Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action-packed endangered species story, with potty humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Missing Lynx
What's the Story?
A mysterious and eccentric millionaire named Noe has dispatched a ruthless hunter/poacher named Newmann to steal two of every endangered species he can find so Noe can put them on his boat. However, both Noe and Newmann get more than they bargained for when they storm a sanctuary housing Felix the "jinxed lynx" (who always feels unlucky) and his ragtag gang of endangered animals. Together, Felix and his friends learn the real story behind Noe and must do battle with the ruthless Newmann, who still has Felix's new girlfriend prisoner.
Is It Any Good?
While not a Pixar film, THE MISSING LYNX sure feels like it's trying to be. Wisecracking animals who act human, all too human? Check. Caricatured antagonists? Check. Comments on mankind's relationship with nature, the earth, animals? Oh yeah.
Which isn't to say that it's a bad film. It isn't. There are funny moments, sad moments, moments of intense action. However, it does feel like a patchwork cut from themes and characters taken from various familiar movies, with animation -- while quite good -- that isn't at the level we've come to expect from places like Pixar. The environmental themes will appeal to some parents, and kids will get a kick out of the action.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Newmann the hunter is presented here. What makes him more like a poacher (one who hunts endangered species for profit) as opposed to a hunter from the past or present who hunts to eat?
How were the different animals' (lynx, goat, chameleon) natural skills used to solve the animals' problems?
How does this film tackle the difficult issue of endangered species? Does it seem too lighthearted? Too serious? What messages do you come away with?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 25, 2008
- Cast : Cecilia Santiago , Conchi Lopez Rojo , David Robles
- Director : Raul Garcia
- Studio : Phase 4 Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : STEM , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild action/peril, some rude humor
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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