2010, Studio Canal
Animated
Rating: PG
Approx. 88 mins.
THE STORY:
From the day Sammy the sea turtle (Yuri Lowenthal/ Stacy
Keach) is born he begins a struggle to survive and to find his perfect mate. Not
only does he have to undergo natural predation from birds, sharks and fish; but
he has to navigate such unnatural dangers as commercial fishing nets, an oil
spill and whale hunters.
Despite the many threats he faces, Sammy is aided on his
life journey by Ray (Anthony Anderson), an easy going sea turtle, and some nature-loving
humans (Melanie Griffith, etc.). Also, he meets Shelly (Gemma Arterton), his dream
turtle who, luckily, requites his affection. The two have a strained courtship
due to environmental factors beyond their control, but end up living happily
ever after.
QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:
- none
VIOLENCE:
- perceived danger (shark attack, injury from ship) but no actual violence
TEACHING POINTS:
- Need to protect waters/ environment from over-fishing, pollution, illegal hunting
- Love conquers all
- What is meant to be will be (but you have to strive to make it be)
THE UPSHOT:
In its favour, the movie spans the 50-year life cycle of
a sea turtle, but fortunately ends before following that span through to its in
inevitable end. It is rated PG for “mild peril,” but could easily be G-rated. I like the educational potential in the strong
environmental messaging, but it is a bit blatant and preachy, especially if
that’s not your cup of tea—Greenpeace figure prominently as saviours of the sea,
for example.
Unfortunately, I even hesitate to recommend the film as a
teaching resource, since there isn’t enough detail or accurate information
about the life cycle of the sea turtle to make it truly instructive. Ultimately, I would have to say this is B-movie children’s animation. It’s OK, but just OK.
3/5
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