 | 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 Wind in the Willows: The Feature Films Collection
- Review Date: September 15, 2006
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Two charming buddy capers from classic series.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that younger kids might be scared by the movies' weasel characters and the scenes in which a character is sent to prison. Kids accustomed to fast-moving, digitally enhanced animated movies may find these stories slow in the beginning.
What's the story?
This set of DVDs features two animated stories based on the book , by Kenneth Grahame. Set in Edwardian England, the first feature, The Wind in the Willows, follows the adventures of four animal friends: mild-mannered Mole (voiced by Richard Pearson), sensible Rat (Ian Carmichael), gruffly wise Badger (Michael Hordern), and the lively but irresponsible Toad (David Jason). The film begins at a slow pace, but the action kicks in when the wealthy Toad develops an unhealthy yet hilarious fascination with driving motorcars. His friends stage an intervention for their irrepressible amphibian buddy and are drawn into various adventures, from the lavish Toad Hall to the spooky Wild Wood. In A Tale of Two Toads, Toad is kidnapped by a suavely villainous look-alike, who assumes Toad's identity, and turns Toad into his servant. When the villain is discovered, Rat, Mole, and Badger rally to rescue their friend.
Is it any good?
Both stories here feature stop-motion animation that seems utterly enchanting and three-dimensional in this increasingly computerized age. Both movies also include songs and alternate between heartwarming scenes and downright zaniness. The four main characters have memorable, distinct personalities; parents will appreciate their articulate, refined way of speaking and, most importantly, their loyalty to one another through thick and thin.
A Tale of Two Toads turns comic as the two sides try to outwit each other, and kids should find giggles in the scene in which the other characters can't tell Toad and his doppelganger apart. Special features include an interview with animator Brian Cosgrove, a bonus episode from the TV series, and "Toad's Road Trivia Game."
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the different personalities of Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad. What is each animal like? How do they complement one another? What are their positive and negative traits? What does the movie teach about friendship? Parents might need to explain some of the British expressions and mannerisms, such as "bubble and squeak."
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
| Studio: | A&E Home Video |
| Director: | Mark Hall |
| Cast: | David Jason, Ian Carmichael, Richard Pearson |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 134 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 26, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | September 26, 2006 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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