Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Magical family adventure has positive messages, mild peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
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Where to Watch
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Four Kids and It
What's the Story?
FOUR KIDS AND IT tells the story of Alice (Paula Patton) and David (Matthew Goode), two single parents who fall in love and decide to unite their families on a surprise holiday to the seaside. It's here that their four combined children discover the magical creature Psammead (voiced by Michael Caine), who has the power to grant them all wishes. But not without a catch, as local eccentric Tristan (Russell Brand) wants this power for himself.
Is It Any Good?
There's an enchantment to this movie that's enriched by positive messages, even if they are a little contrived at times. Four Kids and It is based on the popular Jacqueline Wilson book, which in turn is based on the famous E. Nesbit story Five Children and It -- itself turned into a movie in 2004. Capturing the essence of both imaginative novels, director Andy De Emmony has crafted a movie that can be enjoyed by all members of the family.
The casting is excellent, not just of the four young leads. Brand, as the movie's playful antagonist Tristan, steals the show. In fact, the one major shortcoming of the movie is that actor's lack of screen time. Caine is also brilliantly employed as the voice for the creature Psammead. It's fair to say that the budget was clearly modest, with the special effects somewhat lacking, giving Four Kids and It a TV movie feel. But this doesn't take too much away from a fun-filled and entertaining fantasy that easily passes the time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role of families in Four Kids and It. How does the family dynamic change throughout the movie? How does divorce impact a family -- both for children and parents?
Discuss the idea of friendship. The children in the movie make friends despite coming from different backgrounds. How does communication help with this? How can you use media to help your kid's communication skills?
The children are granted wishes in the movie. If you could wish for something, what would it be? What could you wish for that could help change the world for the better?
One of the children fulfills a dream of becoming a pop star. What do you want to be when you're older? Why? How might you start to achieve these dreams?
The four children display compassion, patience, and kindness. Why are these important character strengths? Can you give any examples of when you've demonstrated any of these traits in real life?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 30, 2020
- Cast : Paula Patton , Matthew Goode , Michael Caine
- Director : Andy De Emmony
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sky Cinema
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity , Self-control , Teamwork
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements, some rude/suggestive comments, fantasy violence and language
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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