Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Book-based animated short celebrates love of family.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Stick Man
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Parents say the movie closely mirrors the story of the original book, making it enjoyable for children familiar with its content, but it can also be distressing for more sensitive viewers. While some children love the film's creativity and sweet ending, others find the frequent perilous situations of the stick man upsetting, leading to tears and anxiety during or after viewing.
- excels in rhyme
- distressing themes
- suitable for older kids
- beautiful animation
- short duration
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 4 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Happy Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady love and three children. They celebrate the winter holiday with a decorated spruce twig serving as Christmas tree, sharing presents, sledding, and waging snowball fights in their peaceful patch of forest. Sometimes humans (who can't see that Stick Man is a real being and not a lifeless twig) and their dogs invade, posing danger. While Stick Man is out for a jog, one such canine clamps him in his jaws, beginning a series of unfortunate incidents that drag Stick Man further from his family for nearly three quarters of a year. After surviving a dunk in the ocean and being woven into a swan's nest, he sleeps on a fireplace grate and then is chosen as tinder for a human family's next cozy fire. He is ultimately rescued by Santa, who becomes lodged in the chimney above while trying to deliver gifts. Stick Man saves the Stuck Man and hitches a ride home on the Man in Red's flying sleigh.
Is It Any Good?
STICK MAN handles adversity with aplomb and grace, but it's his palpable longing for his lady love and children that give this delightful rhymed cartoon its bittersweet heart and soul. Martin Freeman (Dr. Watson of British television's Sherlock and Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit) voices Stick Man cheerfully and plaintively while Hugh Bonneville (of Downton Abbey) voices a buoyant and helpful Santa. Rene Aubry's jaunty music perfectly sets the tone for Stick Man's inadvertent adventures. Lots for families with young kids to enjoy together.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what this movie wants us to feel about families. Does Stick Man love his family? How can you tell?
What does the movie think about humans? How do they treat Stick Man?
Does the movie tell you how long Stick Man is away? Does it show the seasons changing?
How does the story show perseverance? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 25, 2015
- Cast : Martin Freeman , Hugh Bonneville , Jennifer Saunders
- Directors : Jeroen Jaspaert , Daniel Snaddon
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Magic Light Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 27 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 23, 2025
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