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Ralph S. Mouse and More Exciting Animal Adventure Stories (NR, 2007)

common sense media says

Scholastic series tales of growing and learning.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the third vignette in this DVD, Uncle Elephant, concerns a child whose parents disappear after promising to come right back, and that the child spends time listing all the mistakes he's made in his life as reasons they left. Other than that dark theme, the DVD includes engaging stories about characters overcoming bullies, mouse traps, and community rejection to find friendship and happiness. A scene of a live-action classroom includes a disabled student without making a big deal of inclusion.

Positive messages: Lots of growing and learning in this DVD. A bully and his victim, guided by a wise teacher, find they have something in common and become friends. Similarly a character who is different from others in his community is finally accepted and admired because of his differences. Finally, a character learns through a supportive adult that "happy things can come from sad times."
Violence & scariness: A custodian hunts for a mouse with a series of increasingly elaborate tools, but no harm comes to Ralph "S for Smart" Mouse. An animated scene has menacing dinos chasing hapless cavemen.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Ralph S. Mouse and More Exciting Animal Adventure Stories

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the bullying boy in Ralph S. Mouse. Why do you think he's mean? Have you ever had to face a bully at school? If a mouse were to camp out in your classroom overnight, what would he find to eat? To play with? Why do you think that the other cavemen are so mean to Stanley?

What's the story?

What's the story?
This three story collection from Scholastic kicks off with the classic tale of Ralph S. Mouse (voiced by John Matthews), who lives at the Mountain View Inn and drives its manager crazy with his forays by motorcycle. Protected by his two human friends, Matt the bellman (Hume Cronyn) and young Ryan (Robert Oliveri), Ralph realizes that he must leave the hotel or Matt might lose his job. Off he heads to school in Ryan's pocket, where he causes havoc but helps Ryan make a new friend. The second story, Stanley the Caveman, reminds us that people who are different can have much to offer, while the third segment, Uncle Elephant, shows us that we can find happiness even in the worst of times.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
While the 1990's animation may feel somewhat dated to kids raised on CGI (it's a combination of live action and dimensional animation), the stories are nuanced and the acting is better than expected. The second and third stories pale in comparison to the tale of motorcycle-riding Ralph. Uncle Elephant may worry children with its themes of parental disappearance, but the other two tales model good lessons of friendship and teamwork.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Scholastic
Director: Thomas G. Smith
Cast: Hume Cronyn, Karen Black, Robert Oliveri
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 85 minutes
Theatrical release: September 24, 2007
DVD release: September 25, 2007
MPAA Rating: NR
MPAA explanation: not rated
This review was written by Nancy Davis Kho
 
 

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mkeith20
teen, 13 years old
5
 
My review
I personally think that the mouse in the motorcycle in better then this one but do not let my review spoil your opinion I know my review is supposed to tell oyou wheather or not you should read it but do not let it change your mind my review is my review
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