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Once Upon a Forest

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Sweet critter adventure, but some dark themes as well.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The animal friends of Dapplewood forest start as an unruly bunch, but they come together to help a friend in dire need. Their teacher, Cornelius, cares deeply for them and even adopts a member of his class when her parents pass away.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    While there are no incidents of hitting or violence among friends, the human activity that surrounds the peaceful confines of Dapplewood wreaks destruction on the animals' environment.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Herbs are used to heal a very sick friend.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Once Upon a Forest

Parents need to know that this colorful family movie does play upon a child's deepest fears: the loss of a family or of home. This fact is glossed over while the friends are sent on an adventure. In a post 9-11 world, this lighthearted approach to mass destruction seems a little dated.

Read our full review by Joly Herman

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the movie's environmental message. How do humans affect the homes of creatures like rats, badgers, moles, and gophers? How can we co-exist with the creatures that live in our midst? Why is Cornelius so surprised to see Edgar rescued from the trap?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0

    Very good, on for everyone!

    I loved this movie since i was a little baby and I still love it now!!!

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