Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stop-motion comedy is a gold mine of heart and hilarity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Strike
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 40 parent reviews
Parents say this film presents a familiar trope where a child carries the burden of saving the community, which some deem problematic, especially for older viewers. However, many families praise it for its humor, entertaining story, engaging characters, and strong family values, making it a great choice for all ages, despite a slow start and some creepy elements.
- family values
- engaging characters
- humorous story
- suitable for all ages
- mixed age appeal
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 5 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In STRIKE, Mungo Morrison (voiced by Lizzie Waterworth) is a mole who dreams of being a professional soccer player. But his dad, Garth (Tom Turner), has been grooming Mungo to follow in his footsteps and become a miner. When a greedy gemstone mogul (Ken Stott) is angered by the town's resistance to sell their gold mine, a tragic accident occurs. Now Mungo must decide whether he should pursue his dreams or help his community.
Is It Any Good?
Trevor Hardy's stop-motion animation feature debut will likely have elementary age kids squealing with laughter. The childish puppetry is a bit misleading -- older kids might shy away because it looks like it's "for babies" -- but between the fart jokes and clever humor, Strike is an unexpected gem that even tweens will enjoy. Throwaway jokes and funny antics happening behind the main action make for an active watching experience, and even with their small, fuzzy mouths, every word that Mungo and his friends say can be understood.
The animation doesn't feel sophisticated -- but in this case, that translates as "attainable" rather than "amateur." In a best-case scenario, it could inspire kids to pick up their smartphones or tablets and make their own movies with stuffed animals and action figures. Strike's characters aren't likely to end up on lunch boxes or yogurt containers, but they're admirable nonetheless. And while the "I get by with a little help from my friends" message is tried and true, the movie's nontraditional gender dynamics are new and exciting. Two of Mungo's female friends are pros in typically male dominated spaces (engineering/mechanics, explosives). The fact that Mungo's best friend, Ryan (Naomi McDonald), is crushing hard on Maggie (Waterworth), a girl who knows how to work dynamite, is a refreshing touch. Like Maggie, Strike is a blast.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Strike. Do you think cartoon violence -- or, in this case, puppet violence -- has as much impact as live-action violence?
How does stop-motion animation compare to other forms of animation you've seen? Which do you prefer?
How do Mungo and his friends exhibit courage and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?
How do the characters exhibit nontraditional gender roles? Why is that an important aspect of representation?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 7, 2020
- Cast : Lizzie Waterworth , Ken Stott , Jordan Long
- Director : Trevor Hardy
- Studio : Indican Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Friendship , Puppets
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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