Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mild violence and language in fable-based animated tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
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Cricket & Antoinette
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In CRICKET & ANTOINETTE, a retelling of the classic grasshopper and ant fable, Antoinette (Raini Rodriguez), an ant princess, and Ket (David Henrie), a carefree cricket, strike up an unlikely friendship after meeting at a music festival. Despite their different worlds, they find common ground, but trouble arises when Antoinette tries to warn Ket and his fellow crickets about the coming winter, which they refuse to believe. As the two try to bridge the gap between their communities, they face misunderstandings, jealousy, and a villainous ant with his own plans for Antoinette. Their journey highlights the challenges of breaking down barriers between different ways of life, but it also shows the power of friendship, music, and perseverance.
Is It Any Good?
Cricket & Antoinette offers a charming yet familiar take on the classic fable of the grasshopper and the ant. This family film is notable as Croatia's first feature-length animated movie. The story follows Antoinette, a responsible ant princess, and Ket, a carefree cricket musician, as they try to bridge the gap between their very different worlds. While the film's themes of hard work versus fun are reminiscent of familiar animated movies like Antz and A Bug's Life, it adds a modern twist with humorous elements like the "Roachella" music festival—a clear nod to Coachella—that gives the film a contemporary and playful vibe. The music is one of the movie's highlights, bringing energy and some fun moments, especially for younger viewers.
Visually, the movie is colorful but doesn't quite reach the level of bigger studio animations. The plot can feel predictable, with the classic lesson about preparing for winter being somewhat overdone, and the villainous ant subplot adds a bit of excitement, but doesn't offer any major surprises. Overall, Cricket & Antoinette is a fun and pleasant watch for families, especially for younger audiences, who will enjoy the lively characters and upbeat music.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the portrayal of Antoinette and Ket. What do they learn from each other? How do their backgrounds influence their views and decisions?
The movie updates a classic fable. How do you think the changes reflect today's world? Are the updates effective in making the story more relatable?
How does the film use music to enhance the story? How do the songs support the movie's messages?
Can you think of any other movies that have a similar story following Aesop's fable of the grasshopper and the ant? Why do you think it's such a popular storyline?
How do you think Cricket and Antoinette compares with other movies that offer an insect's point of view, such as A Bug's Life?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 24, 2024
- Cast : David Henrie , Raini Rodriguez , Tara Thaller
- Director : Luka Rukavina
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Bugs ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 82 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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