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Once Upon a Forest (G, 1993)

common sense media says

Sweet critter adventure, but some dark themes as well.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

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.

Positive 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.
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 applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Herbs are used to heal a very sick friend.
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More on Once Upon a Forest

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Life in Dapplewood forest is full of adventure for the friendly critters who live there. Abigail (voiced by Ellen Blain) is a young rat who climbs branches and sneaks up on her father before going to school. Her friends Russell the hedgehog (Paige Gosney) and Edgar the mole (Ben Gregory) all meet her at school one morning for a fun outing that their teacher, Cornelius (voiced by Michael Crawford) has prepared for them. While they are enjoying their daily "ramble," an accident occurs on the nearby highway where a big rig loses its grip on the road, spilling a poison gas that devastates the entire meadow. The friends return home to find that their families are gone and that their classmate, Michelle (Elizabeth Moss) is suffering from poisoning. Cornelius instructs the friends to find specific herbs to heal Michelle, and the three pals go forth across hill and dale to save their friend.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Based on a Welsh story by Rae Lambert, this animated feature starts out as a depiction of forest life, wherein the animal creatures go to school and learn fantastic things like building flying machines. But when human activity mars their environment, the story gets a little big for its britches. The subject of loss is largely glossed over -- and even though the classmates ask about their families, their curiosity is not pressing. Instead, they are instructed by their teacher to find the herbs necessary to save their friend.

The youngest viewers might be frightened by the devastation of the forest and the theme of mass destruction, though the adventure within the tragedy can be enjoyable and lighthearted. Considering the fact that the entire meadow was poisoned, a happy ending is in order. And in this regard, the movie delivers.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Director: Charles Grosvenor
Cast: Ben Vereen, Ellen Blain, Michael Crawford
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 71 minutes
Theatrical release: February 27, 1993
DVD release: February 27, 2003
MPAA Rating: G
This review was written by Joly Herman
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

textingqueen
teen, 15 years old
4
 
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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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
Misty72996
teen, 15 years old
4
 
i grew up watching this movie and i would watch it with my dad almost every night. i would always act like i didnt know what was going to happen so it would be a bit more suspenseful. :)
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

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