Felix and the Hidden Treasure
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Felix and the Hidden Treasure
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Felix and the Hidden Treasure is an enjoyable Canadian animated adventure movie with plenty of positive messages and role models, and some mild cartoon violence. Felix (voiced by Daniel Brochu) is a 12-year-old boy who sets sail in search of his missing father. Felix's mom Marlene (Holly Gauthier-Frankel) is a strong female presence, having brought up Felix and his baby sister on her own for the last two years. Felix's kind aunt, Annie( Angela Galuppo), looks after them to give Marlene a break, despite having little experience with babies. Felix is adventurous and curious, sneaking off to find his father without telling his mother and aunt. He is also compassionate and determined. There is much character development as characters learn that aging is part of life and that it's important to show your emotions. There is moderate cartoon violence, which includes using toys as weapons (a yo-yo, a baseball, a Frisbee) and some fights in which guards get hit in the face. One more sinister moment that might need to be explained to kids is when two men have chloroform rags held over their faces while they're in bed. Other moments of threat involve dangerous sailing in stormy seas. There is some suggestive behavior when a character is seen covered in lipstick kisses. A billionaire talks openly about his financial situation and when he snores he's heard muttering "money, money, money."
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What's the Story?
In FELIX AND THE HIDDEN TREASURE, 12-year-old Felix (Daniel Brochu) wants to find his father who's been missing at sea for two years. He secretly sets sail -- with his dog-like cat and a friendly old sailor -- to Darkshadow Island to try to find him. There Felix encounters a mysterious cult with a magical secret.
Is It Any Good?
This original animated movie looks great and does a marvelous job of blending a seafaring adventure with science fiction themes. Simply put, Felix and the Hidden Treasure is a joy. Director Nicola Lemay presents the entire world with confidence, its characters fully rounded in a picturesque coastal town. Lemay's deftest move is keeping the story at a specific, steady pace. Scenes of strangers discussing a mysterious -- and very expensive -- deal are dropped into the main story. As confusing and seemingly unconnected as these first seem, when the story unfolds and the two worlds merge, it's a satisfying device rarely seen in kids' movies. The animation style feels unique to the movie too, rather than falling into the all too common trap of copying Pixar, pixel for pixel.
Clever stuff aside, the movie's also great fun. A cat who acts like a dog and a seafaring bird with an eye patch provide plenty of physical humor. The human characters are also winners. Felix is plucky, while siblings Marlene and Annie (Felix's mom and aunt) are both charming and emotionally rich. Annie (Angela Galuppo) throwing herself into the wild world of childcare to give the tireless Marlene (Holly Gauthier-Frankel) a break is one of a handful of heartwarming plot points in the film. Put on top of that a philosophical debate about the pros and cons of immortality, and the nature of cults, and you've got a deep, rich, and thoroughly entertaining kids movie for all the family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the positive messages in Felix and the Hidden Treasure. In what ways did the characters show courage, perseverance, teamwork, and compassion. Why are these such important character strengths? Can you give any real life examples when you've demonstrated any of these?
Discuss the cartoon violence and peril in the movie. Did it feel appropriate for a movie like this? Why, or why not? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Talk about some of the women in the movie. Why might they be descried as positive role models? What makes a good role model? Who do you look up to in your own life? Why media role models matter.
Tom says that in his day, a boy would "never let himself be seen with tears in his eyes." Do you think that's a healthy way to live or is it important to share your emotions? Did Tom change his opinion on this by the end of the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 25, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: June 29, 2021
- Cast: Daniel Brochu, Angela Galuppo, Karine Vanasse
- Director: Nicola Lemay
- Studio: Viva Pictures
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Adventures, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 85 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: some cartoon violence and thematic elements
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
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