The Ant Bully (2006)

Release Date:

2006

Movie Rating:

PG

Runtime:

1h 28m

The Ant Bully (2006) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

In The Ant Bully, a young boy named Lucas is having a tough time with bullies in his neighborhood. Frustrated, he takes out his anger on an ant colony in his yard. The ants, however, have a plan to teach Lucas a lesson. They use a magical potion to shrink him down to their size, bringing him into their world. As Lucas navigates life as an ant, he meets various characters, including the wise ant wizard Zoc and the kind-hearted nurse ant Hova. Together, they embark on an adventure that takes Lucas through the bustling ant colony and beyond. As Lucas experiences the challenges and teamwork of ant life, he must find a way to return to his normal size while dealing with the dangers that threaten the colony.

IMDb
5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
61%
Metacritic
59/100

Where To Watch: The Ant Bully

Parental Feedback

The Ant Bully, released in 2006, is an animated adventure-comedy film aimed at kids. The movie is generally well-received by parents for its engaging storyline and positive messages, though some express concerns about certain intense scenes. Overall, it is seen as a fun and educational film that encourages empathy and understanding.

Why Kids Should Watch The Ant Bully

The Ant Bully is praised for its strong messages and engaging visuals.

  • Promotes empathy and understanding towards others
  • Features a character who learns the importance of friendship and teamwork
  • Colorful animation and exciting sequences capture kids' attention
  • Encourages problem-solving and critical thinking

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Ant Bully

Some parents have concerns about the intensity of certain scenes.

  • Scenes of bullying may be emotionally challenging for sensitive viewers
  • Some intense sequences might be frightening for younger children
  • Complex themes of power and control could be confusing

Verdict: Parent Approved

Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers valuable lessons in empathy, teamwork, and understanding.

What Parents Should Know About The Ant Bully

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? The main character learns to appreciate and respect others, modeling positive change.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? The bullying scenes and the protagonist's initial loneliness may require parental guidance.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? The protagonist faces consequences for his actions, leading to personal growth.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? The film emphasizes teamwork and cooperation among the ant colony.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is about understanding and valuing others, delivered through the protagonist's journey.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

The Ant Bully is celebrated for its engaging story and positive messages about empathy and teamwork. While some scenes may be intense for younger viewers, parental guidance can help navigate these moments. The film is a good choice for families looking for an entertaining and educational experience. For those seeking similar themes, movies like A Bug's Life or Finding Nemo might also be enjoyable alternatives.

Official The Ant Bully Trailer

The Core Values Learned From The Ant Bully

The Ant Bully's most common core values include Empathy, Teamwork, and Self-discovery. Throughout the movie, kids learn about empathy as Lucas begins to understand the ants' perspective, realizing the impact of his actions on their world. This newfound Understanding helps him grow more Compassionate towards others. Teamwork is highlighted as Lucas collaborates with the ants to overcome various challenges, teaching children the importance of working together to achieve common goals.

Self-discovery is another key value, as Lucas embarks on a journey that helps him learn more about himself and his capabilities, encouraging kids to explore their own strengths and weaknesses. These core values are woven into the storyline, providing children with valuable lessons on understanding others, the power of collaboration, and personal growth.

Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Apologizing | Appreciating what you have | Being a good friend | Being brave | Building confidence. | Caring for others | Compassion | Conflict resolution | Courage | Dealing with fear | Determination | Doing the right thing | Environmental awareness | Forgiveness | Friendship | Growth mindset | Helping others | Kindness | Leadership | Learning from failure | Making good choices | Perseverance | Problem-solving | Protecting nature | Respect | Responsibility. | Standing up for what's right | Trust | Valuing diversity

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Ant Bully

Embracing Differences: In the ant world, Lucas learns to appreciate the unique qualities of each ant, realizing that their differences make them stronger as a community. This lesson teaches kids the importance of valuing diversity and understanding that everyone has something special to offer.

Building Friendships: As Lucas spends time with the ants, he forms a bond with Hova, who shows him kindness and understanding. This friendship helps Lucas see the value of forming connections with others, even those who are different from him, highlighting the importance of building meaningful relationships.

Facing Fears Head-On: Throughout his journey, Lucas confronts various challenges and dangers in the ant colony. By facing these fears, he gains confidence and courage, teaching children that overcoming fears can lead to personal growth and resilience.

Learning from Mistakes: Lucas initially makes a mistake by harming the ant colony, but he learns from this error and works to make amends. This experience shows kids that it's okay to make mistakes as long as they learn from them and strive to do better in the future.

Practicing Empathy: By experiencing life from the ants' perspective, Lucas develops empathy for their struggles and feelings. This lesson encourages children to put themselves in others' shoes and understand their emotions, fostering compassion and kindness.

Other Lessons Learned: Protecting the Environment | Working as a Team

Why Kids Love The Ant Bully

In "The Ant Bully," kids are transported into a tiny world buzzing with adventure and excitement. The movie is filled with funny characters like the wisecracking ants and brave heroes who embark on epic quests to save their colony. Lucas, the main character, experiences cool transformations as he shrinks to the size of an ant, opening up a hidden kingdom full of talking animals and bright, colorful worlds. Kids will love the thrilling scenes where Lucas and his new ant friends solve mysteries and explore nature, facing challenges that require smart problem-solving and teamwork.

The movie is a whirlwind of action and humor, with Lucas proving himself and learning to lead in unexpected ways. As he navigates this miniature universe, kids are captivated by the imaginative settings and the exciting journey of being the hero. With its mix of adventure, humor, and magical elements, "The Ant Bully" is a fun-filled ride that keeps kids entertained and eager to see what happens next.