Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that even very young children will dig this Disney animated adventure, although it may be too intense for some. The story revolves around Lewis, a genius orphan who desperately wants to meet his real mother. There's a sense that he and his friends at the orphanage feel rejected -- he counts 124 couples he's met who don't end up adopting him -- but he's still take care of and encouraged by adults. The cartoon violence is owed mostly to the movie's villains -- a robotic bowler hat and the mysterious mustachioed man who wears it. The Bowler Hat Guy suffers from severe jealousy and bitterness, which is why he wants to ruin Lewis' future. But the future, as it turns out, is bright for all, even Lewis' nemesis. Parents of adopted children may be especially concerned with the way the orphans and the adoption process are depicted.
Sexual
Content
Young Lewis and Franny smile flirtatiously at each other.
Violence
An ominous, robotic bowler hat wreaks havoc in the future, forcing humankind into subservience. Bowler Hat Guy creeps around trying to foil Lewis' plans. A T-rex attacks a family in a house, chases children and at one point picks up a boy with his mouth but eventually has to put him down. Various inventions explode, and a family has a big (humorous) food fight.
Language
Several mild taunts like "booger breath," "pukeface," "butterfingers," "stupid," "geek," "dumb" and the like.
Social
Behavior
On a positive note, a boy with every reason to be upset with the world learns to overcome challenges. The central family nurtures creativity and taking risks to follow your dreams. Some parents my be concerned with the sensitive themes of orphans/orphanages, adoption, loneliness and revenge, all of which are explored in the movie. Parents with adopted children may be especially put off with the way the orphans like Lewis are treated by prospective parents, and his thoughts that his biological mother did not love him.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
A boy drinks coffee to stay up, while an adult wears patches (reminiscent of nicotine patches) that make her act overly caffeinated. Adults make a toast with what looks like wine but spill it.
