Finn on the Fly (2009)

Release Date:

2009

Movie Rating:

PG

Runtime:

1h 41m

Finn on the Fly (2009) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

Finn on the Fly follows the story of a young boy named Ben and his dog, Finn. Ben is a bit of an outsider at school, struggling to fit in. His life takes a wild turn when Finn, his loyal dog, accidentally gets caught in a science experiment gone wrong. The experiment transforms Finn into a human, and the two must navigate this unexpected change. As Finn adjusts to life as a human, he and Ben face a series of comedic and adventurous challenges. They must work together to keep Finn's true identity a secret while trying to reverse the experiment. Along the way, they encounter quirky characters and unexpected situations, all while strengthening their unique bond.

IMDb
4.1
Rotten Tomatoes
Metacritic

Where To Watch: Finn on the Fly

Parental Feedback

Finn on the Fly, released in 2008, is a family-friendly comedy that blends elements of adventure and fantasy. As a movie rated PG, it is designed for kids and offers a lighthearted and entertaining experience. The general tone is upbeat and humorous, with most parents appreciating its fun storyline and positive messages, though some note a few minor concerns.

Why Kids Should Watch Finn on the Fly

Finn on the Fly is praised for its engaging and heartwarming story.

  • Promotes themes of friendship and loyalty.
  • Features a strong character arc where Finn, the dog, learns valuable lessons.
  • Offers visually appealing scenes with comedic elements that kids enjoy.
  • Encourages problem-solving and teamwork among characters.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Finn on the Fly

Some parents express concerns about certain elements that may not be suitable for all children.

  • Contains moments of mild peril that could be intense for sensitive viewers.
  • Includes a scene where characters engage in risky behavior without immediate consequences.
  • Some humor may be confusing or go over the heads of younger children.

Verdict: Mixed Messages

Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about mild peril and risky behavior.

What Parents Should Know About Finn on the Fly

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? Yes, characters demonstrate the importance of friendship and helping others.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? There are scenes of mild peril that might require parental guidance.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? Yes, characters learn from their mistakes and make amends.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? Yes, teamwork is a key theme, and characters often work together to solve problems.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The movie emphasizes the value of loyalty and the importance of being true to oneself.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

Finn on the Fly is generally well-received for its positive messages and entertaining storyline. While some parents note concerns about mild peril and risky behavior, these are often balanced by the film's overall charm and humor. Parental involvement can help address any confusing elements, making it a fun family viewing experience. For those seeking similar content, movies like "Air Bud" or "Beethoven" might also be enjoyable alternatives.

Official Finn on the Fly Trailer

The Core Values Learned From Finn on the Fly

Finn on the Fly's most common core values include Friendship, Courage, and Teamwork. This movie tells kids about the strength of friendship through Ben and Finn's connection. As Finn changes from a dog to a human, their friendship shows how true friends stick together, no matter what. Courage is displayed when Ben and Finn face tough situations and try new things to figure out how to reverse the experiment. Through teamwork, they solve problems and make quick decisions, showing children that working together makes challenges easier to overcome.

In one moment, Ben and Finn have to play in a street hockey game. Even though Finn is new to being human, he uses his dog-like instincts to help the team. This scene shows friendship as Ben encourages Finn and courage because Finn tries something totally different. It also highlights teamwork, as Ben and other team members work together to win. As they play, kids see how supporting each other can lead to good experiences, especially in tricky situations.

Other Core Values Explored: Being yourself | Self-discovery | Problem-solving | Adaptability | Loyalty | Taking care of pets

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Finn on the Fly

Building Friendships: The bond between Ben and Finn demonstrates the importance of building lasting friendships. As they navigate various challenges, the strength of their friendship helps them overcome obstacles and stay united.

Embracing Differences: Finn's transformation into a human highlights the value of embracing differences. Ben and Finn show us that accepting each other's uniqueness can lead to new adventures and a deeper connection.

Finding Courage: Throughout their journey, both Ben and Finn exhibit courage as they face new experiences and try to reverse the experiment. This teaches kids the importance of being brave in the face of uncertainty.

Practicing Empathy: As Finn adapts to life as a human, Ben learns to see the world from Finn's perspective. This fosters empathy, showing how understanding someone else's viewpoint can strengthen your relationship with them.

Working as a Team: From street hockey games to tackling everyday challenges, Ben and Finn demonstrate the power of teamwork. The duo's collaborative efforts highlight how working together can lead to success.

Other Lessons Learned: Learning from Mistakes | Supporting Your Friends | Valuing Imagination

Why Kids Love Finn on the Fly

Finn on the Fly is a hilarious and action-packed journey where children dive into a world where anything can happen. When Ben's dog, Finn, suddenly finds himself in the body of a human, things get wildly entertaining. Picture a dog trying to act like a teenager! Kids get a kick out of Finn's quirky attempts at being human — from playing street hockey with a brand-new perspective to doing silly tricks that only a dog-turned-human could pull off. The movie is full of mishaps, misunderstandings, and laugh-out-loud moments as Ben and Finn tackle these challenges together, keeping their secret from curious onlookers while trying to set things right.

The unpredictability of pet friendships and teamwork shines through as Finn and Ben navigate their adventurous escapade. The duo's inventive tricks and quick thinking captivate children, who enjoy watching them attempt to fix the zany results of a wild experiment gone wrong. The colorful characters they meet bring unexpected friendships and comic relief, sparking excitement with their wacky antics. From dashing through chaotic scenes to bending the rules in creative ways, kids love how the film keeps them guessing what's around the next corner. With heaps of humor, goofy surprises, and endless adventure, Finn on the Fly is an animated romp that promises to keep them giggling and entertained.