Thumbelina
Common Sense says
- G
- 1994
- 86 minutes
Parents say
Kids say
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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 Thumbelina, a adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's story, will delight fans of fairies and princesses, but also includes some tension and mild peril. There are themes of kidnapping and marriage to the wrong fellow for the wrong reasons, but the happily-ever-after is solidly in place.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Judge for yourself before you show it to your kids
Poor in every way
Very good on for everyone
What's the story?
Once upon a time there was a woman of a certain age who wanted to have a child very badly. She was given some barleycorn by a good witch to plant, and lo and behold, a tiny girl was found inside the blossom of the plant. This girl, Thumbelina, brought joy and song wherever she went. But she was lonely, and she thought she was the only tiny person in the world. That is, until Prince Cornelius hears her singing through the window of her home and changes her life forever.
Is it any good?
Though Thumbelina can be swayed to accept different paths rather easily, it's enjoyable to watch her will shine through. And life in the forest is lush and lively, and the dramatic action is fanciful, while hitting notes of struggle and triumph. Barry Manilow (yes, that Barry Manilow) has written a host of songs that Thumbelina (voiced by Jodi Benson) brings to life. Guest voice appearances by Charo, Kenneth Mars, and Carol Channing enrich the talented cast.
Though it's not Disney, this feature does give Disney a run for its money. Younger children will appreciate the little characters like the Jitterbugs, and older kids might like the comic Beetle and the teen romance aspect. Parents might even find themselves enjoying the music.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about fairy tales. Why do you like these types of stories? Is there such a thing as a fairy tale ending? What are some of your favorite fairy tales, and why?
What would this story look like if the boy and girl roles were reversed? Can you imagine a boy being kidnapped to be a husband and then being rescued by his true love, a princess?
Create your own fairy tale. What characters would you have? How about the setting?
Movie details
- In theaters: February 19, 1994
- On DVD or streaming: February 19, 2002
- Cast: Gary Imhoff, Gino Conforti, Jodi Benson
- Directors: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman
- Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy
- Run time: 86 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: March 14, 2020
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
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