Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun sea and sci-fi adventure has threat and mild violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Felix and the Hidden Treasure
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 , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some cartoon violence and thematic elements
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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