 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Flicka
- Review Date: February 4, 2007
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Classic book gallops to the big screen.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that despite a few corny lines, this is a wholesome family movie with heart that's guaranteed to appeal to horse-loving kids. Although Katy's rebellious nature is at the core of the story (which is based on the classic kids' novel My Friend Flicka), there are consequences to her actions, and her family comes together at the end and learns to communicate in a respectful way. There are refreshingly few references to sex (it is an animal movie, after all), and few instances of crude or cringe-worthy behavior.
What's the story?
Alison Lohman stars as Katy McLaughlin, a headstrong 16-year-old who lives with her family on a modern, working ranch. She's the only daughter in a long line of ranchers, and she'd prefer to be on the ranch instead of away at boarding school most of the year. Her dad, Rob (Tim McGraw), is grooming her brother, Howard (Ryan Kwanten), to take over the ranch, but he'd rather go to college. Rob wants Katy to go to college, while her mom (Maria Bello) sees Katy's independent spirit for what it is. Home from school, Katy catches a wild mustang and names it Flicka, decides the filly is her chance to prove that she's responsible, and begs her dad to let her tame it. But he sees nothing but trouble from the untamed animal, and is busy trying to save the ranch. He doesn't see that Katy and Flicka (and he himself!) are very much alike, shunning authority and not about to give up their freedom without a fight. Going against her father's wishes, Katy sets out to break through to Flicka and transform her into a riding horse. In the process, the horse manages to bring the family back together.
Is it any good?
Sweeping landscapes, save-the-farm storyline, beautiful horses, rebellious girl with fly-away hair ... yeah, it's been done before. But it's a story that never goes out of style, especially for younger viewers. And even though the original novel is half a century old, its story of a hard-working family eking out a living on the farm and trying to protect their heritage has never been more relevant. Watching this movie will bring kids back to nature (and away from their video games) and help teach them that wide-open spaces need to be preserved and honored, not covered with malls and condos.
Also, the characters in this movie aren't one-dimensional. Katy is headstrong and opinionated -- she knows what she wants and goes after it -- but she's also girly, showing that it's OK to be both. Likewise, Rob isn't a bad guy. He just has big dreams for his daughter, which is why he wants her to go to college, instead of being saddled with a ranch that may or may not be around for much longer.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the best way to communicate. Is it better to get things out in the open instead of letting them fester? Why?
Why is it important to see other people for who they truly are, rather
than what you want them to be. Also, should Katy have adopted the wild
horse against her father's wishes?How could she have handled her
rebellious nature in a more respectful manner?Why was it so important
for her father to try to save the ranch?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Let your Spirit Run Free with Flicka
Flicka is a beautiful betrayal of the love shared between a girl and her horse- a mustang filly. It is about realizing- after harsh consequences- that nothing is worth separating yourself from the ones who love you most. I recommend this for families.
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AGE
good movie
the movie is very very good. There is one scene where the horse gets attacked by a wild animal and his injuries are shown. Also there is peril and some unsuitable language for kids under 8 years of age.
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AGE
Good show
Flicka is a good show it show the bond between a girl and her mustang.
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April 9, 2008
AGE
A must see movie for ALL !!!
this was suppose to be dad and daughters day, but I am really glad they invited me along. This was a great movie and is awesome for any mom also, especially if they are daddys girl. I have never read the book, and they say books are better than the movies, I dont see how this could have been. If you are looking for a great family movie this is it...
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AGE
good movie but could frighten little ones
I took my 7 yr old horse lover to see this and we both really enjoyed it. However my daughter had lots of questions after the movie. "Why did the girl not listen to her parents?" "Why was she in trouble in school?" Because she didn't listen to her parents, she ended up getting hurt (a lot) by Flicka. There were a few scenes where 2 teens were kissing. Other than that I really didn't notice any other "adult" themes in this movie. This was a very good family movie, enjoyable for everyone.
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AGE
I HATE horse movies, so I hated this. Its a piece of junk. Boring!
Before you read my review, I need you to know that I am a person who absolutely LOATHES horse or dog or pig movies. Sometimes I wonder, how could anybody in the world like this movie? It's boring, corny, and absolutely nothing new. "Flicka" follows the same traditional and very boring story that just about every horse/dog/pig movie uses. Girl or boy gets a horse/dog/pig and then is told by an adult that she/he can't keep it because of so&so a reason. Then he/she is forced to battle all the adults in her life and get the animal back so that there can be a nice happy ending. Flicka is absolutley nothing new. Some girls may want to see it, but I, being a boy, will hate it as every other boy will no matter what. A very familiar plot, extremely cheesy sequences. The only nice thing is the countryside you get to see once in a while. But still, this is a very boring and pointless movie. There is one word for a film like this: LAME!
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AGE
I cried
It is an amazing movie but it gets very sad and I cried.
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AGE
great for 9+
I love flicka i cried in scenes but i think it is a great movie filled with passion and i love horses i also think tim mcgraw is an awesome actor
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| Topics: | horses and farm animals |
| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox |
| Director: | Michael Mayer |
| Cast: | Alison Lohman, Maria Bello, Tim McGraw |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 94 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 19, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | February 6, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | some mild language. |
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