Abominable review with discussion questions
Know Before You Go:
Movie: Abominable
Rating: PG
Age Suggestion: 4+ (minimum amount of scary images, made with younger kids in mind)
Running Time: 1 hour 40 mins
Release Date: September 27th, 2019
Stars: 3 1/2 out of 5
Themes: Friendship, Grieving, Family, Compassion, Team Work, Magic
Trigger Warnings: The movie deals heavily with grieving the loss of a parent, there are very few scary scenes in the movie
Quick Summary:
Yi is struggling to connect with people when suddenly a yeti appears on her roof. Peng and Jin help Yi smuggle the yeti out of the city and the group ends up embarking on the adventure of a lifetime trying to get home. The movie boasts strong female leads. It’s written and directed by Jill Culton (Monsters Inc.) with the main character, Yi, voiced by Chloe Bennet (Agents of SHIELD). Made with younger viewers in mind, it’s a sweet animated movie that reminds viewers of all ages that music and kindness are universal languages.
**Warning: SPOILERS beyond this point**
Movie Discussion Questions:
1) Everest’s powers let him talk to nature. If you had a magical superpower, what would it be?
2) Which of the kids did like the most? Yi, Peng, or Jin?
3) How can we all get out into nature for more adventures without our devices?
4) Yi had big dreams but wasn’t connecting with other people, Dr. Zara’s greediness made her mean, and Mr. Burnish’s ambition blinds him from remembering his adventures correctly. Can we have big dreams without hurting others?
5) The violin music was so beautiful in the movie, what is your favorite kind of music?
6) Which of Everest’s tricks did you think was the funniest?
Abominable Review:
Characters & Acting:
-Representation is such a big deal for kids. I can’t think of an animated lead that was an Asian female (outside of anime) since Mulan. I also loved that the character needed friends to succeed but was also strong and independent.
-The villain characters were really interesting. We enjoyed their plot twists.
-Although she played a very small role, I really empathized with the mom.
-They managed to make Everest magical, intimidating, but also very cuddly.
-All the voice acting was well done, all the characters seemed to fit the voices very well.
Script & Story:
The Elf’s Perspective:
-With a majority of kids movies you are going to have little plot holes and bumps and this movie was no exception. None of them were jarring enough to take me out of the main storyline while I was watching it though.
-I loved the setting. The whole story takes place in China and subtly brings you to some breathtaking landmarks. Our culture is very prone to being xenophobic right now and I think it’s important for kids to watch movies where the setting is a different country, but the kids (and their experiences/families/lives) are just like them.
-I loved how the kids really connected and all helped each other along on their own personal journeys.
-Everyone needs music, kindness, and a little magic in their lives. While they could have gone deeper with the characters and story, I loved it overall.
The Hobbit’s Perspective:
-The story overall was cute but predictable. Great movie to see and discuss with 10 and under. Not sure how well it would go over for pre-teens and especially teens. Good twist with the villain, but there was a lack of suspense and danger. I never felt like they were actually in danger.
-Younger kids usually love large furry creatures. There will be plenty of requests for stuffed yetis from them!
-Loved the use of classical music and the violin throughout the movie.
-Absolutely no objectionable elements, also no real faith elements. Outside of one mention of ancestors being the stars that watch over us.
Film Quality:
-The nature panoramic scenes were absolutely amazing!
-All of the animation was really well done.
-The soundtrack and music added to the movie and was very well pieced together.
Favorite Moments:
-There were a couple of moments that were really touching. I loved how the music and animation came together in those moments!! When Yi plays the violin with the yeti hair for the first time, when they’re under the tree and the remake of Coldplay’s “Fix You” plays and when Jin first decides that he’s going to help the group get Everest home.
-It was packed with hilarious moments too. I think my favorites were the soda cans, yipping snakes and turtles!
-Of course, can’t leave out the end. Loved all the moments of connection at the end when Everest and Yi come back to their families!
Main Take Aways:
-Music and kindness are universal languages.
-Blind ambition can be dangerous, but hard work and determination mixed with friendship and compassion is magic.
-How you treat people (and animals) matters.
What to check out next:
-You can pre-order the movie here and find a couple of books for kids to read that go along with the movie.
-You might be interested in our review of Dora, Descendants 3, Toy Story 4, Aladdin or the Missing Link. Also check out our blog about 10 questions to ask the people you live with besides “How was your day?” here.
What scene made you laugh the most in this movie?
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