The Happy Cricket
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Happy Cricket is told from the vantage point of bugs, so the scale of nature at night and its panoply of frights is exaggerated, which could heighten fears of bugs or creepy crawlies in some kids. However, the movie is an ultimately sweet tale of rescue and friendship that attempts to demystify that scariness.
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What's the Story?
Christopher the Cricket and his friends have an idyllic life of music and fun, until the evil wizard Wartlord kidnaps their muse and threatens their habitat. But if they want to restore order, they'll have to face a steady stream of scary monsters, conquer the lizard, and rescue their muse.
Is It Any Good?
The Happy Cricket is a nicely paced adventure that never seems to drag. Though the peril can sometimes seem a little excessively scary, playing into lizards, snapdragons and such as "scary monsters" with whom the protagonists must fight an all-out war, the film works to resolve the threats quickly and with humor.
Kids will enjoy the nonstop action and relatable animal friends. Parents who are not concerned about the potential for scary feelings about nature will appreciate the positive lessons about friendship and conservation, with an upbeat emphasis on music and inspiration.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the sounds and sights found in nature, especially at night. Have you heard sounds you thought were scary, only to find out that it's just a cricket or owl? What are the scariest sounds you've heard outside?
The evil wartlord wants to chop down the trees so he can have a better view of the night sky. Why is it important to keep as much of nature as we can? What benefits does it bring? What harm is done by cutting down too many trees?
The friends in The Happy Cricket have to work past fears to rescue their friend and muse. Have you ever been scared to do something? What happened? How did you find the courage to do it anyway?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: October 26, 2006
- Cast: Bob Buchholz, Mona Marshall, Steve Kramer
- Director: Walbercy Ribas
- Studio: Tapeworm
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Friendship, Science and Nature
- Run time: 82 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
For kids who love nature, bugs, music
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