The Boxtrolls (2014)
Release Date:
2014
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
1h 37m
Synopsis:
In The Boxtrolls, a young boy named Eggs is raised by a group of quirky, underground creatures known as Boxtrolls. These creatures are misunderstood by the townspeople of Cheesebridge, who believe they are dangerous. The villainous Archibald Snatcher is determined to capture the Boxtrolls to gain entry into the town's elite society. As Snatcher's plans unfold, Eggs ventures above ground to save his Boxtroll family. Along the way, he meets a spirited girl named Winnie, who helps him navigate the human world. Together, they uncover the truth about the Boxtrolls and work to stop Snatcher's scheme. The movie is filled with adventure and humor, making it a fun watch for kids and families.
The Boxtrolls, released in 2014, is an animated adventure-comedy film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie is set in a quirky, imaginative world and follows the story of a young boy raised by underground creatures known as Boxtrolls. Parents generally appreciate the film's unique animation style and its underlying messages about acceptance and family, though some are divided on its darker themes and humor.
Why Kids Should Watch The Boxtrolls
The Boxtrolls is praised for its creative storytelling and positive messages.
- Promotes themes of acceptance and understanding differences
- Features a strong character arc with the protagonist learning bravery and self-identity
- Offers visually captivating stop-motion animation that engages children
- Includes humor and quirky characters that appeal to a young audience
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Boxtrolls
Some parents express concerns about the film's darker elements and humor.
- Contains scenes that may be intense or frightening for younger children
- Features humor that might be too dark or sophisticated for some kids
- Includes visual elements that could be confusing or unsettling
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its darker themes and humor.
What Parents Should Know About The Boxtrolls
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The protagonist learns to embrace his identity and stand up for his friends, modeling courage and self-acceptance. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film includes scenes where the Boxtrolls are in danger, which might require parental guidance to explain. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The villain's selfish actions ultimately lead to his downfall, demonstrating clear consequences. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The characters work together to overcome challenges, highlighting the importance of teamwork and friendship. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about accepting others for who they are and the value of family, delivered through the protagonist's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Boxtrolls is celebrated for its imaginative animation and positive messages about acceptance and family. However, its darker humor and intense scenes may not be suitable for all children, making parental guidance beneficial. Engaging with your child during or after the movie can help address any confusing elements and reinforce its positive themes. For those seeking alternatives, films like "Coraline" or "ParaNorman" offer similar animation styles with varied tones.
Official The Boxtrolls Trailer
The Boxtrolls, released in 2014, is an animated adventure-comedy film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie is set in a quirky, imaginative world and follows the story of a young boy raised by underground creatures known as Boxtrolls. Parents generally appreciate the film's unique animation style and its underlying messages about acceptance and family, though some are divided on its darker themes and humor.
Why Kids Should Watch The Boxtrolls
The Boxtrolls is praised for its creative storytelling and positive messages.
- Promotes themes of acceptance and understanding differences
- Features a strong character arc with the protagonist learning bravery and self-identity
- Offers visually captivating stop-motion animation that engages children
- Includes humor and quirky characters that appeal to a young audience
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Boxtrolls
Some parents express concerns about the film's darker elements and humor.
- Contains scenes that may be intense or frightening for younger children
- Features humor that might be too dark or sophisticated for some kids
- Includes visual elements that could be confusing or unsettling
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its darker themes and humor.
What Parents Should Know About The Boxtrolls
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The protagonist learns to embrace his identity and stand up for his friends, modeling courage and self-acceptance. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film includes scenes where the Boxtrolls are in danger, which might require parental guidance to explain. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The villain's selfish actions ultimately lead to his downfall, demonstrating clear consequences. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The characters work together to overcome challenges, highlighting the importance of teamwork and friendship. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about accepting others for who they are and the value of family, delivered through the protagonist's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Boxtrolls is celebrated for its imaginative animation and positive messages about acceptance and family. However, its darker humor and intense scenes may not be suitable for all children, making parental guidance beneficial. Engaging with your child during or after the movie can help address any confusing elements and reinforce its positive themes. For those seeking alternatives, films like "Coraline" or "ParaNorman" offer similar animation styles with varied tones.
Official The Boxtrolls Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Boxtrolls
The Boxtrolls's most common core values include Acceptance, Bravery, and Being yourself. The movie showcases acceptance as the townspeople learn to see the Boxtrolls for who they truly are, rather than the monsters they were believed to be. This teaches kids the importance of looking beyond appearances and embracing differences. Bravery is highlighted through the character of Eggs, who steps out of his comfort zone to protect his Boxtroll family, demonstrating Courage in the face of danger.
Being yourself is a key theme as Eggs discovers his identity and learns to embrace his uniqueness, encouraging children to be true to themselves despite societal pressures. These values are woven into the story, providing children with relatable examples of how to apply them in their own lives.
Other Core Values Explored: Appreciating family | Caring for others | Celebrating differences | Creativity | Dealing with fear | Determination | Doing the right thing | Empathy | Environmental awareness | Friendship | Generosity | Helping others | Inclusion | Inclusivity | Kindness | Loyalty | Making friends | Open-mindedness | Perseverance | Problem-solving | Resilience | Respect | Standing up for others | Standing up for what's right | Teamwork | Trust | Valuing diversity
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Boxtrolls
Accepting Your Identity: Kids learn the importance of accepting who they are through Eggs' journey. Raised by Boxtrolls, Eggs initially struggles with his identity but eventually embraces his unique upbringing. This teaches children that being different is okay and that they should be proud of who they are.
Embracing Differences: The Boxtrolls themselves are a great example of embracing differences. Despite being misunderstood by the townspeople, they remain true to themselves and their way of life. This shows kids that differences should be celebrated, not feared.
Finding Courage: Eggs demonstrates courage when he decides to venture above ground to save his Boxtroll family. This act of bravery teaches children that standing up for what is right often requires courage, even when it means facing fears or stepping out of their comfort zone.
Practicing Empathy: Throughout the story, Eggs and Winnie learn to understand and empathize with each other's worlds. This encourages kids to practice empathy by seeing things from others' perspectives and understanding their feelings.
Working as a Team: Eggs and Winnie work together to uncover the truth and help the Boxtrolls. Their teamwork highlights the importance of collaboration and shows children that working together can lead to achieving common goals.
Other Lessons Learned: Embracing Your Weirdness | Making a Difference | Overcoming Failure | Standing Up for Others | Valuing Inner Beauty
Why Kids Love The Boxtrolls
The Boxtrolls is a whimsical adventure that draws kids into a world of quirky creatures and hidden wonders. The Boxtrolls themselves are funny and endearing, with their silly antics and inventive gadgets sparking laughter and curiosity. Kids will be captivated by the colorful underground world where these creatures tinker and build, creating a magical atmosphere full of surprises.
As Eggs, the brave hero, ventures above ground, the story unfolds with fast-paced action and clever problem-solving, keeping young viewers on the edge of their seats. The mischievous kids and their daring escapades add a layer of excitement, while the unexpected friendships formed along the way highlight the joy of making new friends. With its mix of slapstick comedy, epic quests, and cool transformations, The Boxtrolls offers a delightful escape into a world where imagination and adventure reign supreme.