Open Season (2006)
Synopsis:
In Open Season, Boog, a domesticated grizzly bear, enjoys a comfortable life in a small town with his owner, park ranger Beth. His world turns upside down when he meets Elliot, a fast-talking mule deer. After a series of misadventures, Boog finds himself stranded in the woods just days before the start of hunting season. With Elliot as his only guide, Boog must learn to navigate the wild and rally the other forest animals to protect themselves from the hunters. As they embark on this adventure, Boog and Elliot form an unlikely friendship, facing various challenges and encountering a colorful cast of forest creatures. Together, they work to turn the tables on the hunters and reclaim their home.
Where To Watch: Open Season
Parental Feedback
Open Season, released in 2006, is an animated comedy-adventure film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie is generally well-received by parents for its humor and engaging storyline, though some express concerns about mild peril and thematic elements. Overall, it is seen as a fun and entertaining choice for children, with a mix of adventure and friendship themes.
Why Kids Should Watch Open Season
Open Season is praised for its humor and positive messages about friendship and teamwork.
- Promotes the value of friendship and working together to overcome challenges.
- Features a strong character dynamic between Boog and Elliot, showcasing growth and understanding.
- Visually appealing animation and comedic elements that keep kids entertained.
- Encourages empathy and understanding of different perspectives.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Open Season
Some parents are concerned about the mild peril and thematic elements that may be intense for younger viewers.
- Scenes of hunting and danger might be emotionally challenging for sensitive children.
- Some slapstick violence and risky behavior could be misinterpreted by younger audiences.
- Moments of tension and conflict may be confusing without parental guidance.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about mild peril and thematic elements.
What Parents Should Know About Open Season
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Boog and Elliot learn to work together and support each other, modeling teamwork and friendship. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The scenes involving hunting and danger may require parental guidance to explain the context. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters face consequences for their actions, such as when Boog and Elliot's antics lead to trouble. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The film highlights the importance of teamwork and understanding through the characters' journey. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the value of friendship and working together to overcome obstacles. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Open Season is appreciated for its humor, engaging storyline, and positive messages about friendship and teamwork. While some parents note the mild peril and thematic elements, these can be addressed with parental guidance. The movie's strengths lie in its entertaining animation and character dynamics, making it a fun choice for family viewing. For those seeking alternatives, films like "Finding Nemo" or "Toy Story" offer similar themes with a lighter touch.
Official Open Season Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Open Season
Open Season's most common core values include Friendship, Courage, and Teamwork. Throughout the movie, kids see the importance of friendship as Boog, a bear, and Elliot, a deer, form an unlikely bond. Their friendship teaches children that differences can be embraced and that true friends support each other through thick and thin. Courage is highlighted as Boog steps out of his comfort zone to face the challenges of the wild, showing kids that Bravery often means facing fears and Trying new things.
Teamwork is a key value as Boog and Elliot rally the forest animals to work together against a common threat, demonstrating to children that collaboration and unity can lead to success. These values are woven into the story, providing young viewers with clear examples of how they can apply these lessons in their own lives.
Other Core Values Explored: Bravery | Environmental awareness | Protecting nature | Self-discovery | Acceptance | Adaptability | Being yourself | Standing up for what's right | Respect | Compassion | Helping others | Inclusion | Valuing diversity
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Open Season
Building Friendships: In Open Season, kids learn about the importance of building friendships through the relationship between Boog and Elliot. Despite their differences, the bear and the deer form a strong bond, teaching children that friendships can be found in the most unexpected places. Their journey together shows how supporting each other can lead to overcoming challenges.
Embracing Differences: The movie highlights the value of embracing differences as Boog and Elliot, two very different animals, come together to face the wild. This teaches kids that diversity can be a strength and that accepting others for who they are can lead to meaningful connections and teamwork.
Facing Fears Head-On: Boog's transition from a domesticated bear to surviving in the wild is a lesson in facing fears head-on. Children see how Boog confronts his fears of the unknown and learns to adapt, encouraging them to be brave and tackle their own fears with courage.
Working as a Team: The forest animals in Open Season demonstrate the power of working as a team. By coming together to protect their home, they show kids that collaboration and unity can help overcome obstacles and achieve common goals, reinforcing the importance of teamwork.
Protecting the Environment: The movie emphasizes protecting the environment as the animals strive to reclaim their forest from hunters. This teaches children the significance of caring for nature and the impact they can have in preserving the world around them.
Other Lessons Learned: Finding Courage | Letting Go of the Past | Making a Difference | Overcoming Failure | Supporting Your Friends
Why Kids Love Open Season
Open Season is a wild ride where kids are swept into a forest full of talking animals and hilarious antics. Boog, the bear, and Elliot, the deer, are an odd pair that bring laughter with their silly jokes and slapstick comedy. As they navigate the woods, kids will love the fast-paced action and cartoon-style chaos that keeps them on the edge of their seats. The forest is alive with quirky animal friends, each adding their own humor and charm to the adventure. Unexpected friendships form as the animals band together, creating a sense of camaraderie and fun.
The escape scenes and near misses add excitement, while the mishaps and awkward situations bring giggles. Kids will be thrilled by the idea of being the hero and standing up for others, as Boog and Elliot work to fix the problem and protect their home. With its mix of humor, action, and heartwarming moments, Open Season is a delightful adventure that keeps kids entertained from start to finish.