Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Delightful musical tale of pumpkin who doesn't fit in.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Spookley the Square Pumpkin
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 18 parent reviews
Parents say that while the film aims to deliver a positive message about self-acceptance and anti-bullying, many find it inappropriate for young children due to excessive bullying, name-calling, and unsettling themes from the start. Critics emphasize that the content may not align with the original book, and numerous parents express concerns about the portrayal of female characters and the film's overall messaging, ultimately suggesting other options for family viewing.
- bullying themes
- inappropriate content
- negative portrayal
- misunderstood message
- animation style
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say this film has a compelling message about embracing uniqueness and diversity, resonating especially well with younger audiences during Halloween. However, opinions vary widely, with some viewers finding the animation poor and the narrative, at times, uncomfortable or confusing, leading to mixed feelings regarding its overall impact on children.
- unique message
- family friendly
- animation concerns
- emotional impact
- mixed reviews
- make believe
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A kindly narrator tells the story of SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN, which takes place on a pumpkin farm just before Halloween. Jack, the Scarecrow (voiced by Craig Francis), has discovered a small, square fellow amidst all the other pumpkins that have been growing in the patch. The little guy, Spookley (Sonja Ball), quickly realizes that he's the only square pumpkin in the patch, and that makes him sad. And it makes at least one of the other pumpkins mad. Spookley doesn't belong with us, Little Tom (Rick Jones) declares. It's up to Jack, who watches over pumpkins, to give Spookley a chance to join with the others. But after he flops badly in the annual Jack-A-Lympics Competition, Spookley is inconsolable. Then, threatened by an unexpected storm on the day before Halloween, the scarecrow, the other critters who live in the patch, and the pumpkins themselves are all in danger. It's up to Spookley to prove his worth by using his smarts and his courage to save them all.
Is It Any Good?
Bright, witty, and with an abundance of terrific musical numbers and engaging characters, this short feature is a Halloween treat that families can enjoy together. The messages about being different and inclusiveness are familiar, but they're solid. Even the "villainous" round pumpkin who doesn't love Spookley at first sight is funny rather than frightening. Usually spiders and bats perpetuate the "bad guy" tradition, but in Spookley the Square Pumpkin, they couldn't be more likable or distinctive. The production is all first-rate, with exceptional performances, fine animation, and wonderful attention to detail in every facet. Funny and just the right length for little kids, this movie is highly recommended.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of movies about characters who don't "fit in" with the crowd. Like its iconic predecessors, The Ugly Duckling and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Spookley is "different" from others when we meet him. What message(s) are these stories trying to convey?
Bats and spiders are often made to be scary or villains in movies for kids. How were the bats and spiders portrayed in Spookley the Square Pumpkin? Did Boris, Bella, Edgar, Allan, and Poe change your opinion of such critters? How?
What is meant by the statement: "You'll never know if you never try?"
The spiders strongly announced that they were not "bugs," but "arachnids." What is an "arachnid"? Do the words "insect" and "bug" mean the same thing?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 19, 2005
- On DVD or streaming : October 1, 2017
- Cast : Sonja Ball , Rick Jones , Craig Francis
- Director : Bernie Denk
- Studio : Cinedigm
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Bugs ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- Run time : 41 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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