Parents' Guide to The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina

Movie G 2002 75 minutes
The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina movie poster: Tom Thumb and Thumbelina sit in a flower

Common Sense Media Review

Brian Costello By Brian Costello , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Disney remake has stronger heroine than original fairy tale.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 6+?

Any Positive Content?

  • The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina Trailer
  • The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina: Tom Thumb and Thumbelina surrounded by stems
  • The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina: Thumbelina next to clothed animals in the grass

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 4 parent reviews

 

 

See all 4 parent reviews
age 4+

Based on 2 kid reviews

 

 

See all 2 kid reviews

What's the Story?

In THE ADVENTURES OF TOM THUMB AND THUMBELINA, as babies, Tom Thumb (voiced by Elijah Wood) and Thumbelina (Jennifer Love Hewitt) were taken from their village by a giant. While Tom ends up with a kind man named Ben (Robert Guillaume), Thumbelina is held captive by wicked circus ringmaster Roman (Michael Chiklis), who runs a traveling show. While Ben sends Tom off to find others like him, Thumbelina makes her escape. They meet but encounter difficulties with lovelorn beetles, and, worst of all, the Mole King (Peter Gallagher), who wants to force Thumbelina to marry him.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 4 ):
Kids say ( 2 ):

This animated fantasy is a fun tale with enough action and snappy dialogue to keep both children and adults entertained. The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina looks like something from a Tim Burton movie, and with a cast of familiar names lending their talents (besides Wood and Hewitt, there's also Jon Stewart, Robert Guillaume, and Bebe Neuwirth), the acting is above average for much children's fare.

Purists may scoff at this modern-day reinterpretation of these two beloved characters, and the musical numbers don't always shine. But for viewers tired of female characters being weak, helpless, and unable to fend for themselves, this version of the brave Thumbelina is a refreshing evolution.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina's idea of "home" and why it's important for Tom and Thumbelina to try to find where they come from. Before meeting each other, why do Tom and Thumbelina feel like the only ones who look like they do?

  • Thumbelina says that it's "better to be original than a copy." What does that mean? Do you agree?

  • How are these versions of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina different from and similar to versions of these two characters in other movies and stories? Why do you think the filmmakers changed them compared to how they've been in the past? Which version do you like best, and why?

  • How do the characters demonstrate teamwork in the film? Why is that an important character strength?

Movie Details

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The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina movie poster: Tom Thumb and Thumbelina sit in a flower

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