The Willoughbys (2020)
Synopsis:
The Willoughbys follows the adventures of four siblings—Tim, Jane, and the Barnaby twins—who feel neglected by their self-absorbed parents. Convinced they'd be better off raising themselves, the kids hatch a plan to send their parents on a dangerous vacation. With their parents out of the picture, the siblings embark on their own journey to find a new family. Along the way, they encounter a colorful nanny, a candy mogul, and a series of unexpected challenges. As they navigate these adventures, the Willoughby children rely on their creativity and teamwork to overcome obstacles and discover what it truly means to be a family.
Where To Watch: The Willoughbys
Parental Feedback
The Willoughbys, released in 2020, is an animated comedy-adventure film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie is known for its quirky and whimsical tone, with a unique animation style that captures the imagination of young audiences. Parental reviews are generally positive, appreciating the film's humor and creativity, though some note that its darker themes might require parental guidance for younger viewers.
Why Kids Should Watch The Willoughbys
The Willoughbys offers a delightful mix of humor and heart, making it a fun watch for kids.
- Promotes the importance of family and togetherness.
- Features a strong character arc with the children learning to rely on each other.
- The vibrant animation and imaginative world captivate young viewers.
- Encourages creativity and thinking outside the box.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Willoughbys
Some parents express concerns about the film's darker themes and moments.
- Explores themes of neglect and abandonment that may be unsettling.
- Includes scenes where the children are left to fend for themselves, which might be distressing.
- Some visual elements may be intense for sensitive viewers.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its darker themes and moments of neglect.
What Parents Should Know About The Willoughbys
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The children learn to work together and support each other, showcasing teamwork and resilience. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The theme of parental neglect and the children's quest for a better family life may require discussion. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The parents' neglectful behavior is shown to have negative consequences, highlighting the importance of family. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The siblings demonstrate teamwork and problem-solving as they navigate their challenges. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The film emphasizes the value of family and the idea that love and support can come from unexpected places. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Willoughbys is praised for its creative storytelling and unique animation style, which many parents find engaging for children. However, the film's exploration of darker themes like neglect may require parental guidance to ensure younger viewers understand the context. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the film's messages about family and resilience. For those seeking alternatives, movies like "Despicable Me" or "The Incredibles" offer similar humor and heart with a lighter tone.
Official The Willoughbys Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Willoughbys
The Willoughbys's most common core values include Family love, Creativity, and Teamwork. Throughout the movie, the importance of family Love is highlighted as the siblings learn to appreciate each other and the unique bond they share, even when faced with challenging circumstances. Creativity is showcased as the children devise imaginative plans to navigate their world, demonstrating how thinking outside the box can lead to unexpected solutions.
Teamwork is a crucial element as the siblings work together to overcome obstacles, showing kids the power of collaboration and unity. For example, when faced with a daunting task, the siblings pool their talents and ideas, proving that working together can achieve more than going it alone.
Other Core Values Explored: Appreciating family | Being a good sibling | Being brave | Determination | Forgiveness | Friendship | Independence | Love | Perseverance | Problem-solving | Resilience | Self-discovery | Trust
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Willoughbys
Defining Your Own Family: The Willoughbys teaches kids that family isn't just about who you're related to by blood. The siblings learn that love and support can come from unexpected places, like their quirky nanny and the candy mogul. This lesson shows children that family can be defined by the bonds you create with those who care for you.
Embracing Differences: Throughout their journey, the Willoughby children encounter a variety of unique characters. These interactions help them understand the importance of accepting and appreciating differences in others. Kids learn that diversity can bring new perspectives and enrich their lives.
Finding Courage: The siblings face numerous challenges that require them to be brave and resourceful. Whether it's standing up to their neglectful parents or navigating new environments, the children demonstrate courage. This encourages kids to find their own inner strength when facing difficult situations.
Practicing Empathy: As the story unfolds, the Willoughby children begin to understand the feelings and struggles of those around them. By putting themselves in others' shoes, they learn to be more compassionate and considerate. This teaches children the value of empathy in building strong relationships.
Valuing Imagination: The siblings' creativity plays a crucial role in their adventures. Their imaginative plans and ideas help them overcome obstacles and find joy in their journey. Kids are reminded of the power of imagination in solving problems and making life more exciting.
Other Lessons Learned: Letting Go of the Past | Making a Difference | Supporting Your Friends
Why Kids Love The Willoughbys
The Willoughbys is a whimsical adventure that sweeps kids into a world of quirky characters and colorful escapades. The mischievous siblings, with their clever antics and daring plans, keep the excitement alive as they navigate a series of hilarious mishaps. Kids will be captivated by the silly sidekicks and the cartoon-style chaos that unfolds, bringing laughter and joy. The bright, colorful worlds they explore are filled with secret missions and unexpected surprises, sparking imagination and wonder.
As the siblings encounter awkward situations and slapstick comedy, their journey becomes a rollercoaster of fun and friendship. The movie's vibrant animation and playful humor make it a delightful experience, where kids can enjoy the thrill of pranks and the charm of making new friends. With its mix of adventure, humor, and heartwarming moments, The Willoughbys is a captivating tale that keeps kids entertained and eager for more.