I'm not sure if the person who started this thread (or any of the responders) is a parent, but as a parent of 2 birth kids and one foster child I'll tell you why some parents may not like this movie...
Although the world can be a tough place, and parents need to prepare their kids for real life conflicts, I don't think parents take their kids to a "family film" expecting to see nothing but tragedy, danger and threats portrayed for nearly the entire movie. Some kids will have no problem with this film, they will laugh through most of it, but sensitive kids may get a bit distressed over certain parts of the film.
I'm never scared of having tuff and honest conversations with my kids, but there is a big difference explaining things to a 3-year-old vs a 5-year-old vs a 10-year-old, etc. Wise parents chose the right time to address certain issues with their children and it doesn't always have to do with their age, but often more about their sesitivity and maturity levels.
Most parents take their kids to the movies to be entertained, and if you are lucky you may get a well potrayed moral or value you can talk over. Besides the fact that this movie had a lot of violence, sadness, anger, fear and anxiety (which might be a bit to heavy-handed for the very young child,) this movie needs A LOT of explaining, including having to explain things that I just don't agree with.
I wasn't thrilled with the whole idea of the kid dinosaurs having to do something "good enough" to "earn their mark." It makes it seem as if a child has to do some big, special thing that is considered worthy before they are completely accepted by their own family, instead of just being loved for who they are. Arlo wasn't considered equal or up-to-par until he overcame his fears... but what if you have a child prone to anxiety or fear? Are they not good enough? Does that make them less lovable or accepted by their family? If you aren't brave, or are of a more sensitive nature, does that mean your a bad person or something is wrong with you? This message was very confusing and offputting.
As a foster parent the part about the other cave-man-family welcoming Spot into their family was heart-warming, but at the same time, many foster kids never become part of a family and live in group homes their whole lives, so as much as that part touched my heart I could also see it bringing heart-break to a foster/displaced child as well. Also, there are all kinds of "homes" for kids, so Spot being adopted by Arlo's family might have been just as meaningful... showing that you don't have to be exactly alike to accept and love each other... just a thought.
Personally, I just thought the movie Ok. It had some very touching parts and some humor, a lesson on bravery and friendship and extending kindness to others, and all that was nice, but there were also a lot of parts that were silly, boring and out of place. For me it just was not as enjoyable as many others like: Toy Story, Incredibles, Up, Monsters Inc. and Inside Out (which I loved, but think is a bit complex for young kids)
Anyway, that is my Humble Opinion... take it or leave it ;)
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alextorn
8 years ago
Hello Livelovelead,
That's a nice answer unlike the self-righteous moron just above you, that I won't even bother answer to ;)
Well, I understand and respect your point of view but I may digress on some points.
Of course I don't say that all family films should be like TGD. Most of them are light hearted family movies and it's how it should be imo. I'm just saying that it's nice to see, from time to time, a family movie that's pushing a bit the boundaries.
Yes, TGD is far from being perfect but I was a bit upset to see many parents bashing it because it dared to show something different.
But you have a way more objective opinion about it :)
There is always a time to talk about sensitive subjects to your childs but a movie can be a good opportunity to do so. I'm sure it's not your case but a lot of parents are overprotecting their kids and prefer to keep the serious subjects for later. So they obviously felt cornered when they saw the movie with their kids...and forced to have those talks or at least answer the children's questions. I don't think they can blame a movie because of some education choices they've made. I respect their choice but I also know that kids are able to understand far more things than some ppl think them capable of.
I don't think that the mark thing is about acceptance in the family. You can see that Arlo is well loved and accepted by his family. The mark is more like a reward for an accomplishment made, a motivation. He failed many times to make this mark but was always loved, supported and encouraged by his parents.
Yes, spot being adopted by Arlo's family would have been a nice ending. Now, about the foster kids, well any kid that never found a family or who've lost a parent could feel heart breaked just by seing a very "nice" movie showing a happy and loving family...like in 99% of the kid movies. But, whith TGD, they can somehow feel related to spot or Arlo and maybe get to think that there is always hope...
That's just my opinion :)
Have a nice day.
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