The Scarecrow (2000)

Release Date:

2000

Movie Rating:

G

Runtime:

1h 21m

The Scarecrow (2000) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

In The Scarecrow, a young scarecrow named Jack is brought to life by a magical spell. He embarks on an adventure to save his farm from a wicked witch who wants to take over the land. Along the way, Jack meets a variety of characters, including a wise old owl and a brave little mouse, who help him on his quest. As Jack navigates through challenges and obstacles, he must use his newfound abilities to outsmart the witch and protect his home. The story unfolds with Jack's determination and the support of his friends, leading to an exciting journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

IMDb
6.3
Rotten Tomatoes
Metacritic

Where To Watch: The Scarecrow

Parental Feedback

The Scarecrow, released in 2000, is an animated adventure film for kids that combines elements of fantasy and family-friendly storytelling. The movie is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its charming animation and positive messages, though some note that it may not be as engaging for older children. Overall, it is seen as a delightful and safe choice for younger audiences, with a heartwarming tone that resonates well with family values.

Why Kids Should Watch The Scarecrow

The Scarecrow is praised for its uplifting themes and engaging storytelling.

  • Promotes the value of friendship and teamwork.
  • Features a memorable scene where the scarecrow helps save the day, showcasing bravery.
  • Colorful animation and whimsical characters capture kids' imaginations.
  • Encourages creativity and problem-solving through its plot.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Scarecrow

Some parents express concerns about certain elements that might be confusing for very young children.

  • Contains moments of mild peril that could be intense for sensitive viewers.
  • Some scenes may be a bit too complex for younger kids to fully grasp.
  • The pacing might be slow for children accustomed to fast-paced action.

Verdict: Parent Approved

Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive messages, engaging characters, and delightful animation.

What Parents Should Know About The Scarecrow

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? The scarecrow demonstrates kindness and courage, encouraging children to help others.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? There are scenes of mild danger that might require parental reassurance.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? Characters who act selfishly face challenges, teaching the importance of cooperation.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? The storyline emphasizes teamwork and the importance of working together to solve problems.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is about the power of friendship and helping others, delivered through the scarecrow's actions.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

The Scarecrow is celebrated for its positive messages and charming animation, making it a great choice for family viewing. While some parents note that the plot may be a bit slow for older kids, the film's strengths lie in its heartwarming story and engaging characters. Parental involvement can enhance the experience by discussing the film's themes and encouraging children to reflect on the lessons learned. For those seeking similar content, movies like "The Secret of NIMH" or "Charlotte's Web" might also be enjoyable options.

Official The Scarecrow Trailer

The Core Values Learned From The Scarecrow

The Scarecrow's most common core values include Friendship, Responsibility, and Caring for others. Kids can see how these values play out as Jack, the young scarecrow, teams up with his new friends to save the farm. Friendship blooms between Jack, the wise owl, and the brave mouse as they support each other throughout the Adventure. Alongside friendship, responsibility is a huge part of Jack's journey. He understands that he has an important role in protecting his home, and he embraces it. Caring for others is also highlighted as Jack shows Kindness to the creatures he meets, always trying to do what's best for everyone involved.

The value of friendship is clearly shown when Jack relies on the wise owl and the brave mouse during tough times. For instance, there's a moment when Jack feels uncertain about how to defeat the wicked witch. It's the mouse's bravery and the owl's wisdom that offer the support and guidance Jack needs to keep going. Responsibility shines through when Jack steps up to make tough decisions for the good of the farm. The scarecrow learns that real leadership is about considering the needs of everyone involved and doing his best to meet them. At one point, Jack helps a family of birds find shelter, showcasing his care for others, thinking beyond his own troubles.

Other Core Values Explored: Environmental awareness | Helping the planet | Protecting nature

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Scarecrow

Accepting Fear: In his journey, Jack encounters numerous daunting challenges, teaching kids that it's okay to feel afraid. Facing these fears head-on, as Jack does when confronting the witch, empowers children to handle their anxieties in real life.

Being True to Yourself: Jack learns the importance of authenticity by embracing his scarecrow identity. Even when tempted to be someone he's not, he finds strength in his true self, encouraging kids to accept and appreciate who they are.

Embracing Differences: Jack's diverse group of allies, from a wise old owl to a brave little mouse, showcases the value of diversity. Each character's unique skills contribute to the mission's success, illustrating the power of embracing differences.

Valuing Imagination: Jack's adventure is full of creative solutions, highlighting the importance of imagination. Whether it's devising a clever plan to outwit the witch or coming up with novel ways to protect the farm, Jack's imaginative spirit demonstrates the limitless possibilities of thinking outside the box.

Protecting the Environment: Jack's mission underscores the significance of looking after the land. Through his efforts to save the farm from the witch, children learn the impact of caring for nature and the environment.

Other Lessons Learned: Caring for Others | Responsibility

Why Kids Love The Scarecrow

The Scarecrow whisks kids into a magical land where Jack, a young scarecrow, experiences the wonder of being alive for the first time. His journey is filled with enchanting moments as he discovers his new surroundings, lead by the remnants of a spell. The wicked witch sets the stakes high with her sneaky plans to take over the farm, turning every day into a new challenge for Jack. Along the way, the wise old owl shares clever tips, and the brave mouse brings a spark of courage, making the adventure full of wild, unexpected moments. Every twist - from dodging baffling spells to roaming through mysterious landscapes - keeps kids glued to the screen, eager to see what Jack encounters next.

Magical allies and fascinating creatures sprinkle every scene with excitement, sparking imagination beyond ordinary farm life. Jack doesn't just face challenges; he uses surprising tricks and clever strategies to outwit the witch, adding a playful layer of suspense kids can't resist. The movie's inventive use of magic transforms everyday tools into fantastical gadgets, like unexpected flying devices or animated objects, which mesmerize young viewers. As Jack's quest unfolds with a whimsical charm, kids are thrilled by unpredictable chases and mysterious discoveries that await around each corner. The Scarecrow blends enchantment with action, capturing the hearts of children eager for captivating stories and magical escapades.