Valiant (2005)
Synopsis:
Valiant is a determined woodland pigeon who dreams of becoming a great hero. When he learns that the Royal Homing Pigeon Service is recruiting for wartime duty, he eagerly sets off for London to enlist. Along his journey, he encounters Bugsy, a smelly but good-natured pigeon fleeing trouble after cheating clients in a pebble game. The unlikely pair team up, with Bugsy helping Valiant join the service. Together they embark on a wartime adventure as part of the pigeon corps, facing challenges that will test whether this featherweight recruit has what it takes to become the hero he's always wanted to be. This animated family comedy follows their journey through training and service during wartime.
Where To Watch: Valiant
Parental Feedback
Valiant delivers a fast-paced wartime adventure wrapped in family-friendly animation, blending lighthearted humor with moments of peril as woodland pigeons enlist in the Royal Homing Pigeon Service during World War II. Parents should expect a brisk runtime of 76 minutes filled with slapstick comedy, chase sequences, and mild tension as the characters face enemy threats, though the overall tone remains accessible and optimistic. The film balances its war setting with gentle storytelling, making it suitable for families seeking an introduction to historical themes without heavy emotional weight.
Why Kids Should Watch Valiant
This animated adventure offers several positive elements that can engage and inspire young viewers.
The story centers on themes of courage and determination as Valiant, a small woodland pigeon, pursues his dream of becoming a hero despite his size and inexperience. His journey demonstrates that bravery comes in all forms and that perseverance can help overcome self-doubt.
The film features a talented voice cast including Ewan McGregor, Ricky Gervais, Tim Curry, and John Cleese, bringing personality and energy to the characters. Their performances add humor and charm that can keep children entertained throughout the relatively short runtime.
Teamwork plays a central role as Valiant and his fellow recruits, including the friendly Bugsy, learn to work together during their training and missions. The narrative reinforces the importance of collaboration and supporting one another to achieve common goals.
The animation presents a colorful, accessible depiction of a historical period, introducing younger audiences to the concept of World War II in a way that emphasizes heroism and service without graphic violence. This can spark curiosity about history in an age-appropriate context.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Valiant
Despite its family-friendly approach, there are some elements parents may want to consider before viewing.
The war setting includes scenes of danger and threat, particularly involving the villain Von Talon and enemy forces pursuing the pigeon heroes. While not graphic, these sequences may create tension or mild anxiety for very sensitive or younger children.
Some of the humor relies on slapstick and mildly crude jokes that may not appeal to all families, and certain character behaviors—such as Bugsy's history of cheating clients in games—could require parental context about honesty and consequences.
The film's critical reception has been mixed, with a 32% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 45 Metacritic score suggesting that the storytelling and execution may not fully satisfy audiences seeking more polished or emotionally resonant animated features. Parents may find the pacing uneven or the character development limited compared to other family films.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Valiant earns approval as a lighthearted, brief animated adventure that introduces themes of courage and teamwork in a war setting without overwhelming younger viewers, though parents should be prepared for mild peril and mixed critical reception.
What Parents Should Know About Valiant
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the film models courage, determination, and teamwork as Valiant and his companions work together to serve their country and overcome challenges despite their limitations. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The movie includes moments of peril and chase sequences involving enemy threats that may create mild tension, though these are presented in a family-friendly animated style without graphic content. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the villain Von Talon represents the antagonist force that ultimately faces defeat, while Bugsy's earlier dishonest behavior is contextualized through his redemption and friendship with Valiant. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, teamwork is central to the story as the pigeon recruits must collaborate during training and missions, learning to support one another and work toward shared objectives. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the film conveys that heroism and bravery are not determined by size or initial ability, but by determination, heart, and willingness to serve a greater cause. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally view Valiant as an acceptable choice for family viewing, appreciating its short runtime and accessible introduction to wartime themes through an animated lens. Many note that while the film may not reach the storytelling heights of major studio releases, it provides enough humor and action to keep younger children engaged without exposing them to inappropriate content. Some parents value the historical context and positive messages about courage and teamwork, while others mention that the humor can be hit-or-miss and the animation quality may feel dated compared to contemporary standards. Overall, families seeking a brief, lighthearted adventure with mild educational value tend to find it a serviceable option for elementary-aged children, though it may not become a repeated favorite.
Official Valiant Trailer
Why Kids Love Valiant
Valiant and his smelly but friendly sidekick Bugsy make a hilarious team as they race to London to join the Royal Homing Pigeon Service. Bugsy's on the run from angry clients he cheated in a pebble game, which adds silly chaos right from the start. Kids love watching these mismatched bird buddies stumble into one adventure after another.
The movie delivers fast-paced action as woodland pigeons transform into featherweight war heroes on secret missions. Valiant dreams of becoming a great hero, and the Royal Homing Pigeon Service gives him the chance to prove himself alongside a loyal team of recruits. The squadron faces off against the menacing Von Talon, creating epic battles that keep the excitement soaring.
Funny characters like the tough Sergeant and the brave Gutsy add nonstop jokes and unexpected friendships to the mix. Mercury and Felix round out the crew, while Lofty brings his own quirks to the team. Every pigeon has a distinct personality that makes teamwork wins feel earned and exciting.
Kids enjoy watching Valiant go from a small woodland dreamer to a real hero saving the day. The combination of animal friends, silly sidekicks, and non-stop action makes this featherweight adventure a fun ride from takeoff to landing.