Warning: Contains Spoilers.If you are looking to teach your children about vegetarianism, animal rights, atheism, feminism, not blindingly following someone whether it be the "Great Turkey" or the government while also being entertained by satire or a critique on bro culture- then this movie is for you.I've seen a lot of children's movies and have come to realize that the scriptwriters, directors, and producers good ones at least know that they are really making movies that should also entertain adults- since they are the ones paying for their children to watch them. That <more> being said, there some major differences for movies that are more intellectual than cartoons purely for children. Movies made for children yet have enough adult humor and a complex enough story-line for adults is hard to find.Ergo, anyone who doesn't understand the complexities of the movie 'Free Birds' might be lacking a little bit in the department upstairs.Free Birds is a movie I would show my children- it is a extremely good moral film and ethics take center stage.Reggie, the intelligent turkey ostracized by his witless peers for trying to warn them that they will get eaten and won't go to "Turkey Paradise" when they reach the little shack on their farm, or that the corn fire in the sky told to the masses by the turkey on the rock HINT: this turkey symbolizes a preacher and religion is actually a sun, is a great role model for young children who are gifted and find it hard to fit in with their peer groups. He is the true hero in the movie, even though as he says to Jenny, his female turkey love interest, that he doesn't have any muscles. He is the epitome of the quote "Those who are best suited to power, are those who do not seek it."Jake, who is Reggie's comrade in the film, is a more brawn than brains type of character that while with good intentions at heart, blindly follows "The Great Turkey" in realizing his destiny in saving turkeys from being eaten at Thanksgiving. The "Great Turkey" appears to Jake after he escapes from a terrible factory for mass producing poultry, and the "Great Turkey" appears before him in halo of white light giving him his mission, a magical doorknob and also to "Never ever give up."Jake also blindly follows authority The Great Turkey , and asks the turkeys to blindly follow him into war as well- they respond by asking important questions. Both are great characters and the differences among them are worth noting when it comes to their mistakes in the film: Jake makes the mistake of wanting glory and mistakenly leads the hunters directly to the turkey 'village' in the tree by a trail of powder from the horn he brings back to prove his feat. Reggie, on the other hand, is intelligent but gives up too quickly when he could have stayed. Both are real life mistakes that people make, and are a great teaching moment for children.Another teaching moment for children is that when Reggie undoes the traps set by the hunters, he does it by luck. A good moral lesson because only an idealist thinks anyone can do anything by only pure hard work- many successful people also had a little bit of luck.I especially liked how at the moment a new chief is decided, it is the female turkey, Jenny, who is chosen- and not her brawny brother, who was expected to become chief. Once again, another teaching moment for children about sexism and feminism and that women can be leaders, great leaders, as well. Jenny also does not get distracted by Reggie when he flirts with her, even though eventually she and him are a happy couple.When Reggie finds out that it was actually him that was "The Great Turkey" due to time travel, it was a great moment for teaching children about atheism- for those who do not believe in a God or God s . Theists or Agnostics can still use this opportunity to teach children about different ways of viewing the world, so that their child can make informed decisions.There is much to be loved about the simple humor in the film; I found the characters that were people The stoner pizza delivery boy, the general who 'has issues' and the President's daughter were spot on in terms of reality were well versed in adult satire. The television blaring, the pizza replacing the turkey any one who is a foodie must know how gross American fast-food pizza can be, and wonder how it can be so ubiquitous in American culture ... I could continue but I'd spoil all the fun for those who haven't watched it. It is also a great teaching tool for those who want to make their children aware of animal ethics, treatment and consumption of animals and animal products- vegetarians should delight at this movie. I rarely give movies 10/10. But there are so many moral lessons in this movie that are not easily apparent to the average American viewer IQ's in the U.S.A. averages at about 98, chew on that while munching your pizza and guzzling your soft drink or their children. But for those with IQ's a little higher, this movie is great film for both adults and children.It is a great Thanksgiving film, and hopefully, instead of meat, pizza or tofu could be served on the Thanksgiving menu.For those with IQs on the more average side, I am sure the visual effects will satisfy, although it is not a Micheal Bay film. Perhaps the turkeys catapulting flaming pumpkins or the squirrels applauding will be enough. <less> |