Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet computer-animated feature has some iffy humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Otto the Rhino
What's the Story?
Topper is a kind boy with an active imagination and a father who he believes has been on adventures in Africa for the past year. He is starting to develop feelings for Silla, who seems to like him back. Topper's whole life turns upside down when he discovers a magical pencil, a pencil that brings to life anything he draws with it. One day, after drawing a rhinoceros on his bedroom wall, the rhino comes to life. Topper names the rhino Otto, and he must figure out how to take care of Otto while they live in the third floor of an apartment building. He also must keep Otto away from cranky adults and a chief of police who are determined to take him away.
Is It Any Good?
On the whole, OTTO THE RHINO is a sweet movie about an imaginative boy who is starting to come of age. It's slow-paced at times, and almost all of the adults are presented as buffoons, but in spite of this, the story of Topper and his relationship with his faraway father and his first love with Silla is charming.
Perhaps the biggest problem with the movie lies with the titular animal. Otto doesn't really have much personality. He's just big and oafish and eats books but doesn't really do anything to endear himself to the audience. Not that he should smile a lot and sing a song composed by Pharrell or Randy Newman, but a little more personality -- or any personality for that matter -- would have improved the movie. Still, this is an imaginative story that tweens should enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about foreign movies. How is this Danish film different from animated features made in other countries?
How are adults portrayed in this movie?
If this movie was made in North America, how do you think it would be different? How would it be the same?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 18, 2014
- Cast : Callum Maloney , Aoibheann Murray , Matthew Boyle
- Director : Kenneth Kainz
- Studio : Phase 4 Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 77 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Some rude humor and smoking images.
- Last updated : January 9, 2023
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