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Parents' Guide to

The History of Future Folk

By Brian Costello, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Quirky indie sci-fi film has positive messages about music.

Movie NR 2013 84 minutes
The History of Future Folk Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 9+

Based on 4 parent reviews

age 7+

Super campy, fun family film with love and family at its heart

My family stumbled upon this gem in a streaming service's "critically acclaimed" section. It is a wonderful family film. Low budget. Super campy. But when you aren't laughing, it's a serious drama, despite the camp. Future Folk is the best folk duo sci-fi action romance comedy ever made. Googling the film after we watched it, I learned the film is a backstory for a real folk duo who, until recently, performed songs about outer space in New York's East Village while wearing red buckets on their heads. The film grossed $17,000 at the box office, having been released in only two theaters, presumably ones in New York. It now easily ranks on my list of must-see family films.

This title has:

Great messages
age 8+

Brilliant movie!!!

Absolutely excellent movie for kids 8 to 80! Now one of my top ten all time movies. Brilliant!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (4 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

THE HISTORY OF FUTURE FOLK is a quirky, low-budget indie movie that is as silly as it is bittersweet. Imagine Flight of the Conchords or Tenacious D as red space-suited aliens, and you begin to get the idea. It's an entertaining premise that does not let the lack of funds for big-budget special effects get in the way of a story that proves you don't need millions of dollars to make an enjoyable movie.

It's also a ludicrous premise, but the acting and the overall theme of the transformative powers of music is so assured and charming, it isn't the worst thing in the world to simply suspend your disbelief and enjoy this film on its own terms. Funny and strange, this one-of-a-kind movie is worth repeated viewings.

Movie Details

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