Parents' Guide to

Lotte from Gadgetville

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Whimsical animated tale will charm the whole family.

Movie NR 2008 78 minutes
Lotte from Gadgetville Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Lotte from Gadgetville Movie: Scene #1
  • Lotte from Gadgetville Movie: Scene #2
  • Lotte from Gadgetville Movie: Scene #3

Community Reviews

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age 3+

Based on 5 parent reviews

nhpour
nhpour Adult
December 19, 2020
age 3+

too long and really odd

Just not for us. I feel like I don't know what I was watching most of the time. Spaced out so many times. Not even our kids could tell us what the story was all about
IronGumby
IronGumby Adult
December 4, 2020
age 6+

Inappropriate things over kids' heads

Idk if it's just me or a European thing, but there are some disparaging things that go on in this film, namely when you learn the backstory of the father cat, which... is an alleycat. True to form, he goes on a world tour of sorts, set to music, staying overnight with female cats eager to host him and then send him on his way with much adulation. Any discerning adult knows what's going on here, if only implied, but I'm glad my kids didn't ask any questions about this father staying with other women (sometimes multiple!) and going to bars and drinking and getting drunk. I also can't tell if the two inspector-like moles are supposed to be like a Sherlock and Holmes duo because to me it more seemed like they were a bantering couple (i.e. "together"). Again, idk how these things weren't even mentioned yet or flagged in the official review. I want to make sure you are going into this eyes wide open and prepared to answer any related questions. I was cringing during it and grateful nothing came up but they know not to watch it again. I wish I could rate it for 6 and UNDER because any older and they might pick up on these things.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Little Lotte (a cartoon dog) lives happily with her family in an idyllic town in LOTTE FROM GADGETVILLE. Her dad, Oscar, is an inventor extraordinaire. Who wouldn't be extraordinary if he invented electricity, a washing machine, and a hot-air balloon? Lotte's best friend is Leo (a cat), who is shier than she is but willing to explore and try new things with Lotte as his guide. When Titume, a misplaced bee from Japan, unexpectedly appears in Gadgetville, courtesy of a runaway book that sailed the seas, Lotte and Leo are delighted, along with lots of the townspeople, to learn judo from him. At the same time, Oscar must hide his newest invention from a most determined bunny/inventor -- a fellow who isn't above cheating, which gets him into lots of trouble. Lotte and Leo train for an upcoming judo tournament. All of this happens as two very highbrow moles drink tea and ponder many of life's puzzles, and a spirited fly narrates all of the action.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (5):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Inventive and original, witty and clever enough for adults to enjoy, sunny and funny for the kids, the film is a welcome English-language version of a European entry for family viewing. The story and characters transcend international borders with relatable humor and situations. The Estonian animation company that created Lotte from Gadgetville has been making films for decades. How lucky that someone decided to give American audiences an opportunity to see a film with plenty of story and no baddies or scary stuff. Highly recommended.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the universality of movies. Though Lotte from Gadgetville comes from Europe and was dubbed in English, how common are the themes? What are the similarities to towns and families that you know?

  • Create an invention of your own. Write about or draw something you think would be great to have for yourself or for the world. It doesn't have to be possible, just fun.

  • What is it about portraying animals and critters as human that makes them so appealing? The word for that is "anthropomorphizing" the character. Think about your favorite anthropomorphized character. Who is it, and why is that character your favorite?

  • How do the characters display teamwork and curiosity? Why are these important character strengths?

  • Families can download a free study guide to go along with the movie here.

Movie Details

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