 | 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. |
The Land Before Time
- Review Date: February 9, 2005
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2003
Common Sense Media says
Baby dinosaur buddy flick that started the series.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the youngest viewers may be disturbed seeing the childlike dinosaurs torn from their parents by an earthquake and pursued by a Tyrannosaurus rex. Littlefoot's mother fights the T-rex, is badly injured, and dies. Littlefoot finds his grandparents in the end, though, and his friends are reunited with their families, too.
What's the story?
While scores of dinosaurs are on the move to find food during a massive drought, a baby long-necked dinosaur is born. His mom and grandparents, coo and ahh and name him Littlefoot. When a rambunctious little three-horned dinosaur named Cera (Candace Hutson) tries to engage the newborn in play, Littlefoot's family discourages him from consorting with her kind of dinosaur. But the kid dinosaurs must unite when a ferocious T-rex kills Littlefoot's mother and an earthquake creates a massive schism separating them from loved ones. Littlefoot and Cera are joined by Petrie, Ducky, and Spike in their journey to the Great Valley, where food and families are sure to await them.
Is it any good?
THE LAND BEFORE TIME is a very simple story, nicely animated, that both gives kids some perky characters to follow and shows them the kind of earth dinosaurs roamed. Viewers see how changes in the earth's climate forced dinosaurs to roam long distances to find food, and how earthquakes, volcanoes, and even other dinosaurs made survival difficult. In the beginning we learn that Littlefoot is the only hope for future generations of longnecks. His friends represent different types of dinosaurs -- such as those that could fly or swim.
Apart from the factual-based content, the movie conveys lessons kids will relate to. The baby pterodactyl Petrie finds flying too difficult, but with courage finally achieves it. Stubborn Cera thinks she doesn't need any help from anyone else, but sees that she does need her friends and they need her, too. Although he's told that dinosaurs stick with their own kind, Littlefoot is a friend to everyone. Each kind of dinosaur has unique abilities that help the group survive.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about dinosaurs. When did they live? What happened to tthem?
Follow up these amazing facts with a trip to the natural history museum.
Which dinosaur is your favorite? Why?
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AGE
childhood anxiety
When I watched this as a child I remember having some serious anxiety from it. Fear of my own mother dying. It was heart wrenching and for some reason I kept wanting to watch it because it affected me in such a powerful way. I am 29 years old and after receiving it as a gift for my 3 year old daughter I decided i would watch it with her since she was begging to watch it. And to my amazement, it made me feel that same extreme sadness, gushing with tears and pain in my heart when the mother dies and Little Foot is trying to understand and deal with his emotions. After even just hearing the music I was reminded of this powerful anxiety that I had and may still have. from it. My husband had to fast forward the scene where the mother dies. I am not going to let my daughter watch it again for fear that she may develop this anxiety. It hurts me so much to think that she would feel this way! So watching those parts again would be like torture for me.
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AGE
i loved it when i was little!
I used to love this when i was little! but the t rex did used to scar me. And wow! SUPER MOVIE REVIEWER!i can't believe someone actually knows and wants to mention Judith Barsi!!! Judith Barsi was a cute little girl! Shame on her father! Judith deserved to live!! and so did her mother! And Judith Barsi played my favorite character in this movie: little ducky. I can't belive she's gone! SOB! R.I.P Judith Barsi our ten year old little, concreate angel.
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AGE
good movie but poor Judith.....
i loved this when i was little very good. If u look at the top you will see starring Judith Barsi. Judith Barsi did a very good job acting in this movie but sadly there will never be another movie with her in it. On july 25th 1988 10 year old Judith barsi and her mother where shot in the head by josez Barsi. (Jusith's father and Marria barsi's husband. )Judith was born in 1978 and died when she was just 10 years old after being abused by her father for a long time. Other movies starring Judith Barsi is Jaws 4 the revenge, eye of the tigger, the land before time, and all dogs go to heaven. She also appeared in many camercials in the 1980's. This sweat little inisent girl will be missed by all.
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AGE
Classic movie for kids
I loved this movie when I was a kid and my 3 year old loves it now. Some parts are a little scary- when littlefoot's mother is killed by sharptooth. I don't think kids really understand what is happening during that scene and my daughter asked what happened to his mommy and I just explained and she seemed fine. As far as the dinosaurs fighting-I explained to her that there are meat eaters and leaf eaters, etc, and that is the way Dinosaurs are. Truth be told!
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AGE
I'm thirteen and I watch this movie
This was an amazing movie because it gives a good message and is kid friendly
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AGE
Why do all kids' movies involve a parent dying?
Started watching this with my almost 4-year-old sister. She loved the first few minutes with the cute baby dinosaurs, but soon it turned scary as the T-Rex chased the babies. I asked if she was alright, and she said she was fine, but as the mother dinosaur lay dying, her lip started to tremble. I immediately shut the movie off and she burst into tears. If your kids are old enough to deal with a very sad death (which is not simply glossed over, we see Littlefoot continue crying for the next few scenes), this would probably be a good movie for them, but be careful with preschoolers.
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AGE
Finally, a G movie that is actually G material. A carnivore eating meat... that's life, not violence. Easily explainable to a child who is already learning about different dinosaurs.
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AGE
Good Memories
Loved this as a kid, plus so sad but happy ending!
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| Topics: | dinosaurs, adventures, friendship |
| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | Don Bluth |
| Cast: | Candace Hutson, Judith Barsi, Will Ryan |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 70 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 30, 2003 |
| DVD release date: | December 30, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
| MPAA explanation: | all audiences |
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