Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Clever idea turns bland in turkey-focused holiday fare.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Free Birds
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Parents say the film has garnered mixed reactions, with many praising its humor, endearing characters, and family-friendly nature, particularly as a fun Thanksgiving-themed watch. However, some critics argue the plot is predictable, contains forced messages, and includes inappropriate elements for younger audiences, leading to a variety of opinions on its suitability for children.
- humor and heart
- family-friendly
- mixed reviews
- predictable plot
- inappropriate elements
- strong emotions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 42 kid reviews
Kids say the film offers a mix of appreciation and disappointment, often highlighting its unique premise of time-traveling turkeys trying to change Thanksgiving traditions. While younger viewers find it entertaining and funny, many adults criticize its weak plot, bland humor, and poor animation quality, leading to a perception of it as a forgettable children's movie.
- fun premise
- mixed reviews
- weak humor
- animation quality
- best for kids
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In FREE BIRDS, Reggie (voiced by Owen Wilson) has always been the odd turkey out. He's smarter than the rest of his flock and understands they're being fattened up for slaughter. When the president arrives for the annual turkey pardon, Reggie ends up the lucky fowl thanks to the young first daughter. Back at Camp David, Reggie is living it up with telenovelas and pizza delivery when he's kidnapped by Jake (Woody Harrelson), a strong, scatterbrained turkey. Jake tells Reggie that "The Great Turkey" has sent them on a mission to go back in time to the First Thanksgiving and "get turkeys off the menu." Reggie is skeptical, but soon the pair discovers a secret time machine and ends up in Plymouth Colony 1621.
Is It Any Good?
The movie will undoubtedly please young kids who love talking animals, silly sight gags, and the idea of a group of turkeys fighting back to keep them safe. Writer-director Jimmy Hayward, a veteran animator (Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!), had a clever kernel of an idea -- what if turkeys could somehow get themselves off the Thanksgiving menu without condemning any other animals to their seasonal holiday-meal fate? But the simple storyline got muddled in the execution. Between the outdated Bill Clinton-esque president (voiced by Hayward); the insensitive Native American-esque wild turkeys of the 1600s; and the various time-travel issues, there's just too much happening all at once.
There are a few laughs, like George Takei as the voice of the HAL-like time travel machine S.T.E.V.E., and the alpha-turkey competitiveness between Harrelson's Jake and the chief's son. And it's always a treat to hear Amy Poehler, who plays the chief's courageous daughter Jenny and Reggie's love interest. But it's not enough to make this a must-see every holiday season, and Free Birds may disappoint parents and possibly confuse young kids not used to the time-travel plot device.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Free Birds compares to other Thanksgiving-set movies.
Does the movie change your opinion about eating turkey at Thanksgiving? Do you think the movie has a "vegeterian agenda" as some critics have suggested?
Is it culturally insensitive for the turkeys to wear headdresses and generally look like they're Native Americans?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 1, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : February 4, 2014
- Cast : Amy Poehler , Owen Wilson , Woody Harrelson
- Director : Jimmy Hayward
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Relativity Media
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Holidays , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some action/peril and rude humor
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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