Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Holiday animated film with positive themes but weak plot.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Thanksgiving Movie
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE THANKSGIVING MOVIE, Cross Eye (Simon Hill) the pirate parrot decides to cancel Thanksgiving and sets out to destroy the holiday. It's up to the unlikely hero, Butterball the turkey (also Hill), to stop the wicked parrot from accomplishing his plan. Aided by mysterious tree creatures and a friendly dodo, Butterball must make sure the holiday is restored in time for dinner.
Is It Any Good?
This is one strange holiday tale. In The Thanksgiving Movie, a turkey named Butterball must team up with an assortment of creatures, including an extinct dodo and talking trees, to save Thanksgiving from Cross Eye, the pirate parrot. Despite a bizarre premise that might have led to quirky fun, the film's slow pacing, dull animation, and jokes that barely land make for a less-than-memorable experience. Younger viewers might be entertained by the film's overall oddness, but the barely-there plot is unlikely to hold their attention.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Butterball and how he shows courage and resilience. Why is it important for him to save Thanksgiving?
What famous holiday characters would you invite to a Thanksgiving dinner? What would you talk to them about?
Do you think Cross Eye learns a valuable lesson about the meaning of the holidays?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 3, 2020
- Cast : Simon Hill , KJ Schrock , Rich Daigle
- Director : Chip Bryant
- Studio : WOWNow Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 77 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : May 21, 2025
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