FernGully: The Last Rainforest
Family favorite features strong environmental message.
Parents say
Based on 14 reviews
Kids say
Based on 17 reviews
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FernGully: The Last Rainforest
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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 FernGully: The Last Rainforest has some tense and scary moments, though lots of humor takes the edge off. The oil is a dark blob that comes to life in the form of a monster. It attacks the foliage and it's inhabitants. Zak pulls a pocket knife on Batty in effort to protect Crysta, but the scene is comical rather than frightening. The movie promotes a strong environmental and conservation message, along with an anti-animal testing message, though kids might not catch all the lessons thanks to the distraction of the magical creatures and jolly songs.
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good movie with a lot of heart
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What's the Story?
In FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST, an evil and destructive spirit named Hexxus (voice of Tim Curry) is imprisoned in a tree by Magi, the leader of the fairies, who believes that all humans have been destroyed. Many years later, as Magi is teaching Crysta, her apprentice (voice of Samantha Mathis), they find that the humans have returned, and are cutting down all the trees. Crysta shrinks one of the humans, a young man named Zak, to save him from being hit by a falling tree, and teaches him about the importance of preserving the forest.
Is It Any Good?
This movie features an all-star cast and some top-notch animation. Highlights of FernGully: The Last Rainforest include Robin Williams voicing the aptly named "Batty Koda" and gravel-voiced rapper Ton Loc as a Goanna lizard singing "If I'm Goanna Eat Somebody, It Might as Well Be You."
There are some very scary moments, and the magic characters may distract kids from the lesson about environmental conservation, but it does provide a good opportunity for discussions that may help increase sensitivity to environmental concerns.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Ferngully: The Last Rainforest illustrates the importance of conserving the Earth's natural resources, and research the role that trees, and other plants, play in the environment.
How do you feel about movies that have a strong message? Does it distract from or enhance the entertainment value?
Can you imagine this movie as a live-action film? Who would play the various roles?
How do the characters in Ferngully: The Last Rainforest demonstrate compassion, curiosity, and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 10, 1992
- On DVD or streaming: February 19, 2002
- Cast: Christian Slater, Robin Williams, Tim Curry
- Director: Bill Kroyer
- Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Courage, Curiosity
- Run time: 75 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: February 26, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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FernGully 2: The Magical Rescue
Bland sequel lacks original's star power; some peril.
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Arctic Tale
Kid-friendly film serves up inconvenient truth.
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Happy Feet
Well-meaning animation is oddly sexual; some scary moments.
For kids who love being green
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