Parents' Guide to Oliver & Company

Movie G 1988 74 minutes
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Common Sense Media Review

By Nell Minow , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 5+

Can't compete with Disney classics, but still fun.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 5+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Oliver & Company Trailer

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 17 parent reviews

Parents say this movie presents a mix of animated charm and troubling themes, with some reviewers noting inappropriate elements for young children, such as adult situations and scary villains that may provoke fear. While some still appreciate the nostalgic animation and catchy music, many express concern about its suitability for kids, suggesting that it might be best for slightly older audiences.

  • inappropriate for children
  • nostalgia factor
  • catchy music
  • mixed reviews
  • scary elements
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 17 parent reviews
age 7+

Based on 21 kid reviews

 

 

See all 21 kid reviews

What's the Story?

Loosely based on Dickens' Oliver Twist, this animated Disney release is the story of an orphaned cat named Oliver who is befriended by vagabond dogs led by the dashing rapscallion, Dodger. Oliver is adopted by lonely rich girl Jenny, whose prize-winning poodle, Georgette (voiced by Bette Milder), has a world-class case of jealousy. First Oliver and then Jenny are kidnapped for ransom, but are saved from wicked Sikes by the clever animals.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 17 ):
Kids say ( 21 ):

While not up there with the Disney classics, OLIVER AND COMPANY has some real pleasures. Most memorable is Dodger's "Why Should I Worry" musical number (written and sung by Billy Joel) with Dodger leaping and dancing through Manhattan traffic.

There are also some scary moments, but kids will appreciate the way that Oliver takes care of himself, and the way that the dogs take care of him, of each other, and of their human friend, the hapless Fagin (Dom DeLuise).

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how this animated story compares to the Dickens classic about Oliver Twist.

Movie Details

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