A Troll in Central Park (1994)
Synopsis:
A Troll in Central Park follows the story of Stanley, a kind-hearted troll with a magical green thumb, who is banished from his home in the Kingdom of Trolls for his love of flowers. He ends up in Central Park, where he meets two young siblings, Gus and Rosie. The children are fascinated by Stanley's ability to make plants grow with a touch. As they explore the park together, they encounter various adventures and challenges. Meanwhile, the evil troll queen, Gnorga, is determined to rid the world of Stanley's influence. She sends her henchman, Llort, to capture him. The story unfolds as Stanley, Gus, and Rosie work together to outsmart Gnorga and protect the beauty of Central Park.
Where To Watch: A Troll in Central Park
Parental Feedback
A Troll in Central Park, released in 1994, is an animated fantasy film aimed at kids, with a G rating. The movie is generally perceived as a light-hearted and whimsical tale, featuring colorful animation and a simple storyline. While some parents appreciate its gentle themes and charming visuals, others feel it lacks depth and excitement, making it a mixed bag for family viewing.
Why Kids Should Watch A Troll in Central Park
The movie offers a sweet and gentle story that many children find endearing.
- Promotes kindness and the importance of being true to oneself.
- The character of Stanley, a kind-hearted troll, is a positive role model.
- Vibrant and colorful animation captures the imagination of young viewers.
- Encourages creativity and the power of dreams.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch A Troll in Central Park
Some parents express concerns about the movie's lack of engaging content.
- The storyline may be too simplistic and slow-paced for some children.
- Scenes involving the antagonist, Queen Gnorga, might be mildly unsettling.
- Limited character development could lead to confusion about motivations.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its lack of depth and excitement.
What Parents Should Know About A Troll in Central Park
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Stanley consistently shows kindness and uses his magical green thumb to help others. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The scenes with Queen Gnorga's attempts to turn Stanley to stone might be intense for sensitive viewers. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Queen Gnorga's mean actions ultimately lead to her downfall, showing consequences for her behavior. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Stanley and the children work together to overcome challenges, highlighting teamwork. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The movie emphasizes the importance of kindness and staying true to oneself. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
A Troll in Central Park is praised for its gentle and positive messages, making it a suitable choice for young children who enjoy simple, colorful stories. However, its lack of depth and excitement may not hold the attention of all viewers. Parents can enhance the experience by discussing the themes of kindness and teamwork with their children. For families seeking more engaging content, alternatives like "The Lion King" or "Toy Story" might be more appealing.
Official A Troll in Central Park Trailer
The Core Values Learned From A Troll in Central Park
A Troll in Central Park's most common core values include Kindness, Environmental awareness, and Being yourself. The movie showcases kindness through the character of Stanley, who consistently helps others and spreads joy with his Magical green thumb. His actions teach kids the importance of Caring for others and the positive impact of small acts of kindness. Environmental awareness is highlighted as Stanley's Love for nature and his ability to make plants grow emphasize the beauty and importance of protecting the environment. This encourages children to appreciate and care for the natural world around them.
Being yourself is another key value, as Stanley's journey shows kids the importance of staying true to who they are, even when faced with adversity. His unique abilities and gentle nature ultimately become his strengths, teaching children that embracing their individuality is valuable.
Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Appreciating what you have | Caring for others | Compassion | Creativity | Friendship | Helping the planet | Imagination | Protecting nature | Resilience | Teamwork
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From A Troll in Central Park
Accepting Yourself: In the movie, Stanley's journey teaches kids the importance of accepting who they are. Despite being different from other trolls, Stanley embraces his unique ability to make plants grow, showing children that being true to oneself is a strength, not a weakness.
Appreciating the Little Things: Stanley's love for flowers and nature highlights the beauty in small things. Kids learn to appreciate the simple joys in life, like the vibrant colors of a flower or the peacefulness of a garden, encouraging them to find happiness in everyday moments.
Believing in Yourself: Stanley's confidence in his magical green thumb inspires children to believe in their own abilities. His determination to use his gift, even when others doubt him, shows kids that self-belief can help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Embracing Differences: The friendship between Stanley and the children, Gus and Rosie, demonstrates the value of embracing differences. Kids see how diverse friendships can lead to exciting adventures and mutual understanding, teaching them to appreciate and celebrate what makes each person unique.
Spreading Kindness: Stanley's kind-hearted nature and willingness to help others teach children the power of kindness. His actions show that small acts of kindness can have a big impact, encouraging kids to be compassionate and considerate in their interactions with others.
Other Lessons Learned: Finding Courage | Protecting the Environment | Valuing Imagination
Why Kids Love A Troll in Central Park
A Troll in Central Park is a whimsical journey where kids are transported to a magical world filled with vibrant colors and enchanting landscapes. The charming troll Stanley, with his magical green thumb, brings a sense of wonder as he transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Kids will be captivated by the hidden kingdoms and talking animals that add a touch of magic to every scene. The catchy songs and silly jokes keep the atmosphere light and fun, while the cartoon-style chaos and mishaps provide plenty of laughs.
As Stanley teams up with Gus and Rosie, children will enjoy the excitement of making new friends and the thrill of unexpected friendships. The movie is a delightful mix of adventure and humor, with teamwork and family bonds at its heart. With its enchanting visuals and playful spirit, A Troll in Central Park is a delightful escape that keeps kids entertained and engaged throughout.