Rated PG for some action/peril and rude humor.
Starring Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson and Amy Poehler
Directed by Jimmy Hayward (Jonah Hex and Horton Hears a Who!)
Finally a fun, family movie to watch on Thanksgiving.
In this irreverent, hilarious, adventurous buddy comedy for audiences of all ages, directed by Jimmy Hayward, two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks must put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to change the course of history – and get turkey off the holiday menu for good.
As a father of three children, I have suffered through my share of below average animated family films. So when a Toy Story, Shrek or Despicable Me comes along, I probably get a little too excited.
I love when a film entertains my kids, makes me laugh and most importantly, is clean. Free Birds, fits the bill…pun intended.
I loved the plot. Two turkeys going back in time to change the menu of the first Thanksgiving may not be historically accurate, but it is very funny. There’s even a little romance thrown in for good measure as Reggie falls for the chief’s daughter, Jenny (Amy Poehler).
I also liked the obvious teachable moments in the film. Everything from sacrifice to not judging a book by its cover is cleverly communicated to the young audience.
Visually there’s nothing special to see, so please don’t waste your money on the 3-D version.
Honestly, no one is really worried about the finer points of the storyline or character development – I mean it’s not a Pixar film. But there are enough good laughs, the cast is incredibly likable and kept my kids’ attention the entire time. For that I’ll give it a “Rental.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yes, this movie was fun (and funny) for the whole family.
CONVERSATION STARTER
- With this Thanksgiving themed movie, take some time to list the things you are thankful for.
- Read Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
What are some ways you can “give thanks” more often than once a year? - Read Philippians 4:6
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
How can being thankful actually help our prayer life?
Jonathan McKee
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for youth workers on TheSource4YM.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.