Common Sense Media Review
Heartwarming adaptation has violence, language, stereotypes.
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The Indian in the Cupboard
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is a mixed experience for families, with some praising its engaging and heartwarming story while others criticize it for containing inappropriate language, violence, and outdated stereotypes. Despite the debate over the suitability of its content for children, many reviewers acknowledge that it can spark important discussions and is enjoyed by younger viewers, particularly when paired with the original book.
- family appeal
- mixed reviews
- inappropriate language
- outdated stereotypes
- discussion starter
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 8 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD, based on the same-named book by Lynne Reid Banks, a 9-year-old boy named Omri (Hal Scardino) receives a magical cupboard and key. He uses the items to bring to life a figurine of an 18th century Onondaga warrior, Little Bear (Litefoot), who's all of three inches tall. When Omri's best friend Patrick (Rishi Bhatt) brings cowboy figurine Boone (David Keith) to life using the same magic, things start to get all too real.
Is It Any Good?
This family-friendly movie is filled with the wonder of childhood curiosity and lessons about friendship and responsibility. The Indian in the Cupboard comes to life with help from E.T. veteran Melissa Mathison's script and the technical wizardry of Industrial Light and Magic. The illusion of the story is magical, bringing together a wistful kid and a miniature warrior in delightful detail. The friendship between young Omri and the mature Little Bear is a journey of self-discovery and growth. The strength of the film is Little Bear, played by Litefoot, who teaches Omri about the pain of personal loss and the responsibility that is part of growing up. "Boo Hoo" Boone, the crying cowboy, is a loud, over-the-top foil for the more serious, centered Little Bear and provides an element of the ridiculous and theatrical reminiscent of the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz.
Though characters challenge some offensive stereotypes about Native Americans, words like "savage" and "redskin" are used, and Little Bear, who introduces himself as Onondaga, Wolf Clan, is still referred to as an "Indian" by others throughout the film. Viewers familiar with the source novel may also be disappointed that several key characters are left out of the screen version. But overall, The Indian in the Cupboard offers a fine example of a book adaptation and is a good opportunity to open up dialogue with kids about Native American stereotypes and the treatment of Indigenous people in U.S. history, as well as themes around compassion, friendship, and responsibility.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of growing up in The Indian in the Cupboard. What does Omri learn about how to treat others? Can you think of things you've learned about how to understand and treat others better as you've gotten older?
Discuss the stereotypes in the movie. Which ones did you notice? Do you think the film goes far enough in critiquing them? Why is it important to acknowledge and challenge damaging stereotypes you see on screen?
How do the characters in The Indian in the Cupboard demonstrate curiosity, compassion and integrity? Why are those important character strengths?
Families may want to discuss how they make their friends feel cherished every day. How did Little Bear express his love for Omri and vice versa?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 14, 1995
- On DVD or streaming : August 22, 1997
- Cast : Hal Scardino , Richard Jenkins , Steve Coogan
- Director : Frank Oz
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity , Integrity
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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