Encino Man (1992)
Synopsis:
In Encino Man, two high school buddies, Dave and Stoney, stumble upon a frozen caveman while digging a pool in Dave's backyard. They decide to thaw him out and introduce him to modern life, naming him Link. As Link navigates the strange new world of the 1990s, he becomes an unexpected hit at school, drawing attention and popularity. Dave and Stoney try to keep Link's true identity a secret while dealing with the challenges of high school life. The trio embarks on a series of comedic adventures, with Link's prehistoric antics causing chaos and hilarity. As they navigate these escapades, Dave and Stoney find themselves in various humorous situations, all while trying to fit in and make the most of their high school experience.
Where To Watch: Encino Man
Parental Feedback
Encino Man, released in 1992, is a comedy film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie blends elements of humor and adventure as it follows two high school students who discover a frozen caveman in their backyard. Parents generally have mixed feelings about the film, with some appreciating its lighthearted and fun nature, while others express concerns about certain behaviors depicted.
Why Kids Should Watch Encino Man
Encino Man offers a fun and entertaining experience with positive messages about friendship and acceptance.
- Promotes the value of friendship and accepting differences
- Features a humorous and engaging performance by the caveman character
- Includes visually appealing scenes that capture the imagination of kids
- Offers a lighthearted take on adapting to new environments
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Encino Man
Some parents are concerned about the film's portrayal of certain behaviors and themes.
- Contains scenes that may encourage reckless behavior
- Includes moments of mild bullying that might be problematic
- Some humor may be confusing or inappropriate for younger viewers
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the portrayal of certain behaviors.
What Parents Should Know About Encino Man
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The film highlights the importance of friendship and accepting others for who they are. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Some scenes of bullying and social exclusion may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | While some reckless actions are shown, the film does not always address their consequences. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The characters eventually learn to work together and appreciate each other's differences. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about embracing diversity and the value of friendship. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Encino Man is praised for its humor and the positive message of friendship, making it a fun watch for kids. However, some parents are concerned about the portrayal of certain behaviors and the lack of consequences for reckless actions. Parental involvement can help address these issues and provide context for younger viewers. For those seeking similar films, consider other family-friendly comedies that emphasize positive behavior and clear moral lessons.
Official Encino Man Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Encino Man
Encino Man's most common core values include Friendship, Being yourself, and Acceptance. Kids watching the movie see how Dave and Stoney form an unexpected friendship with Link, the thawed caveman. Even though Link is from a completely different time, the boys embrace him for who he is. They try to help him fit into their high school world, showing how true friends accept each other, despite differences. Being true to oneself is another important lesson. Link, with his prehistoric behavior, stands out, yet this helps him gain popularity at school. Teens learn that being themselves, even when it feels unusual, can lead to acceptance and new friendships.
These values come across clearly when Link, despite being unfamiliar with modern life, wins over his peers. A memorable scene is when Link joins a school dance, inventing his wild prehistoric moves. Instead of laughing at him, the other kids join in, impressed by his confidence and unique style. This scene highlights being yourself because Link doesn't change to fit in—his genuine self stands out and is embraced by others. Friendship is also a big part because Dave and Stoney continue to support him, navigating changes together. Acceptance shines through as the other students warm up to Link's unusual ways without judging him.
Other Core Values Explored: Adaptability | Making friends | Self-discovery | Inclusion | Celebrating differences | Trying new things | Growth mindset
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Encino Man
Embracing Differences: Encino Man shows how accepting and celebrating differences can lead to new friendships and experiences. When Dave and Stoney welcome Link into their lives, they learn to appreciate his unique perspective and prehistoric lifestyle.
Building Friendships: The movie highlights the growth and importance of friendship as Dave and Stoney guide Link through the complexities of modern high school life, teaching him while also learning from him.
Being True to Yourself: Link's unfiltered behavior and prehistoric antics demonstrate the value of being authentic. His uniqueness makes him a school sensation, teaching kids that embracing who they are can lead to positive outcomes.
Finding Courage: Dave and Stoney find the courage to stand by Link despite peer pressure and challenges. Their bravery in protecting Link and sticking together shows that real courage often involves supporting those who are different.
Supporting Your Friends: The trio continually supports one another through various high school adventures, emphasizing the significance of standing by friends during challenging times and celebrating their victories together.
Other Lessons Learned: Keeping an Open Mind | Valuing Inner Beauty
Why Kids Love Encino Man
In a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, kids are captivated by a caveman's hilarious journey through modern life. Encino Man takes young viewers on a wild ride as the prehistoric Link navigates high school with his natural knack for funny antics and silly adventures. His unexpected entry into the classroom turns the mundane into the ridiculous, with slapstick comedy and awkward situations keeping kids laughing. From wild dance moves to hilarious attempts at understanding gadgets and pranks, Link's efforts to fit into the new world create magical moments of chaos and hilarity. His unpredictable actions are mesmerizing, drawing kids into his entertaining escapades that make the regular seem refreshingly different.
The movie's unexpected friendships and scenes of outsmarting adults spark excitement and wonder. Encino Man shows how Link's unconventional ways lead to unforeseen alliances, igniting imaginations as kids watch surreal friendship unfold. The thrill of witnessing Link's prehistoric logic triumph over modern problems keeps teens engrossed, all while celebrating the joys of standing out in a crowd. As Link scampers through high school, leaving a trail of comedic mishaps, his uniqueness doesn't just amuse—it's magnetic. By blending slapstick humor with the excitement of quirky new friendships, Encino Man keeps kids entertained with its quirky, surprising take on high school life.