Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet film about friendship, grief has comic violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Maika: The Girl from Another Galaxy
What's the Story?
MAIKA: THE GIRL FROM ANOTHER GALAXY follows Hung (Phu Truong Lai), a young boy who's grieving his mother's death. After his friend moves away, Hung wishes for his mother's presence during a meteor shower. At that moment, a spaceship crash lands, and Hung meets Maika (Diep Anh Chu), a young alien who needs help getting back home. Hung and Maika's friendship gains the attention of an Elon Musk-type billionaire who wants to use Maika to get to outer space. While trying to help Maika, Hung and his father, Thanh (Ngoc Tuong), also finally come to terms with each other and help each other deal with their grief.
Is It Any Good?
This charming, heartfelt film taps into the complicated emotional issues that come with grief, especially childhood grief. While there are some moments in Maika: The Girl from Another Galaxy that could be tighter -- such as some of the bits with the two comic-relief baddies -- the film's focus on friendship and courage helps it excel.
Several characters, including Hung, also have an interest in STEM and inventing, which could inspire younger viewers to create and explore. The young stars of the film are spectacular, especially Lai, who deftly plays the ups and downs of grief, grounding the storyline. As Maika, Chu displays strength, curiosity, and kindness, making you instantly root for her. Overall, Maika is a fun film that families will love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about childhood grief. How are Hung and his father handling their grief in Maika: The Girl from Another Galaxy? Is there a right or wrong way to grieve?
How does Maika's friendship help Hung?
How does Hung's curiosity help him keep Maika safe? How does Hung show courage?
Why is Hung interested in space?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 3, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : September 6, 2022
- Cast : Phu Truong Lai , Diep Anh Chu , Tin Tin , Ngoc Tuong , Kim Nha
- Director : Ham Tran
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Well Go USA
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Aliens , School ( Elementary School , Middle School ) , Family Stories , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , Space , STEM
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Empathy
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, rude humor, thematic elements, language and brief smoking
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 6, 2025
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