ending Story, and Return to Oz.
Overall Rating
I would rate this movie 3/5, it wasn't nearly as bad as the critics are making it out to be, and the kids really liked it. Brimming with positive messages about making change and being your own hero and warrior, as well as embracing your faults, give it a shot, just maybe not in theatres.
To read my review of Captain Underpants click here
To read my review of Boss Baby click here
To read my review of the Lego Batman movie click here
